Documents and information you must bring to renew in Georgia
To renew your Georgia driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, you also need a document that shows the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Georgia does not require a new photo for most renewals, but you will need to pass a vision screening at the DMV office.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can use a notarized affidavit of residency, which you can get from a notary public or your local DMV office. Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form.
If you are renewing by mail or online, the document requirements are different — you will not need to bring originals to an office. Mail and online renewals are only available if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions set by Georgia.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current Georgia license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number to any DMV office.
- If your name changed, bring the legal document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
- You will pass a vision screening at the office; Georgia does not require a new photo for standard renewals.
- Mail and online renewals skip the office visit but have stricter rules about which licenses can be renewed that way.
Renewing in person at a Georgia DMV office
Walk into any Georgia DMV office with your documents and take a number. You will wait for a clerk to call you, show your documents, and answer a few questions about your address and whether your information has changed. The clerk will verify your documents, take your vision screening, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay the renewal fee at that time.
The renewal fee for a four-year license is $32. A five-year license costs $40. A six-year license costs $48. These fees do not include any additional charges if you request a duplicate license, a name change, or other services at the same visit. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices, but call ahead to confirm your office accepts the payment method you plan to use.
After you pay, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the temporary license is your proof of renewal.
Renewing by mail in Georgia
You can renew by mail only if your current license is not expired, you are between 18 and 70 years old, and your vision was last checked within the past five years. You cannot renew by mail if you need a new photo, if your name has changed, or if you have any medical conditions that might affect your driving.
To renew by mail, contact the Georgia DMV to request a renewal form, or read the form from the Georgia DMV website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your current license and proof of residency. Do not send original documents — send copies only. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee; the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail after processing is complete. During this time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to drive.
Renewing online through Georgia's digital system
Georgia offers online renewal through its official DMV website for drivers who meet the same rules as mail renewal: your license must not be expired, you must be between 18 and 70, and your vision must have been checked within five years. You cannot renew online if you need a new photo or if your name or address has changed since your last renewal.
To renew online, log into your account on the Georgia DMV website using your license number and date of birth. Answer the questions about your current information, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office or send any documents. Your current license stays valid until your new one arrives, so you can drive normally during the wait.
When you need a new photo or have other changes
If your current license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if your name or address has changed, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot use mail or online renewal for these situations. Bring the same documents listed above — your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and any legal documents that show a name change.
If your license expired more than five years ago, Georgia treats your renewal as a new license process, not a renewal. You will need to pass a written test and a driving test in addition to the vision screening. Contact your local DMV office to find out what other documents you need for a new license process.
Common mistakes to avoid when renewing
The most common mistake is bringing a utility bill or bank statement dated more than 60 days old. The DMV will reject it as proof of residency, and you will have to go home and get a newer one. Bring a statement from the current month or the month before. If you do not have one, get a notarized affidavit of residency from a notary public before you go to the office.
Another mistake is trying to renew by mail or online when your license has expired. Georgia will not process mail or online renewals for expired licenses. You must go to an office in person. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it at all — you have to start over with a new license process, which includes a written test and a driving test.
Do not send original documents by mail. Send copies only. If you mail your original license, Social Security card, or other documents, you risk losing them, and the DMV will not return them. Keep your originals and send photocopies instead.
Finding your nearest Georgia DMV office and hours
Georgia has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Georgia DMV website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. Many offices do not take walk-ins — you may need to schedule an appointment online or by phone.
If you cannot find an appointment at your nearest office, try offices in neighboring counties. You can renew at any Georgia DMV office, not just the one in your county. Some offices have shorter wait times than others, especially if you are willing to travel a few miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if it expired more than a year ago?
If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew it in person at a DMV office. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license, which requires a written test, a driving test, and a vision screening.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Georgia license?
No, not for a standard renewal. Georgia does not require a new photo unless you request one or unless your license has been lost or stolen. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Mail and online renewals do not include a new photo.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring the legal document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Mail and online renewal are not available if your name has changed. Bring a certified copy of the document, not just a photocopy.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you renew online, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days while you wait.
Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?
You must renew in person at a Georgia DMV office if you live out of state and want to keep your Georgia license. Mail and online renewal require a current Georgia address. If you have moved out of state permanently, you should get a license from your new state instead of renewing your Georgia license.