What You Need to Do to Renew in Georgia
Georgia allows you to renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your Georgia driver license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DDS office in person.
The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license. If you renew online or by mail, you will not receive a physical license in the mail; instead, you will get a renewal receipt that serves as proof of renewal until your new card arrives. The physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at dds.georgia.gov, by mail using Form DL-44, or in person at any DDS office, but only online and by mail work if your license has not yet expired.
- Georgia driver licenses are valid for eight years, and you can start the renewal process up to one year before expiration.
- The renewal fee is $32, and you will receive a temporary receipt when ready upon approval; your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- If you need to change your address, add a REAL ID endorsement, or update other information, you may need to renew in person instead of online or by mail.
- An expired Georgia license cannot be renewed by mail or online — you must visit a DDS office with required documents.
Online Renewal Through the Georgia DDS Website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license has not expired and you do not need to make changes to your address or other personal information. Go to dds.georgia.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.
During the online process, you will answer questions about your vision, medical conditions, and driving record. You will also confirm your address and other details on file. If everything is correct and you have no disqualifying conditions, you can pay the $32 fee by credit or debit card. Once approved, you will receive a temporary renewal receipt on screen that you can print or save to your phone.
Online renewal does not work if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, if you want to add a REAL ID endorsement, or if you have certain medical or legal holds on your record. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal works if your license has not expired and you do not need to change your address or add a REAL ID endorsement. Request Form DL-44 from the Georgia DDS website or call 678-413-8400. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your $32 fee (check or money order) and a copy of your current license to the address listed on the form.
Processing time for mail renewal is typically 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DDS receives your envelope. You will not know the exact receipt date unless you pay extra for certified mail. Once approved, your temporary renewal receipt will be mailed to you, followed by your physical license card within 7 to 10 business days after that.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works well if you prefer not to use the website or if you do not have a credit or debit card. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.
In-Person Renewal at a DDS Office
Visit a DDS office if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, if you want to add a REAL ID endorsement, or if you have a medical or legal hold on your record. Bring your current license (or expired license), proof of Georgia residency, and your $32 fee. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You may be asked to answer questions about medical conditions or take a written test if your record shows violations or suspensions.
DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations offer Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times at dds.georgia.gov. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.
Address Changes and REAL ID Endorsements
If you have moved and need to update your address on your Georgia license, you cannot do so online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new Georgia address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and $32. The office will issue you a new license with the updated address on the spot.
A REAL ID endorsement is required for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If your current license does not have a REAL ID star in the top right corner, you can add one during renewal. To add REAL ID, you must renew in person at a DDS office and bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of Georgia residency. The fee remains $32.
What Happens If Your License Expires
Once your Georgia license expires, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to a DDS office in person with your expired license, proof of residency, and $32. You will also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written driving test depending on how long the license has been expired and your driving record.
Driving with an expired Georgia license is illegal, even if you have begun the renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show a temporary renewal receipt from online or mail renewal, but only if your license had not yet expired when you started the process. If your license has already expired, you have no legal proof of licensure until you visit a DDS office and receive a new card.
Documents You Will Need
| Renewal Method | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number |
| By Mail | Form DL-44, copy of current license, $32 check or money order |
| In Person (Standard) | Current or expired license, proof of Georgia residency, $32 |
| In Person (Address Change) | Current license, proof of new Georgia address, $32 |
| In Person (REAL ID) | Current license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Georgia residency, $32 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Once it expires, you lose the option to renew online or by mail and must visit a DDS office. Start the process at least 30 days before expiration to avoid this problem.
Do not assume your address is correct on file. If you have moved, you must update it in person at a DDS office. Renewing online or by mail will lock in your old address, and you will have to visit an office later to change it.
Do not send cash through the mail. Use a check or money order for mail renewal. Do not send your original Social Security card or birth certificate — bring copies only if you are renewing in person for a REAL ID endorsement.
Do not ignore medical or legal holds on your record. If you have a suspension, revocation, or medical restriction, you cannot renew online or by mail. Contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out what documents you need before visiting an office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I have a suspension or revocation on my record?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if you have an active suspension or revocation. You must visit a DDS office in person. Call 678-413-8400 to find out what documents or fees you need to clear the hold before you can renew.
What if I moved out of Georgia but still have a Georgia license?
You cannot renew a Georgia license if you no longer live in Georgia. You must obtain a license from your new state of residence. If you are temporarily out of state, you may be able to renew by mail if your license has not expired; contact the DDS to confirm.
How long does it take to get my new license card after I renew online?
After you renew online and receive your temporary receipt, your physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary receipt is valid proof of renewal during this time. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DDS at 678-413-8400.
Do I need a REAL ID endorsement to renew my Georgia license?
A REAL ID endorsement is not required to renew your license, but it is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. If you plan to fly or access federal buildings, add the endorsement during renewal by visiting a DDS office in person.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition?
It depends on the condition. During online or mail renewal, you will answer questions about your health. If you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the DDS may require you to renew in person, provide a doctor's statement, or take a medical evaluation. Contact the DDS if you are unsure whether your condition will affect renewal.