Georgia driver license renewal: what you need to know

In Georgia, you can renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office — but if your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person.

Your Georgia license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and five years if you are 65 or older. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but do not rely on receiving one — checking your expiration date yourself is safer.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia driver licenses last eight years for drivers under 65 and five years for drivers 65 and older.
  • You can renew online or by mail if your license is still valid or expired less than two years; in-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago.
  • Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website costs $32 and takes about 10 minutes; you will receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice sent by the state, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DDS office requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and a Social Security number, and you can get your license the same day.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the steps. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $32.

During online renewal, you cannot request a new photo — your current photo will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. After you submit your renewal online, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a name change, or if you have certain medical conditions that require DDS review. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. The Georgia DDS sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $32, and mail it back in the prepaid envelope.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DDS receives your envelope. You cannot request a new photo through the mail. If you do not have the renewal notice, you can still renew by mail — contact the DDS to request a renewal form, or use online renewal instead, which is faster.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago. It is also your only option if you want a new photo, need to change your name, or have medical conditions that require DDS review. You can also choose in-person renewal if you prefer to walk out with your license the same day instead of waiting for mail delivery.

Bring a valid ID (your expired Georgia license counts), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The fee is $32. Processing takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive your new license before you leave the office. If you want a new photo, bring one that meets Georgia's photo requirements, or the office will take one for you at no extra cost.

To find a DDS office near you and check wait times, visit the Georgia DDS website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting. Some offices have shorter wait times than others, so if one location is busy, try another.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your renewal confirmation number (from online renewal) or your renewal notice (from mail renewal) to prove you have applied, but this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DDS office in person. The longer your license has been expired, the more documents you may need to bring, so contact the DDS before your visit to confirm what is required.

Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL) in Georgia

Commercial driver licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current CDL, a valid ID, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of medical certification (your medical examiner's certificate). The fee is $32 for a standard CDL renewal.

CDL renewals take longer than regular license renewals because the DDS must verify your medical status and driving record. Plan for at least 45 minutes to an hour. If your medical certification has expired or is about to expire, renew it before you go to the DDS office — you cannot renew your CDL without current medical certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I have moved out of state?

No. Georgia requires you to be a resident to hold a Georgia license. If you have moved, you must get a license from your new state. You can renew your Georgia license by mail or online only if you still live in Georgia.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew online — just use your license number and Social Security number on the Georgia DDS website. If you want to renew by mail without the notice, contact the DDS to request a renewal form, or use online renewal instead.

How long does it take to get my license after in-person renewal?

You receive your new license before you leave the DDS office on the day you renew in person. If you renew online, your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, it takes two to three weeks.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?

Georgia does not suspend your license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. You can renew your license even if you owe money. However, the state may suspend your license for other reasons, such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction, so check your driving record before you renew.

Do I need to take a new written or road test to renew?

No. License renewal in Georgia does not require a written test or road test. You only need to pass a vision screening if you renew in person at a DDS office. Online and mail renewals do not include a vision test.