Georgia driver's license renewal basics

You can renew your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You're may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, your address hasn't changed, and your license hasn't been lost or stolen. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must renew in person at a DDS office.

Your Georgia license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, and you have a 30-day grace period after expiration to drive legally while your new license is in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal costs $32 for four years or $64 for eight years, takes 10 minutes, and your license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can only renew online if your license is valid, your address hasn't changed, and you have no medical restrictions or suspensions.
  • In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license is suspended, you've moved, or your license was lost or stolen.
  • You can renew up to one year before your birthday and have 30 days after expiration to drive while waiting for your new license.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require proof of citizenship and a Social Security number at a DDS office.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website

To renew online, go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the online renewal option. You'll 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 DDS records.

You'll choose your license type (standard or Real ID) and pay by debit card or credit card. Standard licenses are $32 for four years or $64 for eight years. Real ID licenses cost the same amount but require you to visit a DDS office in person to verify your citizenship and Social Security number — you cannot complete Real ID renewal entirely online.

After you submit your payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address, you must do that in person at a DDS office or by mail before you renew online.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

Visit your local DDS office with your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you're renewing a Real ID license, bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Bring your current license even if it's expired. The DDS office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You'll pay the same fee as online renewal: $32 for four years or $64 for eight years. If you need to change your address, the DDS office will update it during your visit.

Wait times at DDS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and mid-week. You can check wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go, and some offices accept walk-ins while others require an appointment.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. You cannot renew by mail if you need a Real ID license or if your license was lost or stolen.

To renew by mail, contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services to request a renewal form, or read it from their website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $32 (four years) or $64 (eight years), and mail it to the address on the form. Include a copy of your current driver's license.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time DDS receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to you after processing. This option is slower than online renewal and in-person renewal, so plan ahead if you choose this route.

Real ID licenses and federal compliance

A Real ID license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Georgia offers Real ID licenses at no extra cost — they're the same price as standard licenses. If you want a Real ID license, you must renew in person at a DDS office.

Bring proof of citizenship (a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate) and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). You'll also need your Social Security number and your current driver's license. The DDS office will verify your documents and take a new photo.

If you renew online or by mail, you'll receive a standard license, not a Real ID license. You can upgrade to a Real ID license at any time by visiting a DDS office in person with the required documents.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it's suspended or revoked. You must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and any documents required to clear the suspension or revocation.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain auto insurance. If your license is suspended for one of these reasons, you'll need to resolve the underlying issue before the DDS office can renew your license. For example, if it's suspended for unpaid insurance, you'll need proof of current coverage.

Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services before your visit to find out what documents you need to bring. The DDS website has a section where you can check your license status and see the reason for any suspension.

Renewing an expired license or one that's about to expire

If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you may not be able to renew it online. You'll need to visit a DDS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address if it has changed.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you may be required to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DDS office. Contact DDS before your visit to confirm what you'll need to bring and what tests you'll take.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until your birthday. Renewing early gives you plenty of time to receive your new license before the old one expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new Georgia license after I renew online?

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. You have a 30-day grace period after your old license expires to drive legally while you're waiting for the new one to arrive.

Can I renew my Georgia license if I've moved to another state?

No. If you've moved out of Georgia, you need to get a driver's license from your new state. If you've moved within Georgia, you can renew online as long as you update your address first — either in person at a DDS office or by mail before you renew online.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person with proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address. You'll pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. The DDS office will take a new photo and issue your new license on the spot.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Georgia?

No. A standard Georgia driver's license is valid for driving. You only need a Real ID license if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license but requires proof of citizenship.

Can I renew my Georgia license if I have a medical restriction?

No. If you have a medical restriction on your license, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person. The DDS office may require you to provide updated medical documentation or pass a vision test before renewing your license.