Georgia offers three main ways to renew your driver's license: online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services office
The fastest route for most people is the Georgia DDS website, where you can renew online if your license is not suspended and you meet a few basic requirements. If you need to renew in person — because your license is damaged, you need a new photo, or you prefer face-to-face service — you will visit a local DDS office. Georgia has 59 driver services locations spread across the state, plus several satellite offices in rural counties. Each location handles renewals during regular business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
This guide covers where each type of renewal happens, what documents you need at each location, and how to find the office nearest you.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is valid and not suspended.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on wait times.
- Georgia has 59 full-service driver services locations plus satellite offices; you can find your nearest location and check wait times on the DDS website.
- Mail-in renewal is available for certain drivers but takes four to six weeks, so it is best used when you are not in a rush.
- Saturday hours are available at select locations, but most offices are closed on Sundays and some holidays.
Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website
The Georgia Department of Driver Services website lets you renew your license without visiting an office if your license is currently valid and not suspended. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license.
After you complete the online renewal, Georgia mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license to drive legally until the new one arrives. Online renewal does not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, or if you need a new photo or a name change on your license.
To start an online renewal, visit the Georgia DDS website (dds.georgia.gov) and select the "Renew Your License" option. You will be asked to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
In-person renewal at a Georgia DDS office
You must renew in person if your license is suspended, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name, or if you prefer not to renew online. Georgia's 59 full-service driver services locations are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Most offices do not have evening hours, so plan to visit during standard business hours — typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though this varies by location.
Bring a valid form of identification (such as a passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The in-person renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new license on the spot if you pass the vision test and your information is correct. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
If you wear corrective lenses, bring your glasses or contacts. You will be asked to read a line on a vision chart as part of the renewal process. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye care professional before your license can be renewed.
Finding your nearest DDS office and checking wait times
Georgia's 59 driver services locations are spread across urban, suburban, and rural areas. The largest cities — Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus — have multiple offices. Rural counties often share a satellite office or are served by a traveling DDS unit that visits on a set schedule.
To find your nearest office, visit the Georgia DDS website and use the office locator tool. Enter your city or ZIP code, and the tool will show you the nearest locations, their hours, and current wait times. Wait times are updated throughout the day and can range from 15 minutes at quiet locations to over an hour at busy urban offices, especially on Fridays and near the end of the month.
If you live in a rural county without a full-service office, check whether a satellite office or mobile unit serves your area. The DDS website lists the schedule for traveling units, which typically visit smaller towns on a rotating basis.
What to bring to a Georgia DDS office
| Document Type | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid ID | Passport, military ID, state ID, tribal ID | Must be current and not expired |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill | Must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current address |
| Social Security Number | You can provide it verbally or on the process form | Required for all renewals |
| Corrective Lenses (if applicable) | Glasses or contacts | Bring them if you wear them while driving |
If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, bring documentation showing that your suspension period has ended. This might include proof that you paid a reinstatement fee, completed a DUI program, or satisfied a court order. The DDS office will verify this information before processing your renewal.
Mail-in renewal for may be able to access drivers
Georgia allows mail-in renewal for drivers whose licenses are valid, not suspended, and not expiring within the next 90 days. You must be at least 18 years old and have held a Georgia license for at least one year. Mail-in renewal costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license.
To renew by mail, contact your nearest DDS office or read the renewal form from the Georgia DDS website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Your new license will arrive by mail in four to six weeks. During this time, your old license remains valid for driving.
Mail-in renewal is useful if you are out of state, have a busy schedule, or prefer not to visit an office. However, it takes longer than online or in-person renewal, so do not use this method if your license expires soon.
Saturday hours and holiday closures
Some Georgia DDS offices are open on Saturday mornings, typically from 8 a.m. to noon. Not all locations offer Saturday service, so check the office locator tool on the Georgia DDS website to see whether your nearest office is open on Saturday. Saturday hours are popular and often have longer wait times than weekday visits.
Georgia DDS offices are closed on Sundays and on federal holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some offices may also close for state holidays. Check the DDS website for a full holiday schedule before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if it is suspended?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended. You must visit a DDS office in person and bring proof that your suspension has ended — such as a reinstatement fee receipt or proof of program completion. The office will verify your status before processing the renewal.
How long does it take to get my new license after renewing online?
Online renewals are mailed to you and typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid for driving during this time. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Georgia DDS office to report the delay.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
You can update your address online during an online renewal. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) and the DDS office will update it for you. Mail-in renewal also allows address changes if you include updated proof of residency with your process.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license at a Georgia DDS office?
Georgia DDS offices do not require appointments for license renewal. You can walk in during business hours, though arriving early or on weekday mornings usually means shorter wait times. Check the office locator tool to see current wait times before you visit.
What happens if I fail the vision test at a DDS office?
If you fail the vision test, you cannot renew your license until you see an eye care professional and bring documentation that your vision meets Georgia's standards. Schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist, then return to the DDS office with the results to complete your renewal.