What you need to do to renew in Georgia
Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services office. Which method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address.
If your Georgia license hasn't expired yet, you can renew online through the DDS website without visiting an office or paying a fee to mail anything. If your license has already expired, you'll need to renew in person or by mail. The in-person route takes one visit and a few hours; the mail route takes two to four weeks.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. It contains your renewal code, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive one, you can still renew in person with your current license and proof of residency.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia offers online renewal for licenses that haven't expired yet, and you pay nothing extra if you renew before the expiration date.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and produces a temporary digital license you can use when ready while your physical card arrives by mail.
- If your license has expired, you must renew in person at a DDS office or by mail; online renewal is not an option.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment by card, check, or cash.
- A standard five-year renewal costs $32; a Real ID-compliant license costs $50 and requires proof of citizenship and Social Security number.
Online renewal: fastest if your license is still valid
Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is the quickest route if your license hasn't expired. You'll need your renewal code (from the notice mailed to you), your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes.
After you complete the online form and pay the $32 renewal fee by debit or credit card, Georgia issues you a temporary digital license when ready. You can use this digital license on your phone right away for most purposes—showing it to police, entering age-restricted venues, or boarding domestic flights. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not let you change your photo or address. If you need either of those updated, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
Visiting a DDS office is required if your license has expired, if you want a new photo, or if you need to update your address. You'll need to bring your current license (or an expired license if you're renewing after expiration), proof of residency, and payment.
Proof of residency means a document showing your name and current Georgia address issued within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. If you've moved recently and don't have a document yet, contact your local DDS office to ask what they'll accept.
Payment is $32 for a standard five-year renewal. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025), the cost is $50 and you'll need to bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and your Social Security card or number.
Wait times at DDS offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-week. You can check current wait times on the DDS website before you go, and some offices let you schedule an appointment online.
Mail renewal for expired licenses
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must visit a DDS office in person. If it expired within the last two years, you can renew by mail using the renewal notice that was sent to you before expiration.
Mail in your renewal notice, your current (expired) license, a check or money order for $32, and a copy of your proof of residency. Send everything to the address printed on your renewal notice. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date DDS receives your packet.
Mail renewal does not include a new photo, so your current photo stays on file. If you need a photo update, you must renew in person.
Real ID versus standard license: what's the difference
A Real ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and is required to enter federal buildings (courthouses, military bases, federal offices) and to board domestic flights. A standard Georgia license does not meet these standards.
The federal important date for Real ID is May 7, 2025. After that date, you cannot use a standard driver's license to board a domestic flight; you'll need a Real ID license, passport, or other federal ID. Federal buildings have the same requirement.
Real ID renewal costs $50 instead of $32 and requires proof of citizenship (U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate) and your Social Security number or card. You must renew in person or by mail; online renewal does not offer Real ID. If you renew online for a standard license now and want to upgrade to Real ID later, you can do so at a DDS office for the $18 difference.
What happens if your license expires while you're waiting
If you renew online before your license expires, you can use the temporary digital license when ready, so you're covered while your physical card arrives. If you renew in person, you receive your new license the same day.
If your license expires before your renewal is processed (which can happen with mail renewal), you are driving with an expired license. Georgia law allows a grace period of up to 30 days after expiration for renewal purposes, but police can still stop you. To avoid this, mail your renewal packet at least three weeks before your expiration date, or renew online or in person before the date passes.
Changing your address or photo during renewal
You can update your address during any renewal method: online, in person, or by mail. If you renew online, you'll enter your new address on the form. If you renew in person or by mail, bring proof of your new residency.
A new photo is only available if you renew in person at a DDS office. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo on file. If your photo is outdated and you want to update it, schedule an in-person renewal appointment or visit a DDS office without an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I don't have my renewal notice?
Yes. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you're renewing by mail and don't have the notice, contact your local DDS office to request a renewal packet. Online renewal requires your renewal code, so you'll need to call DDS or visit an office to get it.
What if I moved out of state—can I still renew my Georgia license?
No. Once you move to another state, you must get a license from that state. Georgia requires proof of residency to renew, and you cannot provide a current Georgia address if you've moved. Contact your new state's DMV to begin the process there.
How long does a Georgia driver's license last?
A standard Georgia driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew up to six months before expiration.
Do I have to take a new written or driving test to renew?
No. Renewal does not include a written or driving test. You only take tests if you're getting your first license or if your license was suspended or revoked.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at a DDS office and bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.