Documents and fees you'll need to bring

To renew your Georgia driver's license, you need your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Georgia charges $32 for a standard four-year renewal or $64 for an eight-year renewal. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your address also works. You do not need a new proof of residency if your address has not changed since your last renewal.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A certified copy is best, but DDS staff can often verify the change through their records if you explain it.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and the renewal fee ($32 for four years or $64 for eight years).
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government ID showing your current address.
  • If your name changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to prove it.
  • You can renew in person at any DDS office, by mail if your license is not suspended, or online if you meet Georgia's requirements.
  • Renewal by mail takes 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal is usually same-day or next-day.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

Walk into any Georgia DDS office with your documents and fee. You do not need an appointment. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. If your name changed, bring the supporting document. Staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.

Processing time varies by office and time of day. Most offices issue your new license the same day or the next business day. Bring the documents in originals — photocopies of your license are fine, but proof of residency must be an original or certified copy. If you are renewing before your license expires, you can use your current license to drive until the new one arrives.

Georgia DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. Check the DDS website or call ahead to confirm hours at your nearest office, especially if you are traveling a distance.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and if you have not had any address changes that require a new photo. Mail your current license, the renewal fee, and a completed DL 44 form (the renewal process) to the Georgia DDS mailing address. You do not mail proof of residency — DDS already has your address on file.

The DL 44 form is available on the Georgia DDS website. Print it, fill it out, sign it, and include it with your payment and license. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DDS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

Mail renewal is not an option if your license is suspended for any reason — unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or medical suspension. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call DDS or check your status online before mailing your renewal.

Renewing online

Georgia offers online renewal through the DDS website for some drivers. You are may be able to access if your license is not suspended, your address has not changed, your name has not changed, and your license is not expiring for more than 30 days. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.

Online renewal costs the same as in-person or mail renewal ($32 or $64 depending on the term you choose). You pay by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, because you do not have to travel to an office or wait for mail processing. However, you will not get a new photo — your current photo will be used on the renewed license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.

What happens if your license is suspended or expired

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DDS office in person. Bring your documents and the renewal fee, plus any additional fees related to the suspension. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you may need to pay those fines or show proof of payment before DDS will process your renewal.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it. Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal. An expired license is not the same as a suspended license — expiration just means the term ran out. DDS will renew an expired license as long as it has not been expired for more than a certain period (check with DDS for the current limit). If it has been expired too long, you may have to take the written test again.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 or check your status on the DDS website before you go to an office or mail your renewal.

Real ID and renewal

Georgia's Real ID compliant license is marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. If your current license has the star, your renewed license will also have it at no extra cost. If your current license does not have the star and you want a Real ID license, you must renew in person and bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, and two proofs of residency.

Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not need Real ID, you do not have to get it when you renew. A standard Georgia driver's license without the star is still valid for driving and most other purposes. The choice is yours at renewal time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I owe child support or have unpaid traffic fines?

No. Georgia will not renew a license if there is an outstanding child support debt or unpaid traffic fines. You must resolve the debt or fine first. Contact the court or the agency that issued the fine to find out what you owe and how to pay it. Once paid, DDS will process your renewal.

How long does my renewed license take to arrive if I renew by mail?

Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DDS receives your envelope. Mailing time to and from DDS is not included in that estimate. Plan for 2 to 3 weeks total from the day you mail it. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DDS office.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

A new photo is taken only if you renew in person at a DDS office. If you renew by mail or online, your current photo stays on your license. If you want a new photo, you must go to an office in person.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

If your address changed, you must renew in person or by mail. You cannot renew online if your address is different. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). DDS will update your address and issue a new license with the correct address.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your license yourself. You cannot have a family member or friend renew it on your behalf, even if you give them your documents and payment. You must appear in person at a DDS office to renew, or you can renew by mail or online if you are may be able to access.