Georgia's Renewal Process for Drivers 65 and Older

Georgia allows drivers 65 and older to renew their license by mail or online, without visiting a driver's license office in person. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and the renewal is valid for eight years from the date you renew — the same length as a standard Georgia license.

The state does not require a vision test, written test, or road test for senior renewal. However, your doctor can report you to the Georgia Department of Driver Services if they believe you are unsafe to drive, and the state may then require you to take a road test or surrender your license.

If you have medical conditions that affect your driving, or if your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot use the mail or online renewal process and must visit a driver's license office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia drivers 65 and older can renew by mail or online without visiting an office or taking any tests.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and your new license is valid for eight years.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed form, a new photo, and payment; online renewal requires a valid email address and a credit or debit card.
  • If you have a suspended or revoked license, or certain medical conditions, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
  • Your doctor can report unsafe driving to the state, which may trigger a road test or license suspension.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, you will need to submit a completed Form DL 44 (process for a Driver's License or Learner's Permit), a new photo, and payment. You can read Form DL 44 from the Georgia Department of Driver Services website or request it by mail.

Your photo must be a color photograph, 1 inch by 1.5 inches, taken within the last six months. You can have the photo taken at a driver's license office, a pharmacy, or a professional photographer. Do not use a digital photo you print yourself unless it meets the state's technical requirements.

The renewal fee for an eight-year license is $32. You can pay by check or money order made out to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Mail your completed form, photo, and payment to the address listed on the Form DL 44 instructions. Processing takes two to three weeks after the state receives your process.

Renewing Online

Online renewal is faster than mail renewal and requires no photo. You will need a valid email address, a credit or debit card, and your current Georgia driver's license number. Visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the online renewal option.

The online system will ask you to confirm your personal information, answer health and safety questions, and pay the $32 renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You do not need to upload a photo — the state will use the photo from your current license.

Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you do not have a credit or debit card, or if the online system rejects your information, you can renew by mail instead.

When You Must Renew in Person

You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition that may affect your driving, or if you need to change your name or address. In these cases, you must visit a driver's license office in person.

If you are renewing in person, bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. You will have your photo taken at the office. The renewal fee is the same — $32 for an eight-year license.

You can find your nearest driver's license office on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Call ahead or check online before you go.

Medical Reporting and Road Tests

Georgia law allows your doctor to report you to the Department of Driver Services if they believe you are unsafe to drive due to a medical condition, medication, or physical or mental impairment. The state does not require you to report yourself, but your doctor can do so without your permission.

If the state receives a report, it may send you a letter asking you to take a road test, submit to a medical evaluation, or surrender your license. You have the right to request a hearing before the state suspends or revokes your license. If you receive such a letter, contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services when ready to understand your options.

Some seniors choose to voluntarily surrender their license if they no longer drive or feel unsafe behind the wheel. You can do this at any driver's license office, and the state will issue you a non-driver identification card if you need a state ID for other purposes.

Non-Driver Identification Cards

If you do not drive or have surrendered your license, you can get a non-driver identification card from Georgia. This card has the same format as a driver's license and can be used for identification at banks, airports, and other places that require a state ID.

A non-driver ID costs $20 and is valid for eight years. You can get one by visiting a driver's license office in person with proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot get a non-driver ID by mail or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can renew by mail from anywhere in the United States. You will need to submit Form DL 44, a new photo, and payment by check or money order. Online renewal requires a Georgia mailing address, so if you have moved out of state, mail renewal is your option.

What if my license is about to expire and I have not renewed yet?

You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a driver's license office in person and may need to take a written test and road test, depending on how long it has been expired.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online?

No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.

What happens if my doctor reports me to the state?

The state will send you a letter explaining the report and may ask you to take a road test, submit medical records, or surrender your license. You have the right to request a hearing. Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services as soon as you receive the letter.

Can I renew if my name has changed?

No. If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or another reason, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.