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

In Georgia, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. Most people renew online through the Georgia DDS website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any address changes in the past four years, and your vision has not changed significantly. If you do not meet these requirements, you must renew in person.

Your Georgia license is valid for four or eight years depending on which you choose at renewal. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date, and you should plan ahead because processing times vary. Online renewals typically process within one to two weeks, but mail renewals can take four to six weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia offers online renewal through the DDS website for $32 (four years) or $64 (eight years), and most drivers are may be able to access if their license is not suspended and their address has not changed.
  • You can renew in person at any DDS office if you are not may be able to access for online renewal, need a new photo, or prefer to handle it face-to-face.
  • Mail renewal is available but slower than online or in-person options, taking four to six weeks for processing.
  • You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your license expires, so plan ahead to avoid driving on an expired license.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number if renewing in person.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option for most Georgia drivers. Visit the Georgia DDS website and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details that may have changed.

After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it expires during that time, because the state considers your online renewal process as proof of a valid license.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have moved to a new address within the past four years, if you need a corrected name or gender marker, or if you have vision or medical concerns that require an in-person exam. In any of these cases, you must visit a DDS office.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

If you are not may be able to access for online renewal or prefer to renew face-to-face, you can visit any Department of Driver Services office in Georgia. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

At the office, a DDS employee will verify your information, take a new photo, and may test your vision. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the renewal fee at the counter and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within two to three weeks.

Georgia DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need an appointment for renewal in most offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time. Check the DDS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available only if you meet the same requirements as online renewal: your license is not suspended, your address has not changed in four years, and you have no vision or medical concerns. You cannot request a mail renewal form online; instead, you must call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to request an process be mailed to you.

Once you receive the form, complete it and mail it back with your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a photocopy of your proof of Social Security number. Mail your packet to the address shown on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks from the time DDS receives your packet, so plan accordingly. You will receive a temporary paper license in the mail while your permanent license is being produced.

What documents you need for in-person renewal

Georgia requires specific documents depending on your situation. All drivers renewing in person must bring a current, valid form of identification (your current Georgia driver's license works) and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable proof includes an original or certified Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security benefits statement.

You must also bring proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government-issued mail dated within the past 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

If your name, gender marker, or other information has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves the change. For a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For a gender marker change, bring a certified court order or a letter from a licensed physician or mental health professional on official letterhead stating that you have undergone or are undergoing treatment for gender transition.

License validity and expiration dates

Georgia driver's licenses are valid for either four or eight years, and you choose the length when you renew. A four-year license costs $32, and an eight-year license costs $64. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. If you are over 65 years old, your license is valid for eight years at no extra cost.

You should not drive after your license expires. However, if you have submitted a renewal process online or in person before your license expires, you are legally permitted to drive while your new license is being processed. Keep your confirmation number or temporary paper license with you as proof that you have renewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires taking the written test and vision test at a DDS office. Contact your local DDS office for information about explore for a new license.

What happens if I renew online but my address changed and I did not update it?

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved, contact the Georgia DDS before you renew to update your address, or renew in person instead. If your license is mailed to an old address, you can request a replacement at a DDS office.

Do I need a new photo when I renew my Georgia license?

If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DDS office. A new photo is required if your current license photo is damaged or if you request one.

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

Online renewals typically process within one to two weeks. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, visit a DDS office in person to receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days.

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

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an unpaid traffic ticket. However, if your license is suspended due to unpaid fines or other violations, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Georgia DDS or the court that issued the ticket to find out how to clear the suspension.