Georgia driver's license renewal basics
Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Most people under 65 with a current or recently expired license can renew online in about 10 minutes without visiting an office.
Your Georgia license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes about 10 minutes and works for most people under 65 with a current or recently expired license.
- You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DDS office in person.
- Address changes, name changes, and organ donor updates can be made during online renewal without visiting an office.
- The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license if you are under 65, or $16 for a four-year license if you are 65 or older.
Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website
Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card to pay the $32 fee (or $16 if you are 65 or older). The system will verify your identity using information from your existing license record.
Online renewal works only if your license is current or expired by fewer than five years, you are under 65 (or renewing a four-year license if you are 65 or older), and you do not need a new photo. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually arriving within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, it means one of these conditions applies to you: your license has been expired too long, you need a new photo, you are changing your address to a different state, or there is a flag on your record that requires an in-person visit. In those cases, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you do not need a new photo. You will receive a renewal form in the mail about 60 days before your expiration date. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the form.
Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks from the time the DDS office receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you after processing. If you do not receive your renewal notice in the mail, you can request a form by calling the Georgia DDS customer service line or visiting a local office.
Renewing in person at a DDS office
Visit your local Department of Driver Services office if your license has been expired for more than five years, you need a new photo, you are changing your name, or you want to update your address to a different state. You will need to bring your current license (or an expired license plus another form of ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. In-person renewal is processed when ready, and you will receive your new license on the spot.
Wait times at DDS offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the Georgia DDS website, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is.
What to bring and what information you will need
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Information Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Online | None (digital verification only) | License number, Social Security number, date of birth |
| By Mail | Renewal form (mailed to you) | License number, signature |
| In Person | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address (if address changed) | License number, current address, signature |
Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a document from a government agency that shows your number. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from your employer or bank that includes your Social Security number.
Fees and payment options
The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license if you are under 65. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $16 for a four-year license. These are the standard renewal fees and do not include any additional charges for address changes, name changes, or other updates — those are included in the renewal fee.
Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DDS will contact you to arrange payment before processing your renewal.
After your renewal is complete
Once you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your new license within 14 days of renewal, contact the Georgia DDS to check the status.
If your new license arrives and something is wrong — the photo is incorrect, your name is misspelled, or your address is wrong — you can request a correction by visiting a DDS office or calling customer service. Corrections are usually made at no additional charge if the error was made by the DDS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?
Yes, if your license is current or expired by fewer than five years and you do not need a new photo, you can renew online from anywhere. If you need a new photo or your license has been expired longer, you will need to visit a Georgia DDS office in person or have someone mail in a renewal form on your behalf.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for the new one?
You can legally drive on your current license until your new license arrives, even if the expiration date has passed. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid. If you are pulled over and your new license has not arrived yet, show the officer your old license and explain that you have renewed it.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
No. Georgia allows you to keep the same photo for two consecutive renewals (16 years if you are under 65). After that, you must get a new photo, which requires an in-person visit to a DDS office. You can also request a new photo at any time by visiting an office.
Can I change my address during renewal?
Yes. If you are renewing online, you can update your address as part of the process. If you are renewing by mail or in person, your new address will be recorded on your license. If you are moving to a different state, you must renew in person at a DDS office.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person with proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. The office will issue a replacement license with a new number, and you will pay the standard renewal fee.