Where to renew in DeKalb County
DeKalb County residents renew through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), not through a county office. Georgia has no county-specific renewal process — you use the same state system whether you live in DeKalb, Fulton, or any other county. You have three ways to renew: online, by mail, or in person at a DDS location.
The online option is fastest if your license is not suspended, you have no medical conditions listed on your record, and your address is current. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DDS office in or near DeKalb takes one day, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
DeKalb County has two full-service DDS locations: one in Decatur and one in Lithonia. Both handle standard renewals, replacements, and new licenses. If you need to renew in person, either location will work — choose based on which is closer to you or has shorter wait times on the day you plan to visit.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia handles all driver's license renewals through the state Department of Driver Services, regardless of which county you live in.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is valid, your address is current, and you have no medical restrictions on your record.
- DeKalb County has DDS offices in Decatur and Lithonia; both can renew your license in person the same day you visit.
- You will need your current Georgia driver's license, proof of residency, and payment by debit or credit card for any renewal method.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal, but you cannot use it if your license is expired by more than two years.
Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website
Online renewal is available at dds.georgia.gov. You can renew if your license is still valid (not expired), your address on file is correct, you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed, and you are renewing a standard Class D license. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, if you need to change your address, or if you wear corrective lenses and your prescription has changed.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card for the renewal fee. Georgia charges $32 for a four-year renewal or $64 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not require you to visit an office or take a new photo — Georgia uses your existing photo from your current license. This makes it the simplest path if you meet the requirements, but it also means you cannot update your photo or make address changes at the same time.
Mail renewal by sending your documents to DDS
You can renew by mail if your license is valid and your address is current. Mail your current Georgia driver's license, a completed DL 44 form (the renewal process), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013.
The DL 44 form is available on the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov under "Forms." Print it, fill it out by hand or type it, and sign it. Include proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Do not send cash.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DDS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $32 for four years or $64 for eight years. This method works well if you prefer not to visit an office, but it is slower than online or in-person renewal.
In-person renewal at a DeKalb County DDS office
The Decatur DDS office is located at 1954 Montreal Road, Decatur, GA 30033. The Lithonia office is at 6500 Panola Road, Lithonia, GA 30058. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though arriving early in the day usually means shorter waits.
Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and payment by debit or credit card. The renewal fee is $32 for four years or $64 for eight years. You will have your photo taken at the office, and your new license will be printed before you leave.
In-person renewal is the only option if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need to change your address, if you wear corrective lenses and your prescription has changed, or if your license is suspended. It is also the fastest way to get a physical license in your hands — you walk out with it the same day.
What documents you need for any renewal method
For online renewal, you need only your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For mail or in-person renewal, you need your current Georgia driver's license and proof of your current address.
Proof of address must be a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current street address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check. A driver's license or ID card cannot be used as proof of address, even if it shows your current address.
If you have moved and your license shows an old address, you must renew in person or by mail — you cannot use online renewal. When you renew in person, bring both your old license and proof of your new address.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Georgia offers two renewal periods: four years or eight years. A four-year renewal costs $32. An eight-year renewal costs $64. You choose which period you want when you renew, and the choice is yours to make — there is no requirement to pick one or the other.
Your new license will be valid for the period you choose, starting from the date it is issued. If you renew online or by mail, the issue date is the date DDS processes your process, not the date you submit it. If you renew in person, the issue date is the date you visit the office.
Georgia does not charge different fees based on age, gender, or any other factor. The fee is the same whether you are 25 or 75. If you are a military member on active duty, you may be able to renew for free or at a reduced rate — ask at the DDS office or check the website for current military renewal options.
When you cannot renew online or by mail
You must renew in person if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need to change your address, if you wear corrective lenses and your prescription has changed, if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical conditions or restrictions that need to be updated, or if you want to change your name or gender marker.
You also must renew in person if this is your first renewal after turning 18, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you are renewing a license with a hazmat endorsement. Standard Class D licenses can be renewed online or by mail if you meet the basic requirements, but any special endorsement or restriction usually requires an office visit.
If you are unsure whether you can renew online, call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 before you try. They can tell you in a few minutes whether your record allows online renewal or whether you need to visit an office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does my current license stay valid while I wait for my new one?
Your current license remains valid until its expiration date, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. If you renew online or by mail and your new license has not arrived by your expiration date, you can still drive legally using your old license until the new one arrives. Keep the old license with you as proof of renewal.
Can I change my address when I renew online?
No. Online renewal requires your address on file to be current and correct. If you have moved, you must renew in person or by mail and provide proof of your new address. In-person renewal at either the Decatur or Lithonia office is the fastest way to update your address.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You must visit a DDS office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID) and proof of your address. The office will issue a replacement and renew it at the same time if your license is expired or expiring soon.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Only if you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew at a DDS office. You can also request a new photo without renewing by visiting an office and paying a small fee.
What happens if I renew but my new license has not arrived by my expiration date?
Your old license remains valid for driving until your new license arrives, even if the expiration date has passed. Keep both licenses with you. Once your new license arrives, destroy the old one or turn it in at a DDS office. If you need proof that you renewed, you can call DDS customer service at 678-413-8400 and they can confirm your renewal date.