How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Georgia driver's license renewal: what you need to do

Georgia allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Your Georgia license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or five years if you are 65 or older. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your expiration date. The state charges different fees depending on your renewal method and license type.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest option and costs $32 for a standard license, but you must have a valid license that is not yet expired.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $32, but you cannot use it if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you need a REAL ID.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need a REAL ID for the first time, or if you want to change your address or name.
You will need your Social Security number, proof of Georgia residency, and a valid form of identification to renew in any method.
REAL ID-compliant licenses cost $47 and require proof of citizenship or legal residency; standard licenses do not.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest and most direct method if your license is not yet expired. You go to the Georgia DDS website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. You will pay the $32 fee by credit or debit card. The state mails your new license to the address on file, which typically takes five to seven business days after processing.

You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID. You also cannot use online renewal if you have had a suspension or revocation on your record, or if you have unpaid traffic citations or child support obligations flagged in the system.

To start, visit dds.georgia.gov and look for the "Renew Your License" option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Have a valid payment card ready.

Mail renewal for standard licenses

Mail renewal costs $32 and works if your license is not expired and you do not need a REAL ID. You request a renewal form from the Georgia DDS, fill it out, and mail it back with a copy of your current license and proof of residency. The state processes mail renewals in two to three weeks and mails your new license to you.

You cannot use mail renewal if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want a REAL ID. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require you to visit an office or use a computer to complete the form.

To request a renewal form by mail, call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 or visit a DDS office in person. Include a check or money order for $32 payable to "Georgia DDS" when you mail the form back.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are explore for a REAL ID for the first time, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have had a suspension or revocation. In-person renewal also applies if you are under 18 or if the system flags your record for any reason.

Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been less than five years since expiration), proof of Georgia residency, and your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are explore for REAL ID, bring proof of citizenship or legal residency as well.

Visit a DDS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and check hours at dds.georgia.gov. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check the office location page to see if you need to book ahead. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail in five to seven business days.

REAL ID upgrade during renewal

A REAL ID-compliant license costs $47 instead of $32 and requires proof of citizenship or legal residency. You can upgrade to REAL ID during renewal only if you renew in person at a DDS office. You cannot upgrade online or by mail.

Acceptable proof of citizenship includes a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card or employment authorization document (EAD). If you are a visa holder, bring your visa and I-94 arrival/departure record.

REAL ID licenses are required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. If you do not have a REAL ID and plan to fly, you will need a passport or other federal ID instead. Standard Georgia licenses remain valid for all other purposes, including driving.

Documents you need for any renewal method

For online or mail renewal, you need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You do not need to submit physical documents unless you are changing your name or address.

For in-person renewal, bring your current or recently expired license, proof of Georgia residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are changing your name, bring the certified document that shows the change. If you are explore for REAL ID, bring proof of citizenship or legal residency.

Do not bring originals of documents like your birth certificate or Social Security card unless you are changing your name or explore for REAL ID for the first time. The DDS will not return them.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year license renewal costs $32 for people under 65. If you are 65 or older, a five-year renewal costs $32. A REAL ID upgrade costs $47 and is only available in person.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some DDS offices also accept electronic payment. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.

If you renew before your license expires, you pay only the renewal fee. If your license has been expired for more than two years and you renew in person, you may owe a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. The late fee amount depends on how long your license has been expired; call the DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out what you owe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if it expired more than two years ago?

Yes, but only in person at a DDS office. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years. You will also owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

The state mails your new license five to seven business days after you complete the online renewal. Delivery by mail typically takes another three to five business days, so plan for 10 to 12 days total. You receive a temporary paper license confirmation when ready after you pay online.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

You can change your address online during online renewal if you are updating to an address in Georgia. If you are moving out of state or renewing by mail, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

Do I need a REAL ID to drive in Georgia?

No. A standard Georgia driver's license is valid for driving anywhere in the state and the country. REAL ID is required only to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not have a REAL ID, you can use a passport or passport card for those purposes instead.

What happens if I renew online but my license gets denied?

If the system flags your record during online renewal—for example, due to unpaid citations or a suspension—your renewal will not process and you will not be charged. You will receive a message explaining why and instructions to visit a DDS office in person. Call 678-413-8400 if you need help understanding the reason.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.