Where to renew in Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County has two driver's license offices where you can renew in person. The main office is at 2355 Hassayampa Street in Lawrenceville, and there's a second location at 1900 Buford Drive, also in Lawrenceville. Both offices handle standard renewals, but you'll need to check which one has shorter wait times on the day you plan to visit — Gwinnett County publishes current wait times on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website.

You can also renew by mail if you meet Georgia's requirements: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must be renewing before it expires (not after), and you cannot have any medical conditions that require a new vision test or photo. If you're renewing online, you'll need a valid email address and a credit or debit card, and the process takes about 10 minutes.

Walk-ins are accepted at both Gwinnett County offices, but appointments are available and often have shorter waits. You can book an appointment through the Georgia DDS website or by calling 678-339-3000 (the main Gwinnett County office number).

Key Takeaways

  • Gwinnett County has two in-person renewal locations in Lawrenceville, and you can check current wait times before you go on the Georgia DDS website.
  • If your license is not suspended and you're renewing before expiration, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting an office.
  • Appointments typically have shorter waits than walk-ins, and you can book one through the Georgia DDS website or by phone.
  • You'll need your current driver's license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee, which varies based on how many years you're renewing.

What documents you need to bring

For an in-person renewal at either Gwinnett County office, bring your current Georgia driver's license. You'll also need one document that shows your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

If you're renewing by mail, you won't need to bring anything in person, but you'll mail in your current license along with a completed form (DL 44) and a check or money order for the fee. The Georgia DDS website has the form and mailing address.

Payment is required at renewal. The fee depends on how many years you're renewing for — a four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Georgia accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at the Lawrenceville offices.

How long the renewal takes

At the Gwinnett County offices, a standard renewal usually takes 15 to 45 minutes if you have an appointment, and 30 minutes to over an hour if you walk in. Wait times are longest on Mondays, Tuesdays, and around the 15th and end of each month, when more people renew before their licenses expire.

By mail, the process takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the Georgia DDS receives your process. You'll mail in your documents and should receive your new license in that timeframe, though delays can happen during high-volume periods.

Online renewal is the fastest option — you'll complete the transaction in about 10 minutes, and your new license ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days. However, online renewal is only available if you meet the requirements (no suspension, renewing before expiration, no medical restrictions).

Renewing before your license expires

Georgia allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. You can renew early in person, by mail, or online using the same process as a standard renewal.

If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your old one was set to expire. For example, if your license expires in December 2025 and you renew in March 2025, your new license will expire in March 2029 (or 2027, depending on whether you choose a four- or eight-year renewal).

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Georgia driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard process. You'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation first — this usually means paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the Georgia DDS or a court.

To find out why your license is suspended or revoked, contact the Georgia DDS directly at 678-339-3000 or visit the Georgia DDS website and use their status checker. Once you've resolved the issue, you can renew in person at either Gwinnett County office or through the mail.

Renewing with a name change

If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you'll need to bring proof of the change when you renew. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A certified copy is best, but an uncertified copy usually works.

You can renew by mail or in person with a name change, but you cannot renew online if your name has changed. At the Gwinnett County offices, the staff will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name on the same day (if you renew in person) or within 7 to 10 business days (if you renew by mail).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Gwinnett County license online?

Yes, if your license is not suspended, you're renewing before it expires, and you have no medical conditions requiring a new vision test. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal. Your new license will ship to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

What's the renewal fee in Gwinnett County?

The fee varies based on how many years you're renewing for. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact amount is listed on the Georgia DDS website and at the Gwinnett County offices. Payment is due at the time of renewal.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the Lawrenceville office?

No, walk-ins are accepted, but appointments typically have shorter waits. You can book an appointment through the Georgia DDS website or by calling 678-339-3000. Appointments are free and can usually be scheduled within a few days.

What if I renew by mail and my process gets lost?

Mail your renewal process to the address listed on the Georgia DDS website and keep a record of when you mailed it. If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Georgia DDS at 678-339-3000 to check the status. They can reissue your license if needed.

Can I renew if my license has been expired for more than a year?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than a year. You'll need to explore for a new license in person at a Gwinnett County office, which requires a vision test and new photo. Contact the Georgia DDS or visit the office to find out what documents you'll need.