Georgia Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person
Georgia offers three paths to renew your driver's license: online through the DDS website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. The fastest route is online renewal, which takes about 10 business days from submission. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready — you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
Your renewal method depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Standard Class D licenses (non-commercial) can renew online or by mail if they are not more than 24 months expired and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions. If your license is expired by more than 24 months, you must renew in person.
Georgia licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew up to one year before expiration, which means you can start the process as soon as your renewal notice arrives in the mail — typically 60 days before your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest option and takes about 10 business days if your license is current or expired by less than 24 months.
- You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than 24 months, if you have had a medical suspension, or if you need a new photo for any reason.
- Mail renewal requires a completed DL 44 form, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of your current license; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- The renewal fee in Georgia is $32 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card online, check or money order by mail, or cash in person.
- You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, which includes your renewal code needed for online renewal.
Online Renewal Through the Georgia DDS Website
To renew online, go to the official Georgia DDS website (dds.georgia.gov) and select the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code printed on your renewal notice. The renewal code is a six-digit number that proves you received the official notice from DDS.
During the online process, you will confirm your personal information, verify your address, and pay the $32 renewal fee by credit card or debit card. You cannot use a check or money order online. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license is expired by more than 24 months, if you have had a medical suspension in the past three years, if you are under 18, or if you have certain traffic violations on your record. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.
Mail Renewal: What You Need and How Long It Takes
To renew by mail, you must complete the DL 44 form (process for Driver's License or Identification Card), which you can read from the Georgia DDS website or request by phone at 678-413-8400. You will also need a copy of your current driver's license (front and back), a check or money order for $32 made payable to "Georgia DDS," and your renewal notice if you have it.
Mail your completed form, payment, and documents to the address listed on the DL 44 form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your envelope. You can track your process status on the DDS website using your driver's license number and date of birth, though tracking updates are not when ready.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot be expired by more than 24 months, you cannot have had a medical suspension, and you must not need a new photo. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, call the DDS customer service line before mailing your documents.
In-Person Renewal at a Georgia DDS Office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than 24 months, if you have had a medical suspension, if you are under 18, or if you need a new photo. You will also renew in person if you want to change your address, name, or other information on your license.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will pay $32 in cash, check, or card at the office.
DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Georgia DDS website. You will receive a temporary license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within 10 business days.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired by More Than 24 Months
If your license has been expired for more than 24 months, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DDS office in person and bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.
The fee is still $32 for an eight-year renewal. You will take a new photo at the office, pass a vision test, and answer questions about any medical conditions or medications that might affect your driving. If you have not driven in Georgia for a long time, DDS may ask you to retake the written knowledge test or road test, though this is uncommon for straightforward renewals.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The standard renewal fee for a Class D driver's license in Georgia is $32 for an eight-year license. This is the only fee; there are no additional processing charges or hidden costs. If you renew online, you pay by credit card or debit card. If you renew by mail, you pay by check or money order. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card.
If you need to change your license class (for example, from a standard license to a commercial license), the fee may be higher. Contact DDS directly for pricing on class changes.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is attempting online renewal when your license is expired by more than 24 months. The system will reject your process, and you will have wasted time. Check your expiration date before you start. If you are unsure, call DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm whether you may have access to for online or mail renewal.
Another frequent error is losing your renewal notice before you write down the renewal code. If you cannot find your notice, you can still renew online by calling DDS to request your renewal code, or you can renew in person or by mail without it. Do not delay renewal because you lost the notice.
When renewing by mail, do not send cash — use a check or money order only. Do not send your original documents; send copies. Keep a copy of your completed DL 44 form for your records. If you are mailing from out of state, allow extra time for delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I have an out-of-state address?
Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person regardless of where you live. If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you renew in person, you must visit a Georgia DDS office, so you would need to travel to Georgia or wait until you are back in the state.
What if I lost my renewal notice and do not have the renewal code?
Call the Georgia DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 and provide your driver's license number and date of birth. They will give you your renewal code over the phone. You can then proceed with online renewal. Alternatively, you can renew by mail or in person without the renewal code.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed within 10 business days of your online submission. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service, but most people receive their license within 2 to 3 weeks total. You can use your temporary license (the confirmation page you print) for identification during this time, though it is not valid for driving.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Georgia license?
No, not unless you choose to update your photo or DDS requires it. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you want a new photo or if you have not had a photo on file in more than 10 years, you must renew in person.
What if my name or address has changed since my last license?
If only your address has changed, you can update it during online or mail renewal. If your name has changed, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will receive a new license with your updated information.