Georgia driver's license renewal: in-person, online, or by mail
Georgia offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the DDS website, in person at a local DDS office, or by mail if you meet specific conditions. Which route you take depends on whether your license is expired, how soon you need it, and whether you have a REAL ID-compliant license or a standard one.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at a DDS office takes longer to schedule but lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal is the slowest but requires no trip to an office.
Your current license type and expiration date determine which method you can use. Georgia does not allow online renewal if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you're renewing a REAL ID license for the first time.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website works only if your license expired within the last two years and you don't need to change your name, address, or license type.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office requires an appointment booked through the online system; walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you meet Georgia's specific requirements, which you can verify on the DDS website.
- REAL ID licenses require in-person renewal and proof of identity and residency, even if you renewed online before.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online and mail renewal, or you receive a temporary license when ready at an in-person appointment.
Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website
To renew online, go to dds.georgia.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll need your current Georgia driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $32 for a four-year renewal or $64 for an eight-year renewal.
Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address on the license, if you're renewing a REAL ID license, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these explore, you must renew in person.
After you complete the online form and pay the fee, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
To renew in person, book an appointment through the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Click "Schedule an Appointment" and select your nearest office and preferred date and time. Walk-ins are not accepted; you must have a scheduled appointment.
Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). If you're renewing a REAL ID license, you'll also need a passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate.
The in-person renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. At your appointment, you'll have your photo taken and sign the process. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal for standard licenses
Mail renewal is available only for standard (non-REAL ID) Georgia driver's licenses that are not expired. To renew by mail, contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 or visit a DDS office to request a mail renewal form. You can also read the form from the DDS website.
Complete the form, include a check or money order for $32 (four-year) or $64 (eight-year) made payable to "Georgia DDS," and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DDS receives your process. Your renewed license will be mailed to you when processing is complete.
Mail renewal does not work if your license is expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you're renewing a REAL ID license. In those cases, you must renew in person or, for standard licenses with no changes, contact DDS to discuss your options.
REAL ID license renewal requirements
If your Georgia driver's license displays a gold star in the upper right corner, it is a REAL ID-compliant license. REAL ID licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DDS office.
For REAL ID renewal, bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and one of the following as proof of identity: a valid U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, or military ID. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of identity for REAL ID renewal.
The renewal fee is the same as a standard license ($32 for four years or $64 for eight years). You'll receive a temporary license at your appointment and your permanent REAL ID license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon
If your Georgia driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it online. You must renew in person at a DDS office with an appointment. Bring the same documents as in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Georgia residency.
If your license will expire within 30 days, you can renew online or by mail (if may be able to access) without waiting for the new license to arrive. Georgia allows you to drive on your current license until it expires, even if you've already submitted a renewal process.
If you need a license before your appointment date or before mail processing completes, ask about a temporary license at a DDS office. A temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being processed.
Address changes and name changes during renewal
If you need to change your address or name on your Georgia driver's license, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of Georgia residency, and proof of the name or address change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or utility bill for address changes).
The renewal fee remains $32 or $64 depending on the license term you choose. Your temporary license will reflect your new name or address when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days with the updated information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia driver's license if I don't live in Georgia anymore?
No. Georgia requires proof of current residency to renew your license. If you've moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. You cannot renew a Georgia license remotely or by mail if you no longer live there.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?
Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online process. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need a license sooner, you must renew in person to receive a temporary license the same day.
What if I lost my Social Security card and can't find proof of my Social Security number?
You can use a W-2, 1099, tax return, or other document showing your Social Security number instead of the card itself. If you don't have any of these, contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to ask what other documents they will accept as proof.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Georgia driver's license?
If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your renewed license. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken at your appointment. You cannot request a new photo during online or mail renewal.
Can I renew my Georgia license if it's suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Georgia DDS. Contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 or visit a local office to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.