Renewing Your Georgia License: The Three Routes

Georgia gives you three ways to renew your driver's license: online, by mail, or in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all.

Your current license must not be expired by more than five years to renew by mail or online. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. You also must renew in person if you need a new photo, have a medical condition to report, or are changing your name or address on your license.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $32 for a four-year license, and you receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice Georgia sends you, takes two to three weeks, and costs the same $32 fee.
  • In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, or you are changing your name or address.
  • You can renew online or by mail only if your current license is not expired by more than five years and you do not need a new photo.
  • Georgia does not charge a separate fee for renewing online versus in person; the cost is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license.

Renewing Online Through the Georgia DDS Website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you are may be able to access. Go to dds.georgia.gov, click the "Renew Your License" button, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about your current address, medical conditions, and whether you have any traffic violations or suspensions. The system will confirm your information and ask you to pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.

The fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. After you pay, Georgia mails your new license to the address on file. Expect it to arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you have certain medical conditions to report. The website will tell you when ready if you are not may be able to access and direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal uses the renewal notice that Georgia sends to you automatically about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include your current license or a copy of it, and mail it back to the address on the envelope. Do not send cash; pay by check or money order made out to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time Georgia receives your envelope. The fee is the same as online renewal: $32 for four years or $64 for eight years. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 or by visiting a DDS office.

Like online renewal, mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you do not need a new photo. If you have lost your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail by downloading the renewal form from dds.georgia.gov and mailing it with a copy of your current license.

Renewing in Person at a DDS Office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you have a medical condition to report. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your license class or add endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement).

Bring your current Georgia 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 or lease). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you have a medical condition, bring a form signed by your doctor.

Visit dds.georgia.gov and use the office locator to find the DDS office nearest you. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. The in-person renewal fee is $32 for four years or $64 for eight years. You will receive your new license photo when ready and your physical license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license has been expired for five years or less, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as above. Georgia does not penalize you for renewing a license that is already expired, as long as it has not been expired for more than five years.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal. You cannot drive legally until you have a valid license, so schedule your office visit as soon as you can.

Fees and Payment Methods

Georgia charges $32 for a four-year license and $64 for an eight-year license. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Georgia does not charge a separate fee for a replacement license if you lose your license before it expires. However, if you need a duplicate license (a second copy of your current license), the fee is $20.

How Long Your New License Is Valid

When you renew, you choose whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. A four-year license costs $32 and is valid for four years from the date of issue. An eight-year license costs $64 and is valid for eight years. Drivers under 21 cannot get an eight-year license; their licenses are always four years.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days of your renewal. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records—Georgia does not require you to return it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. You do not need to be in Georgia. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Georgia DDS office, so plan a trip or contact the office to ask about alternatives.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can request a new renewal notice by calling 678-413-8400, visiting dds.georgia.gov, or going to a DDS office in person. You can also renew by mail without the notice by downloading the renewal form from the website and mailing it with a copy of your current license.

How do I know if my license is about to expire?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Georgia also mails a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. If you did not receive a notice, check your address on file or call 678-413-8400 to confirm it is correct.

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

You can renew your license online or by mail even if you have an outstanding ticket or fine. However, if you owe money to Georgia for traffic violations, the state may suspend your license. Contact the DDS or the court that issued the ticket to find out your status before renewing.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at a DDS office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.