Georgia lets you renew online if you meet specific requirements
You can renew your Georgia driver's license online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website if your license is not suspended, you have not had a medical suspension, and you are renewing before your license expires. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $32 for a five-year renewal, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not meet these requirements, you must renew in person at a DDS office.
Georgia's online renewal system is designed for straightforward renewals only. You cannot renew online if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, if you have unpaid traffic tickets or child support obligations, or if you are under 18. The system also will not let you renew online if you have a medical condition flag on your record or if your license was suspended for any reason.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is not suspended, not expired by more than two years, and you have no outstanding tickets or child support holds.
- The online renewal costs $32 for a five-year license and takes about 10 minutes to complete on the DDS website.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person from an online renewal.
- If you need to change your name, address, or have any flags on your record, you must renew in person at a DDS office instead.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather your current Georgia driver's license, your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card before you go to the DDS website. The system will ask you to enter your license number and personal information to verify your identity. You do not need to upload documents or take a new photo for an online renewal.
Make sure your address on file with DDS is correct before you renew, because your new license will be mailed to that address. If your address has changed, you must update it in person at a DDS office or through the mail before you can renew online. The online system will not let you change your address during the renewal process itself.
Steps to renew your Georgia license online
Go to the Georgia DDS website (dds.ga.gov) and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. Click on the online renewal option and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your personal information.
Review the vision and medical questions on the form. Answer honestly—if you have had any changes to your health, vision, or medical conditions since your last renewal, you must disclose them. If you answer yes to any medical question, the system may require you to renew in person or provide a medical form from your doctor.
Enter your payment information (debit or credit card) and submit your renewal. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this confirmation number in case you need to check the status of your renewal or contact DDS.
When your new license arrives and what to do if there are problems
Your new license will arrive at your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your old license until the new one arrives. If your license arrives damaged, has incorrect information, or does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400.
If the online system rejects your renewal and tells you to renew in person, write down the reason given. Common reasons include a medical flag, an outstanding ticket, or a child support hold. You will need to resolve the underlying issue before you can renew, either online or in person. For example, if you have an outstanding ticket, you must pay it or resolve it with the court before DDS will process any renewal.
When you must renew in person instead
You must go to a DDS office in person if your license is suspended for any reason, if you have a medical suspension, if your license expired more than two years ago, or if you are under 18. You also must renew in person if you need to change your name, address, or class of license, or if you want to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement).
If you have unpaid traffic tickets, child support obligations, or a hold from another state, DDS will not process your renewal—online or in person—until those issues are resolved. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the child support enforcement agency to find out how to clear the hold. Once it is cleared, you can renew online or in person.
How to find a DDS office if you need to renew in person
Visit dds.ga.gov and use the office locator tool to find the DDS office nearest you. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices offer extended hours or Saturday appointments; check the website for your specific location.
You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices, but wait times can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon). Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means a shorter wait. Bring your current license, 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).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license online if it is already expired?
You can renew online if your license expired less than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office and may need to retake the vision and written tests.
What if I moved and my address changed since my last renewal?
You cannot change your address during an online renewal. Update your address in person at a DDS office or by mail before you renew online. If you renew online with an old address, your new license will be mailed to that address.
Do I need a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewals use your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DDS office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive using your old license until the new one arrives. If it takes longer than 10 days, contact DDS at 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number.
What happens if the online system says I cannot renew online?
The system will tell you why you cannot renew online. Common reasons are a suspension, medical flag, outstanding ticket, or child support hold. You must resolve the underlying issue before you can renew. Contact DDS or the relevant court or agency to clear the hold, then try again.