How to Renew Your Driver's License in Gwinnett County, Georgia

Renew Your Gwinnett County License at the DMV Office or by Mail

Gwinnett County residents renew their Georgia driver's license through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), not a county office. You have two main routes: renew in person at a DDS location in or near Gwinnett County, or renew by mail if you meet specific conditions. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes once you arrive; mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your materials.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and whether you have changed your name or address since your last renewal. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to a DDS office in person.

Gwinnett County has two full-service DDS locations: one in Lawrenceville and one in Duluth. Both handle standard renewals, replacements, and new licenses. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon typically means shorter lines than midday or Friday.

Key Takeaways

You can renew by mail only if your current license is still valid, you have not changed your name, and you do not need a new photo.
In-person renewal at a Gwinnett County DDS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed DL 44 form.
Georgia driver's licenses expire on your birthday and are valid for eight years; renewal fees are $32 for a standard license or $57 for a REAL ID-compliant license.
If you renew by mail, send your materials to the DDS mailing address in Atlanta; do not send them to the Gwinnett County office.
Expired licenses cannot be renewed by mail and require an in-person visit to a DDS office.

In-Person Renewal at a Gwinnett County DDS Office

The Lawrenceville DDS office is located at 455 Crescent Avenue, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. The Duluth office is at 3755 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, GA 30096. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (closed Sundays and state holidays). You do not need an appointment; service is first-come, first-served.

Bring your current Georgia driver's license, one document proving your current address, and a completed DL 44 form (process for Driver's License or Learner's Permit). Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your current address also works. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

At the office, you will take a new photo and pass a vision test. You will also answer questions about your driving record and any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive. The fee is $32 for a standard eight-year license or $57 for a REAL ID-compliant license (which allows you to use your driver's license for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings). You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card.

Renewing by Mail from Gwinnett County

Mail renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your current Georgia driver's license is still valid (not expired), you have not changed your name since your last renewal, you do not need a new photo, and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that have changed. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person.

To renew by mail, complete the DL 44 form and mail it along with your current license and the renewal fee ($32 standard or $57 REAL ID) to the DDS mailing address: Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013. Do not mail your materials to the Gwinnett County office; they will not process mail renewals there. Include a check or money order made payable to "Georgia DDS." Do not send cash.

DDS will mail your new license to the address on your current license. If that address is no longer correct, you must renew in person instead. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your envelope. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive during that time.

Documents You Need and Common Mistakes

The most common reason a renewal is delayed or rejected is a missing or incorrect proof of residency. A utility bill works, but it must show your full name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill, credit card statement, or insurance bill does not count. If you live with someone else and the utility bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus the utility bill.

Another frequent mistake is submitting an incomplete DL 44 form. The form asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and signature. If you skip any field or sign in the wrong place, DDS will reject the form and send it back. read the form from the Georgia DDS website or pick one up at any DDS office. Do not use an old or photocopied version.

If you are renewing by mail and your address has changed, do not mail the renewal. Go in person instead and bring proof of your new address. The same applies if you have changed your name: you must appear in person with a certified copy of the document showing the name change.

REAL ID Compliance and License Types

Georgia offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. A REAL ID license costs $57 and is also valid for eight years but meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

If you are renewing a standard license and want to upgrade to REAL ID, you can do so at any DDS office. You will need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate (or passport) in addition to your usual renewal documents. By mail, you cannot upgrade to REAL ID; you must go in person.

If your current license is already REAL ID-compliant, your renewal will be REAL ID-compliant as well, and you do not need to bring extra documents. Your license will show a small star in the upper right corner if it is REAL ID-compliant.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your Georgia driver's license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a DDS office in person and bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and a completed DL 44 form. You will also take a new photo and pass a vision test.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may be required to take a written driving test in addition to the vision test. Check the expiration date on your license before you drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Gwinnett County license online?

No. Georgia does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew in person at a DDS office or by mail. Some states allow online renewal, but Georgia does not.

How long is my license valid after I renew it?

A renewed Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Your new expiration date will be printed on the license. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before it expires.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew by mail if you do not have your current license. Go to a DDS office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of residency, a completed DL 44 form, and a second form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID). The fee is the same as a renewal.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew in person, yes — you will take a new photo at the DDS office. If you renew by mail, you keep your old photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail, you must go in person instead.

What if my address changed after I mailed my renewal?

Contact the Georgia DDS before your new license is mailed. Call 678-413-8400 (Gwinnett County DDS office) or the main DDS line at 404-657-9700. Provide your name, date of birth, and current license number. DDS can update your address on file, but you may need to visit an office in person to confirm the change.

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.