Georgia renewal fees at a glance

A Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32 if you renew by mail or online, or $35 if you renew in person at a Department of Driver Services office. The in-person fee is slightly higher because you'll have your photo taken and get your license the same day. If you renew by mail, you'll wait about two weeks for your new license to arrive.

These fees cover an eight-year renewal period for most drivers. If you're over 64, your renewal period is shorter — typically four years — and the fee is lower at $20 for mail or online renewal, or $23 in person.

Georgia does not charge extra fees for standard renewals. What you pay is what you pay — there are no hidden processing charges or document fees added at checkout.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32 by mail or online, or $35 in person at a DDS office.
  • Drivers 64 and older pay $20 by mail or online, or $23 in person, and renew every four years instead of eight.
  • You can renew online at Georgia's DDS website, by mail using a renewal notice, or in person at any DDS office.
  • In-person renewal takes about 15 minutes and you leave with your new license the same day; mail renewal takes roughly two weeks.

When you renew in person versus by mail

Renewing in person at a DDS office costs $3 more than mail or online renewal, but you get your new license when ready. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease works), and your Social Security number. The visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Mail renewal is cheaper and you can do it from home, but you need to have received a renewal notice from Georgia DDS first. You'll fill out the form, include a check or money order for $32, and mail it back. Your new license arrives in about two weeks. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your photo.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website costs the same as mail ($32) and is faster — you'll get a confirmation right away and your license ships within a few days. Online renewal is available only if you have a valid email address on file and your license is not suspended or revoked.

What happens if your license is expired or suspended

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you'll have to reapply as a new driver, which costs more and requires taking the written test again. Renewing while your license is still valid, even if it's within the last 30 days before expiration, keeps you in the renewal track and costs only $32.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at all until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You'll need to contact DDS directly to find out why it was suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Once it's restored, you can then renew.

Payment methods and where to send your check

If you renew by mail, you can pay with a check or money order made out to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Do not send cash. Include your check with your renewal form and mail both to the address printed on your renewal notice — it's usually a processing center in Atlanta.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. In-person renewal at a DDS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices also accept digital payment through their kiosks, but call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your Georgia license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not cost extra — you still pay $32 or $35 depending on your method. Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years (or four years if you're 64 or older) from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date or because they're planning a trip and want a fresh license. There's no penalty for renewing early, and you'll straightforward have a longer window before you need to renew again.

What you need to bring or include with your renewal

For mail renewal, you need your renewal notice (sent by DDS), a check or money order for $32, and your current license. If you've changed your name, address, or other information, you'll need to include documents proving the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, for example, or a utility bill for an address change.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring documents unless you're updating your address or other information on your license.

For online renewal, you'll enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number into the DDS website. You'll also confirm your address and answer a few security questions. You do not need to mail anything or visit an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew by mail or online from anywhere. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; online renewal is faster. You cannot renew in person unless you're physically in Georgia at a DDS office.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew by mail or online without it. For mail renewal, contact DDS to request a new notice, or you can call a DDS office and ask them to mail you one. For online renewal, you can go directly to the Georgia DDS website and start the process using your license number and date of birth.

Do I have to pay the renewal fee if I'm renewing early?

Yes. Early renewal costs the same as regular renewal — $32 by mail or online, $35 in person. You pay the full fee even if you're renewing a year before your license expires.

What if I need to change my address during renewal?

You can change your address during any renewal method. For mail or online renewal, you'll update it as part of the form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (utility bill or lease) and the staff will update it while you're there. There's no extra charge.

How long does my new license last after I renew?

Your new license is valid for eight years from the date you renew (four years if you're 64 or older). The expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license.