Georgia driver's license and ID card fees depend on the type of license, how long it lasts, and whether you are renewing or getting one for the first time

A standard Georgia driver's license costs $32 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, a driver's license costs $20 and expires when you turn 21. A Georgia ID card (for people who do not drive) costs $20 and lasts for eight years. These are the base fees you pay at the Georgia Department of Driver Services when you complete your transaction in person.

The fee you pay depends on what you are doing: getting your first license, renewing an existing one, replacing a lost or damaged card, or upgrading to a REAL ID. Each of these has its own cost, and some require additional steps or documents. Understanding which fee applies to your situation will help you know what to bring and what to expect when you visit a DDS office.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Georgia driver's license costs $32 for adults 21 and older, and $20 for drivers under 21.
  • A REAL ID-compliant driver's license costs $32 for adults and $20 for minors, the same as a standard license.
  • Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $20, regardless of how much time remains on your current license.
  • Georgia ID cards for non-drivers cost $20 and last eight years, with the same replacement fee if lost or damaged.
  • You pay the full fee at the DDS office when you complete your transaction; there are no online payment options for license fees.

Fees for First-Time Driver's Licenses and ID Cards

When you get your first Georgia driver's license, you pay the standard fee of $32 if you are 21 or older, or $20 if you are under 21. This fee covers the eight-year license (or until age 21 for minors). You cannot pay this fee online; you must visit a DDS office in person to complete your process, pass your road test if required, and pay at the counter.

If you want a non-driver ID card instead—because you do not drive or do not yet have a license—the cost is $20 for an eight-year card. The process is similar: you go to a DDS office, bring the required documents, and pay in person. Both first-time licenses and ID cards require proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Renewal Fees and How Often You Pay

Renewing your Georgia driver's license costs the same as getting a new one: $32 for adults 21 and older. You can renew online through the Georgia DDS website if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements, or you can renew in person at a DDS office. If you renew online, you pay the $32 fee through the website and receive your renewed license by mail.

If you are under 21 when you renew, you still pay $20 for the renewal. Once you turn 21, your next renewal will cost $32 because you will be renewing an adult license. Georgia licenses last eight years, so you renew every eight years unless you lose your license, it is damaged, or you need to update your information.

Replacement Fees for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Licenses

If your Georgia driver's license or ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DDS office. The replacement fee is $20, regardless of how much time is left on your current license. You do not pay the full $32 renewal fee; you pay only the replacement cost.

To get a replacement, bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity if possible. If your license was stolen, you may want to bring a police report, though it is not always required. The replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you will not have to renew again until that date arrives.

REAL ID Fees and What They Cover

A REAL ID-compliant Georgia driver's license costs $32 for adults and $20 for minors—the same price as a standard license. REAL ID is a federal security standard that allows you to use your license as identification for domestic flights and entry to federal buildings. Georgia offers REAL ID as your standard license option; you do not pay extra to get it.

When you explore for a new license or renew, you can request REAL ID at no additional cost. You will need to bring extra documents to prove your identity and residency, such as a birth certificate or passport, but the license fee itself does not change. If you already have a standard Georgia license and want to upgrade to REAL ID, you would need to get a replacement, which costs $20.

Payment Methods and Where to Pay

You pay Georgia driver's license and ID card fees in person at a DDS office or, in some cases, online through the Georgia DDS website. If you renew online, you pay the $32 fee with a credit or debit card through a find payment system. For in-person transactions—first-time licenses, replacements, or in-person renewals—you can usually pay with cash, check, or card at the DDS office.

There is no mail-in payment option for license fees. You must either visit a DDS office or use the online renewal system if you are renewing and meet the requirements. Some DDS offices may have different payment methods available, so calling ahead to confirm what your local office accepts is a good idea.

Additional Fees You Might Encounter

The license fee itself is separate from other costs you may face. If you need to take a written test or road test as part of getting your license, those tests are included in the license fee and do not cost extra. However, if you fail a test and need to retake it, you may have to pay a retest fee; this varies by DDS office and situation.

If you need certified copies of your driving record or want a duplicate license mailed to you, those services may have separate fees. Some DDS offices also offer expedited processing for an additional charge if you need your license quickly. When you visit or call your local DDS office, ask about any fees beyond the standard license cost that might explore to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Georgia driver's license fee online?

You can pay online only if you are renewing your license through the Georgia DDS website. For first-time licenses, replacements, or in-person renewals, you must pay at a DDS office. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements.

Do I have to pay the full $32 if I only need a replacement license?

No. A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $20, not the full $32. You pay the replacement fee only, and your new license will have the same expiration date as your original.

What if I turn 21 before my license expires?

Your license will still expire on its original date. When you renew, you will pay the adult rate of $32 instead of the $20 you paid as a minor. You do not need to renew early just because you turned 21.

Is there a fee to upgrade my standard license to REAL ID?

No. REAL ID costs the same as a standard Georgia license: $32 for adults and $20 for minors. You do not pay extra to get the REAL ID version. If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade, you would pay $20 for a replacement.

What happens if I cannot pay the full fee at the DDS office?

Georgia DDS offices do not offer payment plans or fee waivers for license fees. You must pay the full amount at the time of your transaction. If cost is a barrier, contact your local DDS office to ask about any programs or resources that might help.