How to renew your Georgia driver's license through the Department of Driver Services

Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) handles all driver's license renewals in the state. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office, depending on your license type and how much time remains before expiration. Online renewal is the fastest option when available — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Not all licenses can be renewed online. Standard Class D licenses (the most common type) are usually may be able to access if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. Commercial licenses, licenses with restrictions, and licenses that have been expired for more than two years must be renewed in person at a DDS office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DDS website works for most standard driver's licenses and takes 10 minutes, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
  • In-person renewal at a DDS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.
  • Mail renewal is available but slower — you send your current license and payment to DDS, and processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Your new license will have the same number as your current one unless you request a name change or correction.

Renewing online through the DDS website

Start at the Georgia DDS website (dds.georgia.gov) and look for the "Renew Your License" option on the homepage. Click through to the online renewal portal. You will be asked to enter your current driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. DDS will check whether your license is may be able to access for online renewal at this step — if it is not, the system will tell you and direct you to in-person or mail renewal instead.

If you are may be able to access, you will review your current license information and make any corrections to your address or name. Then you will pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card. Georgia's standard renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. After payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new physical license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Keep your confirmation number and the email receipt DDS sends you. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, you can contact DDS with this information to track it. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

Visit any DDS Customer Service Center with your current Georgia driver's license, proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo is not enough.

DDS offices do not require an appointment for license renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the DDS website before you go. When you reach the counter, tell the employee you are renewing your license. They will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. The renewal fee is the same as online: $32 for four years or $64 for eight years.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving and identification during this time.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is the slowest option but works if you cannot visit a DDS office or prefer not to renew online. Send your current Georgia driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee ($32 or $64), and a letter stating your name and date of birth to the DDS mailing address. You can find the correct mailing address on the DDS website under "Mail Renewal."

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DDS receives your materials. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so plan ahead if your current license is close to expiring. DDS recommends mailing your renewal at least six weeks before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.

Do not send cash through the mail. Only checks or money orders are accepted for mail renewal. Keep a copy of everything you send in case DDS needs to contact you about your renewal.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above — online, in person, or by mail. The process is the same, and you will pay the standard renewal fee.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it. You will need to explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit to a DDS office, a written test, and a driving test. This is a longer process than renewal. Contact DDS or visit a local office to start a new license process.

Choosing between four-year and eight-year licenses

When you renew, you will choose whether you want a four-year license ($32) or an eight-year license ($64). Most people choose based on cost and how often they want to renew. A four-year license costs less upfront but requires renewal more frequently. An eight-year license costs more but you will not need to renew again for eight years.

There is no difference in what the license allows you to do — both are standard Class D driver's licenses. The choice is purely about your preference for renewal frequency and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

No. DDS will not process a renewal if you have outstanding traffic violations, unpaid fines, or a suspended license. You must resolve these issues first. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the DDS office to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you are renewing online, you can update your name during the renewal process. If you are renewing in person or by mail, bring documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). DDS will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.

How long is my temporary license valid?

A temporary paper license issued at a DDS office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary gives you time while you wait. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact DDS with your confirmation number.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

For online renewal, no — you must do it yourself using your own information. For in-person renewal, you must be present to have your photo taken. For mail renewal, you can have someone mail the documents on your behalf, but your signature and current license must be included.

What if I move before my new license arrives?

Contact DDS with your confirmation number and new address. They can redirect your license to your new address. If your license arrives at your old address, you can forward it to yourself or contact DDS to have a replacement sent to your new address.