Where to renew your Georgia driver's license
You can renew your Georgia driver's license at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office across the state. Georgia has about 60 locations, including offices in most county seats and larger cities. You can also renew by mail or online, depending on which type of license you hold and how long it has been expired.
The fastest option is usually online through the Georgia DDS website if you are renewing a standard Class D license that is not yet expired or expired less than two years ago. If your license is expired longer than that, or if you hold a commercial license, you will need to visit an office in person. Mail renewal is available but takes longer — typically two to three weeks for processing, plus mailing time.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia lets you renew online if your Class D license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after an in-person visit; online renewal takes about the same time.
- Renewal fees in Georgia are $32 for an eight-year license or $16 for a four-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
- You can find your nearest DDS office and check wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go.
What documents you need to bring
For an in-person renewal, bring your current Georgia driver's license or ID card. You will also need one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Bring the original or a certified copy; a photo is not enough.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card, but you will need to provide your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a commercial license, bring your current medical certificate as well.
Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website
Online renewal works only if your Class D license has not been expired for more than two years, you have no medical conditions or restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You upload a new photo, review your information, pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and submit. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license while you wait.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is slower but requires no office visit. You will need to request a renewal form from the Georgia DDS — you can read it from their website or call to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form, include a new photo (4 by 6 inches, color or black and white), a copy of your proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks, then your new license is mailed to you. The total time from mailing your packet to receiving your new license is usually four to five weeks. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time.
What happens if your license is expired more than two years
If your Georgia license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person and go through the full process process, not just a renewal. This means you will need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test.
Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return all work. You will also need to provide a new photo. The office will administer the vision and knowledge tests on the spot. If you pass, your new license is issued the same day and mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year Class D license costs $32 to renew. A four-year license costs $16. These are the only two options for standard driver's licenses in Georgia. Commercial licenses have different fees depending on the class and endorsements.
You can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash at an office. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. No personal checks are accepted at offices — only cashier's checks or money orders if you are paying by check in person.
How long the process takes
In-person renewal is the fastest for getting a usable license. You complete the process at the office in about 30 minutes, depending on wait times. Your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal takes about the same time for the new license to arrive — 7 to 10 business days — but the process itself takes only 10 minutes. Mail renewal is the slowest: two to three weeks for DDS to process, plus mailing time in both directions, for a total of four to five weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is expired?
Yes, you can drive on an expired Georgia license while you are waiting for your renewal to arrive. This applies whether you renewed in person, online, or by mail. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.
What if I moved to a different address since my last license?
You can update your address online or by mail if you are renewing. If you are renewing in person, tell the office staff about the address change and bring proof of your new address. The new license will be mailed to your updated address.
Do I need a new photo for renewal?
For online renewal, you upload a new photo as part of the process. For in-person renewal, the office takes a new photo. For mail renewal, you must include a new 4 by 6 inch photo with your process. You cannot use your old photo.
What if my license has restrictions or medical conditions listed?
You cannot renew online if you have medical conditions or restrictions. You must visit a DDS office in person. Bring any updated medical documentation if your condition has changed since your last license.
How do I find the DDS office nearest me?
The Georgia DDS website has a location finder where you can search by county or city. The site also shows current wait times at each office, updated throughout the day. You can visit any DDS office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county.