The documents and steps for a Georgia license renewal

To renew your Georgia driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency, and your Social Security number to a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. You'll also need your current license or a document showing your license number. The exact documents depend on whether you're renewing in person or by mail, and whether your license is still valid or has expired.

Georgia lets you renew online, by mail, or in person — but not all renewal types accept all documents. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test. Most people can renew without a vision test or new photo if their license is still valid or expired less than five years.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid form of identity (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof you live in Georgia, and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option but only works if your license is still valid and you have a valid passport or military ID.
  • Mail renewal takes longer but requires the same documents as in-person renewal and works for most people whose license expired within the last five years.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to a DDS office in person.
  • Georgia does not charge a separate renewal fee for standard licenses, but you pay the standard license fee when you renew.

Documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current Georgia driver's license or a document showing your license number. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a police report or a DDS replacement document. You also need one form of primary identity: a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, or a passport card.

You must also show proof of Georgia residency. Georgia accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (such as a tax return or court document) dated within the last 60 days. The name on the residency document must match the name on your license process.

Bring your Social Security number — you can provide it verbally or on paper. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.

Documents for online renewal

Online renewal is the fastest path and requires the fewest steps, but Georgia limits who can use it. You can renew online only if your current license is still valid (not expired) and you have a valid U.S. passport or military ID. You will upload a photo of your passport or military ID and answer security questions based on your DDS records.

Online renewal does not require you to visit an office or provide a separate residency document. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your license has expired, even by one day.

Documents for mail renewal

Mail renewal works if your license expired within the last five years and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. You will mail your current license, a completed renewal form (DDS Form 40), and a copy of your proof of identity and residency to the DDS office.

Use the same identity and residency documents as in-person renewal. Mail your packet to the address shown on the renewal form — do not mail it to a DDS office address. Processing takes 15 to 20 business days after the DDS receives your packet, plus mail time both ways. Your new license will arrive by mail.

What happens if your license expired more than five years ago

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DDS office in person. Bring the same identity and residency documents as any in-person renewal.

You will also need to retake the written knowledge test and pass a vision screening. You may need to retake the road test as well, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age. The DDS office will tell you which tests you need when you arrive. Bring your current license or a document showing your license number so the examiner can pull your record.

Name or address changes during renewal

If you changed your name or address since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your identity and residency documents, plus a document proving your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) if your name changed.

You cannot use online or mail renewal if your address on file is different from your current address. The DDS uses your address on file to mail your new license, so updating it in person prevents delays. Bring a current utility bill or other residency proof showing your new address.

License fees and processing times

Georgia does not charge a separate renewal fee. You pay the standard license fee, which is $32 for an eight-year license (the standard term for most adults). If you renew online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, allow 15 to 20 business days for processing plus mail time. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need your license sooner, you can request an expedited license at a DDS office for an additional fee. Expedited licenses are available for in-person renewals only and cost extra depending on how quickly you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired while I was out of state?

Yes. Georgia allows renewal by mail or online even if you were out of state when your license expired, as long as it expired within the last five years. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. You still need Georgia residency proof, so bring a recent utility bill or lease showing your current Georgia address.

What if my name on my residency document does not match my license?

The name on your residency proof must match the name on your license process. If they do not match, bring a document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You must renew in person if your name changed, even if your license is still valid.

Do I need a new photo for license renewal?

No, not if your license is still valid or expired less than five years. Georgia uses your existing photo. If your license expired more than five years ago, the DDS will take a new photo when you renew in person. You can also request a new photo at any in-person renewal for no extra charge.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

Bring a police report of the loss or a DDS replacement document showing your license number. You can still renew using the same documents as a standard renewal. If you do not have proof of your license number, visit a DDS office and request a replacement license first, then renew.

Can I renew if I moved out of Georgia?

No. You must be a Georgia resident to renew a Georgia license. If you moved to another state, you need to get a license from your new state. If you moved back to Georgia, you can renew your Georgia license by bringing current residency proof showing your new Georgia address.