How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Where to renew and what method works for you

Georgia lets you renew your driver's license in three ways: online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a DDS office is necessary only if you can't use the other methods or if your license has been expired for more than five years.

Before you choose a method, check whether you're may be able to access for online or mail renewal. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you've had a name change since your last license; if you need to update your address; or if your vision or medical status has changed. You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at a DDS office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest method and takes about two weeks from submission to delivery if you're may be able to access.
You can renew by mail if your license is current and you have no suspensions, name changes, or address updates needed.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, has been suspended or revoked, or if you need to change your name or address.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you've moved.
Renewal fees in Georgia are $32 for an eight-year license or $20 for a four-year license, paid at the time of renewal.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website

Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records. If everything matches, you'll proceed to pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card — $32 for an eight-year license or $20 for a four-year license. Georgia does not accept cash, checks, or money orders online.

After you pay, you'll receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you contact DDS about your renewal. Your new physical license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the state. If you've moved and haven't updated your address yet, do that before you renew online, or your license will arrive at your old address. The entire process takes about two weeks from the time you submit payment to the time your new license arrives in your mailbox.

Renewing by mail

Request a mail renewal form by calling the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 or by visiting a DDS office in person to pick one up. Fill out the form completely, including your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $32 for eight years or $20 for four years — made payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail your completed form and payment to the address provided on the form. Keep a copy of everything you send. Mail renewal typically takes four to six weeks from the time DDS receives your form to the time your new license arrives. If you don't hear back within that timeframe, call DDS to confirm they received your form. Your new license will be mailed to the address you listed on the form, so make sure it's correct before you send it in.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

Find your nearest Georgia DDS office on the state website and check their hours before you go — not all offices are open the same days or hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

At the office, tell the staff member you're renewing your license. They'll take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the renewal fee. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card — payment methods vary by office, so ask when you arrive. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.

What to do if your license expired more than five years ago

If your Georgia driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This means you'll need to visit a DDS office in person, pass a vision test, and take a written knowledge test and driving test. The process is the same as getting a license for the first time, not a straightforward renewal.

Bring the same documents you would for an in-person renewal: your current (expired) license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You'll also need to bring proof of your Georgia residency if you've moved out of state since your license expired. Call ahead to find out whether your local DDS office requires you to schedule an appointment or whether you can walk in.

Updating your address during renewal

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address before or during renewal. For online renewal, the system will ask you to confirm your current address — update it there before you pay. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and the staff member will update it for you.

Your new license will be mailed to whichever address is on file when your renewal is processed. If you update your address after you've already submitted your renewal, call the Georgia DDS to make sure the change is recorded before your license is printed and mailed. Updating your address is free and takes no extra time — it's part of the renewal process.

Timeline and what to expect after you renew

Online renewal is the fastest: two weeks from payment to delivery. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time DDS receives your form. In-person renewal takes two to three weeks from the time you visit the office. These timelines assume normal mail delivery — if you live in a rural area or if mail is slow in your region, add a few extra days.

Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it as a backup — Georgia does not require you to return it. Your new license will have a new expiration date printed on it. Write that date down or set a phone reminder so you know when to renew again. If your new license doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, call the Georgia DDS with your confirmation number (if you renewed online) or your name and license number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I'm out of state?

Yes, if you're may be able to access for online or mail renewal. Online renewal works from anywhere with internet access. Mail renewal also works from out of state — send your form and payment to the Georgia DDS address provided. If you need in-person renewal, you'll have to return to Georgia to visit a DDS office in person.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You can still renew online or by mail using your license number, even if you don't have the physical card. If you can't remember your license number, call the Georgia DDS and they can look it up using your name and date of birth. Then proceed with online or mail renewal as normal.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DDS office?

Appointment requirements vary by office. Some offices take walk-ins, others require appointments. Check the Georgia DDS website for your local office's policy, or call ahead before you go. If appointments are required and you show up without one, you may be turned away.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DDS office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff member will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Georgia allows you to renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date — your new license will expire eight years (or four years, depending on which you choose) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.