Georgia renewal options: online, by mail, or in person
Georgia offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the DDS (Department of Driver Services) website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DDS office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo.
The online option is fastest if you are may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes and your renewed license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). Your current license must not be suspended or revoked to renew it. If either applies to you, you will need to resolve that issue with DDS before any renewal can proceed.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia allows online renewal for most standard licenses that expired within the last 5 years and do not require a new photo.
- Online renewal costs $32 and takes about 7 to 10 business days from submission to delivery of your new license.
- Mail renewal is available for certain license types but takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to submit documents by mail to a DDS address.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you hold a CDL.
- You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is currently suspended or revoked.
Online renewal through the DDS website
To renew online, go to dds.ga.gov and select the renewal option. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $32.
Online renewal is available only if your license has been expired for 5 years or less and you do not need a new photo. If your license photo is more than 8 years old, Georgia requires you to renew in person so a new photo can be taken. You also cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you are renewing a CDL.
After you submit your information online, DDS will mail your renewed license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive, as long as it was not suspended or revoked.
Mail renewal for may be able to access drivers
Mail renewal is available for certain license types, including standard Class D licenses that have not been expired for more than 5 years. To renew by mail, you must request a mail renewal form from DDS by calling 678-413-8400 or visiting a DDS office in person.
Once you receive the form, complete it, include a check or money order for $32 (made payable to the State of Georgia), and mail it to the address printed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your envelope. You can continue driving on your expired license during this time if it was not suspended or revoked.
Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, if you need a new photo, or if you hold a CDL or other commercial license type. In those cases, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you need a new photo (typically because your current photo is more than 8 years old), or if you hold a CDL. In-person renewal also applies if your license is suspended or revoked and you are working to restore it.
To renew in person, visit any DDS office with your current Georgia driver's license or a valid form of identification. Bring proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return) and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). The renewal fee is $32. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
DDS will take a new photo during your visit. The office will issue you a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license while you wait.
What to bring and how long it takes
All three renewal methods cost $32, but what you need to bring and how long processing takes varies by method. Online and in-person renewals deliver your new license in about 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary license when ready and can drive on it while you wait for the permanent one.
| Renewal Method | What to Bring | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current GA license number, Social Security number, payment method | 7–10 business days | $32 |
| By Mail | Completed form, check or money order | 2–3 weeks | $32 |
| In Person | Current ID, proof of SSN, proof of address | 7–10 business days (temporary issued same day) | $32 |
For online renewal, you need only your license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card. For mail renewal, you complete a form and send a check or money order. For in-person renewal, bring your current ID, a document showing your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card), and proof of your address (such as a utility bill or lease).
If your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your license while it is suspended or revoked. You must first contact DDS to find out why the suspension or revocation is in place and what steps are needed to restore your driving privileges.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain auto insurance (often tied to an SR22 filing requirement). Revocation is more serious and typically results from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points. The process to restore your license varies depending on the reason.
Call DDS at 678-413-8400 to learn the status of your license and what you must do before you can renew. Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can proceed with renewal using any of the three methods above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if it expired more than 5 years ago?
No, you must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than 5 years. Online and mail renewal are not available. You will need to visit a DDS office with a valid form of ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
What if I move to a different address before my license arrives?
Contact DDS before you move and update your address on file. If your license is already in the mail, call 678-413-8400 to see if DDS can intercept it and redirect it to your new address. If that is not possible, you may need to pick it up at a DDS office or request a replacement.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
A new photo is required if your current photo is more than 8 years old. If you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Online and mail renewal are not available in this case.
How long can I drive on an expired Georgia license while waiting for my renewal?
You can drive on an expired license while your renewal is being processed, as long as the license was not suspended or revoked. Once your new license arrives, you should stop using the expired one.
What happens if I renew online but then realize I made a mistake on my process?
Contact DDS when ready at 678-413-8400 to report the error. Depending on what was entered incorrectly, DDS may be able to correct it before your license is printed and mailed. The sooner you call, the better your chances of fixing the problem.