What you need to do to renew your Georgia driver's license

Georgia allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically takes five to seven business days after approval.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at Georgia's DDS website if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
  • Online renewal costs $32 and takes about five to seven business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
  • If you need to change your address, update your photo, or your license is suspended, you must renew in person at a DDS office.
  • Mail renewal is available but slower than online; you will need to submit your current license, a completed form, and payment by check or money order.
  • In-person renewal at a DDS office requires a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You must have a valid, non-suspended Georgia driver's license, and you cannot have changed your name or address since your last renewal. You will also need a valid email address and a credit or debit card to pay the $32 renewal fee.

Visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the online renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Review your information on screen, confirm that your address and other details are correct, and complete payment. Once approved, the state will mail your new license to the address on file within five to seven business days.

If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, it means one of your documents or status flags prevents it — most commonly a name change, address change, or a hold on your license. In that case, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require a trip to a DDS office. You will need to request a renewal form from the Georgia Department of Driver Services, complete it, and mail it back with your current license and payment.

Contact the DDS by phone at 678-413-8400 to request a renewal form, or read it from the Georgia DDS website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $32 to the address provided on the form. Do not send cash. The state will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on your current license. This process typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DDS receives your materials.

Keep a copy of your completed form and proof of mailing in case questions arise. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can print a temporary license from the Georgia DDS website to carry while you wait.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

In-person renewal is required if you need to change your address, update your photo, or if your license is suspended or revoked. You will also need to renew in person if you changed your name since your last renewal or if the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access.

Bring a valid form of ID (such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), proof of your current Georgia address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You will also need to bring your current Georgia driver's license if you still have it. The renewal fee is $32 if your license is not expired, or $37 if it is expired.

Visit a DDS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Georgia DDS website. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter lines. You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew in person.

What happens if your license has expired

If your Georgia driver's license has expired, you can still renew it, but the process changes slightly. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years. If it expired within the last two years, you may still be able to renew by mail or online, depending on your specific situation.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office. The renewal fee is $37 instead of $32. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: a valid form of ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. You will receive your new license when ready.

If you are unsure whether your license is still within the renewal window, call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to check your status before you visit an office or attempt to renew online.

Changing your address during renewal

If you have moved since your last renewal, you must update your address. You cannot change your address online; you must either renew by mail or in person. If you renew by mail, write your new address clearly on the renewal form. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide during renewal. If you move again before your new license arrives, you can update your address online through the Georgia DDS website once you receive your new license, or you can visit a DDS office to update it when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date it is issued (or four years if you are 65 or older).

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. You must visit a DDS office in person. Bring a valid form of ID, proof of your address, and your Social Security number. The DDS will issue you a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your license has not expired.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within five to seven business days. If you renew in person at a DDS office, you will receive your new license when ready before you leave the office.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, the DDS will use your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo or if your current photo is more than eight years old, you must renew in person at a DDS office, where a new photo will be taken.

What if my renewal is rejected?

If your online renewal is rejected, the system will tell you why — usually because of a name change, address change, or a hold on your license. Contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out what is blocking your renewal, or visit a DDS office in person. A staff member can help you resolve the issue and complete your renewal.