Georgia driver licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office
Georgia's renewal process depends on your license type and how much time you have left. If your license expires soon, you can start online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website — most people finish in minutes. If you need a new photo or have a medical condition to report, you'll go in person. Mail renewal is also an option for standard renewals, though it takes longer.
The state sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which method works for you and what documents to bring. If you don't receive one, you can still renew — just check the expiration date on your current license and start the process before that date passes.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia driver licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or at a DDS office depending on your situation.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works for most people whose licenses are still valid and who don't need a new photo.
- You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you have certain medical conditions.
- The state charges a renewal fee that varies by license type — check the DDS website or your renewal notice for the exact amount.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, and you can drive on your old license until it arrives.
Online renewal: the fastest route for most people
Start at the Georgia DDS website and select "Renew Your License." You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system checks your driving record and confirms you're may be able to access to renew without visiting an office.
Online renewal works if your license is still valid (not expired), you don't need a new photo, and you have no medical conditions to report. You'll pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Once approved, your new license prints and ships to the address on file — usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license the whole time.
If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal, it will explain why and direct you to the next step — usually an in-person visit or a phone call to DDS.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you have a medical condition that requires DDS review. You'll also go in person if you're changing your name or address and want those updated on your license.
Bring your current Georgia driver license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a medical condition, bring a completed Medical Evaluation Form signed by your doctor.
Walk into any DDS office during business hours — no appointment needed, though wait times vary. The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, collect the renewal fee, and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive when ready with that temporary license while your permanent card arrives by mail.
Mail renewal for standard renewals
If you received a renewal notice in the mail and your situation qualifies for mail renewal, you can send in your process without visiting an office. Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time DDS receives your envelope.
Follow the instructions on your renewal notice exactly. You'll usually mail your current license, the completed renewal form, proof of address, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the notice. Do not send cash. Keep a copy of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
Your new license arrives by mail once DDS processes your renewal. During that time, your old license remains valid for driving.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your Georgia license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as a new driver. This means taking the written test and the road test again, even if you've been driving for decades. You'll also need to visit a DDS office in person.
Bring your Social Security card or other proof of your number, proof of your current address, and proof of your legal name (birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate if your name has changed). You'll pay the full fee for a new license, which is higher than a renewal fee. The office will schedule your written test right away; you can often take it the same day. Once you pass, you'll schedule a road test at a separate appointment.
If your license expired recently but you're not yet at the two-year mark, you can still renew through the normal process — online, by mail, or in person.
Renewal fees and what to expect in the mail
Georgia charges different renewal fees depending on your license type. A standard Class D license renewal costs less than a commercial license renewal. Check your renewal notice or the DDS website for the exact fee before you pay. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or money order — Georgia DDS does not accept personal checks for online renewals, though mail renewals may have different rules.
Your new license arrives in a plain envelope within 7 to 10 business days after DDS approves your renewal. The envelope contains your new license and a temporary paper license you can use while waiting for the plastic card. Keep both until your permanent license arrives, then destroy the temporary one.
If your new license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact DDS to confirm your address and check the status of your renewal. If you move before your new license arrives, call DDS to update your address so the card reaches you.
Medical conditions and vision requirements
Georgia requires all drivers to meet vision standards — you must see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them while driving and your license will note that restriction.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as seizures, severe arthritis, or a heart condition — you must report it to DDS. You cannot renew online if you have a reportable condition. Instead, visit a DDS office and bring a completed Medical Evaluation Form signed by your doctor. DDS will review the form and decide whether to renew your license, renew it with restrictions, or deny renewal.
If you develop a medical condition between renewals, you can report it to DDS at any time by visiting an office or calling. You don't have to wait for your renewal date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Online renewal is available anytime; mail and in-person renewal also accept early applications. Early renewal is useful if you're planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.
What if I moved and my address changed?
If you moved within Georgia, you can update your address during online renewal. If you moved out of state, you must renew in person at a DDS office and bring proof of your new address. Bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days from your new state.
Can I renew if my license was suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact DDS to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once restored, you can then renew normally.
How long can I drive on an expired Georgia license?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. Once your license expires, you must have a valid license in your possession. If you're waiting for your renewed license to arrive by mail, you can drive on the temporary paper license that came with your renewal approval.
What if I lost my license before renewal?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must replace it before you can renew. Visit a DDS office to report the loss and get a replacement license. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it through the normal process when the expiration date approaches.