How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

How Georgia driver's license renewal works

Georgia renews your driver's license through the Department of Driver Services (DDS). You can renew in person at a DDS office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Georgia DDS website. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

Your Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. DDS will send you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which renewal method you can use and includes instructions specific to your situation.

Key Takeaways

Georgia sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your circumstances.
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address, name, or other key information.
Mail renewal takes longer but works if your license has not expired and you meet Georgia's requirements for that method.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license has already expired, if you need to update your photo, or if you cannot renew online or by mail.
You will need your current license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification to complete any renewal method.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest method and requires no office visit. Go to the Georgia DDS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start. The system will verify your information against DDS records.

Online renewal is available only if your license has not expired, you have not changed your address or legal name since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photo. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, the online system will tell you that you must renew by mail or in person. The fee for online renewal is the same as other methods. Once you complete the process, DDS will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license has not yet expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal: no address change, no name change, and no photo update needed. DDS will include a mail renewal form in your renewal notice. Complete the form, include your current license, and mail everything to the address shown on the form along with the renewal fee.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because of postal delivery time. You should expect your new license to arrive 2 to 3 weeks after DDS receives your materials. If your current license expires before your new one arrives, you can show DDS's receipt or your old license as proof of renewal during that gap. Keep track of when you mail your renewal so you know when to expect the new license.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

In-person renewal is required if your license has already expired, if you need to update your photo, or if you cannot use online or mail renewal. Visit any DDS Customer Service Center in Georgia. Bring your current license (or expired license if renewal is overdue), proof of your current address, and a valid form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate.

DDS offices operate by appointment in most locations. You can schedule an appointment through the Georgia DDS website or by calling the office directly. Walk-in service is available at some locations but wait times vary. Bring all required documents to avoid a second trip. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew in person, or it will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days depending on the office's processing speed.

What documents and fees you need

The renewal fee for a Georgia driver's license is $32 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee regardless of which renewal method you use. If you are renewing by mail or online, include the fee with your process. If you are renewing in person, bring a payment method the DDS office accepts, which typically includes cash, debit card, or credit card.

For any renewal method, you will need proof of your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address. If you are renewing in person, you must also bring a valid form of identification. If you are renewing by mail or online, DDS verifies your identity through its existing records, so you do not need to submit additional ID documents unless the system flags your process.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your Georgia driver's license has expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DDS Customer Service Center. Bring your expired license along with proof of your current address and a valid form of identification. The renewal fee remains $32.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, an expired license can result in a citation. If your license expired more than two years ago, DDS may require you to pass the written test and vision test again, in addition to paying the renewal fee. Check with your local DDS office about their specific requirements for licenses expired longer than two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You do not have to wait for the renewal notice to begin the renewal process. You can renew online or by mail as soon as your license is within 60 days of expiration. The renewal notice is a reminder, not a requirement to start the process.

What if I changed my address since my last renewal?

If you changed your address, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DDS office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days. Bring your current license and a valid form of identification as well.

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

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery after DDS processes your process. In-person renewal at a DDS office may issue your license on the spot or mail it within 7 to 10 business days depending on the office. Call ahead to ask whether your local office issues licenses when ready or by mail.

What if my name changed since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your legal name changed. You must renew in person and bring documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your current license, proof of your address, and a valid form of identification.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Georgia does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts may place a hold on your license. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out whether a hold exists. If there is a hold, you must resolve it before DDS will process your renewal.

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.