Gather these documents before you renew

To renew your Georgia driver's license, you will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) has specific documents they accept for each category — bringing the wrong ones will delay your renewal. The good news is that most people have at least one acceptable document in each category already at home.

You do not need to bring your current license with you, though it helps. If your license is expired, you can still renew it in person at a DDS office or through the mail if you meet certain conditions. The documents listed here explore whether you are renewing by mail, online, or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity, one proving your Social Security number, and one proving your current Georgia address.
  • A passport, military ID, or state ID counts as identity proof; a Social Security card or W-2 counts as SSN proof; a utility bill or lease counts as address proof.
  • If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
  • Renewal by mail requires your current license to be valid or expired less than five years, and you must be between 18 and 64 years old.

Documents that prove your identity

Georgia accepts a limited list of documents as proof of identity. Your best options are a valid U.S. passport, a valid military ID, a valid state ID from another state, or a valid passport card. If you do not have any of these, you can also bring a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization.

The document must be current or expired no more than five years ago. If you are renewing in person and your only ID is expired by more than five years, call your local DDS office before you go — they may ask you to bring additional documents or complete extra steps. A photocopy of your ID is not acceptable; you must bring the original document.

Documents that prove your Social Security number

Georgia needs one document showing your Social Security number. The easiest option is your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a document from the Social Security Administration showing your number.

If you have never had a Social Security number — for example, if you are a non-citizen — you will need to bring a document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing your immigration status instead. Bring the original document; a photocopy will not be accepted.

Documents that prove your current Georgia address

You must show that you live in Georgia and provide your current street address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and your current address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you have recently moved and your utility bill or lease is not yet in your name, you can bring a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your name, your current address, and the move-in date. A cell phone bill, a mail forwarding notice, or a piece of mail from a government agency will also work if it shows your name and current address and is dated within 60 days.

What to bring if you have changed your name

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license was issued, bring the document that shows the change. This can be a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, annulment decree, or court order approving a legal name change. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy you made yourself.

If your name change document is from outside the United States, bring a certified English translation along with the original. The DDS will keep a copy of your name change document on file, so bring the original even though you will get it back.

Information you will need to provide

Beyond the documents you bring, you will need to know or have available your current address, your date of birth, your height, your eye color, and whether you wear corrective lenses. If you are renewing online or by mail, you will also need your current license number and the date it was issued — both are printed on your license.

If you are renewing in person, the DDS will take a new photo and ask you to confirm your physical description. If you are renewing by mail, you will use the photo from your current license unless you request a new one. If you are renewing online through the Georgia DDS website, you will upload a new photo yourself or use your current one.

Special documents for certain renewal situations

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you will need to bring your current CDL, proof of your medical certification, and any documents related to traffic violations or suspensions since your last renewal. Medical certification documents come from your doctor or a certified medical examiner and show that you meet the physical standards required to drive a commercial vehicle.

If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you will need to bring proof that the suspension or revocation has been lifted. This usually comes from the DDS itself in the form of a letter or notice. If you are unsure whether your license is currently suspended, contact your local DDS office or check the Georgia DDS website before you attempt to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, bring a document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing your immigration status, such as a green card, work permit, or visa. You will still need proof of identity and proof of your Georgia address.

What if my address proof document is older than 60 days?

Bring a second document that is dated within 60 days, or bring a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead confirming your current address and move-in date. If you have just moved and nothing is in your name yet, the landlord letter is your best option.

Do I need to bring my current license to renew by mail?

Yes. To renew by mail in Georgia, your current license must be valid or expired less than five years, and you must be between 18 and 64 years old. You will mail your current license along with your process and documents, and the DDS will mail your new license back to you.

What if my birth certificate is not certified?

It must be certified. A certified birth certificate has an official seal or stamp from the vital records office that issued it. A photocopy of your birth certificate, even if the original is certified, will not be accepted. Contact your state's vital records office to order a certified copy.

Can I bring a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

No. The DDS requires original documents or certified copies. Digital photos or PDFs on your phone will not be accepted. The only exception is if you are renewing online through the Georgia DDS website, in which case you will upload a digital photo of yourself, not your documents.