Where to Renew Your Gwinnett County License
Gwinnett County residents renew their driver's licenses at the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), not at a county office. The county itself does not issue or renew licenses — DDS handles all renewals statewide. You have three ways to renew: in person at a DDS office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Georgia DDS website.
The closest DDS office to most Gwinnett residents is the Gwinnett County location at 455 Grayson Highway, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. This office handles renewals, replacements, and new licenses. If you prefer a different location, DDS operates offices in other Georgia counties, but the Lawrenceville office is the most convenient for Gwinnett residents.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia DDS, not Gwinnett County, processes all driver's license renewals, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at the Lawrenceville DDS office.
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or medical condition updates.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no vision correction changes, and you do not need a new photo.
- In-person renewal at the Lawrenceville DDS office requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your current license; bring documents in original or certified form.
- Renewal fees in Georgia are $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, and processing times vary by method from same-day (in person) to two to three weeks (by mail).
Online Renewal Through Georgia DDS
The fastest way to renew is through the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The system will ask you to verify your identity and confirm that your address, vision status, and other information have not changed.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change, and you do not need to update medical or vision information. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person. Once you complete the online process, DDS will mail your new license to the address on file, usually within two to three weeks.
Mail Renewal by Sending Documents
You can renew by mail if your current license is not expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal: no name change, no vision correction changes, and no need for a new photo. To renew by mail, you will send your current license, a completed renewal form, and payment to the DDS mailing address provided on the Georgia DDS website.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time. You will not have a valid license during this period, so plan ahead if you need to drive. DDS will return your old license with your new one, or you can request that they destroy it.
In-Person Renewal at the Lawrenceville DDS Office
If you need to renew in person, visit the Gwinnett County DDS office at 455 Grayson Highway, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. You will receive your new license the same day if you arrive early and the office is not busy. Bring your current driver's license, a valid form of ID (such as a passport), proof of your current Georgia address, and your Social Security number or card.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address. If you have changed your name, you will need a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; check the DDS website for exact hours, as they vary by location and may change seasonally.
Documents You Need for In-Person Renewal
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid ID | Passport, military ID, state ID, or current driver's license | Must not be expired |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement | Must show your name and current address; dated within 60 days |
| Social Security Verification | Social Security card or number | Card must be original or certified copy |
| Name Change (if applicable) | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order | Must be certified copy or original |
Renewal Fees and License Duration
Georgia charges $32 for a four-year driver's license or $64 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you renew. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online and mail renewals accept credit and debit cards, while in-person renewals accept cash, check, or card. DDS does not accept personal checks by mail, so if you renew by mail, use a money order or credit card.
Your new license will be valid for the term you choose (four or eight years) from the date of issue. If your current license expires before you receive your renewed license in the mail, you can show DDS documentation that you have submitted a renewal request — this allows you to continue driving legally while you wait for the new card to arrive.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your Gwinnett County license has already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must renew in person at the Lawrenceville DDS office. Bring the same documents as above: valid ID, proof of residency, Social Security verification, and your expired license. DDS will process your renewal the same day, and you will receive your new license before you leave the office.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have submitted a renewal request. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Gwinnett County license at a DDS office in another county?
Yes. DDS offices across Georgia can process renewals for residents of any county. However, the Lawrenceville office is the closest to most Gwinnett residents. If you are traveling or live closer to another DDS office, you can renew there instead.
How long does it take to renew in person at the Lawrenceville office?
In-person renewals usually take 15 to 30 minutes if the office is not busy. You receive your new license the same day before you leave. Arrival time matters — offices are typically busier in the afternoon and on Fridays, so arriving early in the morning on a weekday may reduce your wait.
What if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?
If you have a new medical condition or your existing condition has changed, you must renew in person. DDS may require a medical report from your doctor or a vision test. Bring any medical documentation with you to the Lawrenceville office.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
DDS will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or court-ordered suspension. Contact the court that issued the ticket to resolve the fine or suspension before you attempt to renew. Once resolved, you can proceed with renewal.
What should I do if my new license arrives with an error?
Contact the Georgia DDS office when ready with your new license and proof of the error. DDS will issue a corrected license at no additional charge. Bring the incorrect license and documentation of the error (such as a birth certificate if your name is wrong) to the Lawrenceville office.