Georgia lets you renew online if your license is not suspended and you meet a few basic requirements
You can renew your Georgia driver's license online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website if your license is still valid or expired no more than two years ago, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed, and you are not required to take a new photo. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $32 for a five-year renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license is suspended, you have unpaid traffic tickets, your vision or medical status changed, or you need a REAL ID-compliant license, you must renew in person at a DDS office instead. The same applies if you want to change your name, address, or organ donor status — those changes require a visit.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license is valid or expired less than two years ago and has no active suspensions or medical holds.
- The online renewal costs $32 for a five-year license and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
- You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the online process.
- If you need a REAL ID, have a suspended license, or want to change your photo or personal information, you must visit a DDS office in person.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the Georgia DDS website and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and show you what can and cannot be changed online.
Review the information on screen — your name, address, height, eye color, and other details. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment. If you need to change your address, you can do that during the online renewal. If you need to change anything else, the system will tell you to visit an office instead.
Pay the $32 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. Georgia does not accept checks or cash online. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Print or save this number in case you need to check the status of your renewal later.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you recently moved and updated your address during the online renewal, the license goes to your new address. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days; expedited shipping is not available for online renewals.
Who cannot renew online and must visit a DDS office
If your license has been suspended for any reason — unpaid tickets, medical conditions, points violations, or a DUI — you cannot renew online. You must visit a DDS office, resolve the suspension with the appropriate agency, and renew in person. The DDS website will tell you when ready if a suspension is on your record when you enter your license number.
You also cannot renew online if you need a REAL ID-compliant license. REAL ID requires an in-person visit, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). A standard renewal does not give you REAL ID status; you must request it specifically and bring the required documents.
If your medical or vision status changed since your last license was issued, or if you have new restrictions or conditions to report, you must renew in person. The same applies if you want to change your name, add or remove organ donor status, or update your photo. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license.
What happens if your license expired more than two years ago
If your Georgia driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use the online renewal system. You must explore for a new license in person at a DDS office. This is treated as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
You will also need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken at the office. The fee for a new license is $32 for a five-year license, the same as a renewal, but the process takes longer because of the in-person requirements. If you have been driving without a valid license, you could face penalties, so renew as soon as possible.
Tracking your renewed license after you order online
After you complete your online renewal and receive your confirmation number, you can check the status of your license on the Georgia DDS website. Go to the "Check License Status" page, enter your confirmation number and date of birth, and the system will show you whether your license is being printed, in transit, or delivered.
If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Georgia DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. Have your confirmation number ready. If your address changed during the renewal, make sure the DDS has your correct mailing address on file — mail sent to an old address will not reach you.
Renewing in person at a DDS office if you cannot go online
If you need to renew in person, visit your local DDS office with your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices, but wait times vary. Check the DDS website for your nearest office location and current wait times before you go.
Bring a valid form of ID — your current Georgia license counts. If you are renewing a REAL ID license, bring your passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers as proof of citizenship, plus proof of your current address. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent license is mailed to you.
The fee for an in-person renewal is the same as online: $32 for a five-year license. You can pay with cash, check, or card at the office. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, just as it does with online renewal.
What to do if the online system rejects your renewal
If you try to renew online and the system tells you that you cannot proceed, it is usually because of a suspension, an unpaid ticket, a medical hold, or because your license expired more than two years ago. The system will give you a reason and tell you what to do next.
If the reason is a suspension or unpaid ticket, you will need to contact the court or the agency that issued the suspension to resolve it before you can renew. If the reason is medical, contact your doctor or the DDS medical review unit to clear the hold. If your license is too old, you must renew in person as a new process.
If the system gives you an error message that does not make sense, or if you believe the information is wrong, call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400. Customer service can look up your record and tell you exactly why the online system rejected your renewal and what steps to take next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. The online system will reject your renewal when ready if any suspension is on your record. You must visit a DDS office in person and resolve the suspension with the appropriate agency — usually the court that issued the ticket or the DDS medical review unit — before you can renew.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number so you can check the status. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DDS at 678-413-8400.
Can I change my address during an online renewal?
Yes. The online system lets you update your mailing address during renewal. Your new license will be sent to the updated address. If you change your address, make sure it is correct before you submit payment, because the license will be mailed there.
Do I need a REAL ID if I renew online?
No. Online renewal gives you a standard Georgia driver's license, not a REAL ID. If you need REAL ID for air travel or federal building access, you must renew in person at a DDS office and bring proof of citizenship and residency.
What if I do not have a credit or debit card to pay online?
The online system only accepts debit or credit cards. If you do not have one, you can renew in person at a DDS office and pay with cash or check instead.