Georgia's Secretary of State handles driver's license renewals through the Department of Driver Services
The Georgia Secretary of State's office does not directly process driver's license renewals. Instead, the Department of Driver Services (DDS), which operates under the Secretary of State, manages all Georgia driver's license renewals. When you renew your license in Georgia, you are working with DDS, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person at a local DDS office.
Understanding this structure matters because it tells you where to look for information and which office to contact if something goes wrong. The Secretary of State's website directs you to DDS resources, and DDS is the agency that will process your renewal request and issue your new license.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) handles all driver's license renewals, not the Secretary of State's office directly.
- You can renew online through the DDS website if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or address changes.
- By-mail renewal is available for some drivers and requires sending your current license and a renewal form to the DDS address in Atlanta.
- In-person renewal at a local DDS office takes about 30 minutes and is required if you cannot renew online or by mail.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online renewal through the DDS website
The fastest way to renew is through the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. You can renew online if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you have no medical suspensions or certain traffic violations on your record. The online system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access.
To renew online, you will need your current Georgia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. Once you complete the online form and pay, DDS will mail your new license to the address on file. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
If the online system says you cannot renew online, it will tell you why and direct you to either mail renewal or in-person renewal. Do not ignore this message — trying to force an online renewal when you are ineligible will delay your license.
By-mail renewal for may be able to access drivers
Some Georgia drivers can renew by mail without visiting an office or going online. You are may be able to access for mail renewal if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you have no medical or traffic-related suspensions. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time DDS receives your materials — but it requires no office visit.
To renew by mail, read the DL 44 form from the DDS website or call DDS at 678-413-8400 to request one. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail both to the Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, Georgia 30013. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($32 for four years or $64 for eight years). Do not send cash.
Mail your renewal at least 30 days before your license expires so DDS has time to process it and mail your new license back to you before the expiration date. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you will be driving with an expired license, which is illegal.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
If you cannot renew online or by mail, you will need to visit a local DDS office in person. You can find the office nearest you on the DDS website by entering your zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices have extended hours on certain days.
Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or debit card — credit cards are not accepted at all offices, so call ahead to confirm payment methods.
The in-person renewal process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. DDS will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your Georgia driver's license has already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DDS office in person to renew. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Driving with an expired license is illegal, even if you have submitted a renewal request. If you are stopped by police before your new license arrives, you can show them proof that you renewed (a receipt or confirmation number from DDS), but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as possible after your license expires to avoid this risk.
Timeline and what to expect after you renew
The time it takes to receive your new license depends on how you renew. Online renewal typically results in your new license arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 3 to 4 weeks from the date DDS receives your materials, plus mail delivery time on both ends. In-person renewal also results in your new license arriving within 7 to 10 business days.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DDS. If you have moved recently and updated your address, make sure the address change is reflected in the system before you renew, or your new license will go to your old address. You can update your address online through the DDS website or at a DDS office.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one by cutting it in half. Keep your new license in a safe place — replacing a lost or stolen license requires a visit to a DDS office and an additional fee.
Contact information and resources
If you have questions about your renewal or run into problems, contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services directly. Call 678-413-8400 (this is the main DDS number, not the Secretary of State's office). You can also visit the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov to check your renewal status, find a local office, or read renewal forms.
The DDS website also has information about what to do if your license was suspended, revoked, or restricted. If you have any of these issues, you cannot renew through the normal process and will need to contact DDS to resolve the underlying problem first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Georgia, you cannot renew a Georgia license. You must obtain a license from your new state of residence. If you moved temporarily but still live in Georgia, you can renew by updating your address with DDS first.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person and bring proof of your identity and Social Security number. DDS will issue a replacement license and charge both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, DDS will use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, DDS will take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo during online or mail renewal.
How much does it cost to renew in Georgia?
The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some DDS offices may charge an additional fee if you pay by credit card, so call ahead to confirm.
What if I renew but my new license never arrives?
Contact DDS at 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number or renewal receipt. DDS can check the status of your renewal and remail your license if it was lost in the mail. You may need to visit an office in person if the license cannot be located.