What you'll pay to renew your Georgia driver's license

A standard Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32 if you renew in person at a Department of Driver Services office. If you renew by mail, the fee is also $32. If you renew online through the Georgia DDS website, the cost is $20.

These are the base renewal fees. You may pay more if you add optional features — for example, a REAL ID-compliant license costs an additional $20 on top of the renewal fee, bringing your total to $52 for in-person or mail renewal, or $40 for online renewal. A commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal is $65.

Payment methods vary by renewal method. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. In-person renewal at a DDS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32 in person or by mail, or $20 if you renew online.
  • A REAL ID-compliant license adds $20 to your renewal fee, making the total $52 (in person or mail) or $40 (online).
  • Online renewal is the cheapest option and requires only a credit or debit card.
  • Commercial driver's license renewal costs $65 and cannot be done online.

When your renewal fee changes

Your renewal fee depends on the type of license you hold and whether you add optional features. A standard Class D passenger license is $32. A motorcycle endorsement adds $5 to your renewal fee. A CDL is $65 and requires renewal in person at a DDS office.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person at a DDS office. The fee remains $32, but you may need to retake the written test or vision screening depending on how long it has been expired.

If you are over 65 years old, your renewal fee is $16 instead of $32, whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. A REAL ID for a senior still costs an additional $20.

Online renewal saves you money and time

Georgia's online renewal system costs $20 and is available through the Georgia DDS website. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had any suspensions or revocations, and you do not need to change your address or add endorsements. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. This is the fastest and cheapest option if you meet the requirements.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

In-person renewal costs $32 and is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, add endorsements, or update your photo. You can walk in to any Georgia DDS office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. If you are renewing a CDL, you must bring a medical certificate as well. Your new license is issued on the spot and is valid when ready.

Mail renewal and what it requires

Mail renewal costs $32 and takes 2 to 3 weeks. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired, you have not had any suspensions or revocations, and you do not need to change your address or add endorsements. You will need to complete the renewal form, which you can read from the Georgia DDS website or request by phone.

Mail your completed form, current license, and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Your new license will be mailed back to you. If your license expires before it arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DDS website to carry while you wait.

REAL ID compliance and the extra cost

A REAL ID-compliant license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. It costs an additional $20 on top of your renewal fee. You can add REAL ID compliance when you renew online, by mail, or in person.

To get a REAL ID, you must provide proof of identity (your current license), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you renew online or by mail, you will need to upload images of these documents. If you renew in person, bring the originals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must renew in person at a DDS office. The fee is still $32, but you may need to retake the written test or vision screening depending on how long it has been expired.

Do I have to pay for REAL ID when I renew?

No, REAL ID is optional. A standard license renewal costs $32 (in person or mail) or $20 (online). If you want REAL ID compliance, add $20 to that total. You can choose standard or REAL ID at the time of renewal.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

If you renewed by mail and your license expires before it arrives, you can print a temporary license from the Georgia DDS website. Print it and carry it with you. It is valid until your new license arrives in the mail.

Is there a discount for seniors?

Yes, if you are 65 or older, your renewal fee is $16 instead of $32, whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. A REAL ID for a senior still costs an additional $20, bringing the total to $36 for in-person or mail renewal, or $36 for online renewal.

Can I renew a commercial driver's license online?

No, commercial driver's license renewal must be done in person at a DDS office. The fee is $65. You must bring a valid medical certificate along with your current license and proof of residency.