Georgia driver's license renewal locations
You can renew your Georgia driver's license at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office across the state. Georgia has 59 DDS locations, including offices in every county and satellite locations in larger cities. You do not have to renew at the office closest to you — you can visit any location that fits your schedule.
Not all transactions are available at every location. Full-service offices handle renewals, replacements, and new licenses. Some satellite and express locations handle renewals only. Before you drive to an office, check the DDS website or call ahead to confirm that location offers renewal services.
You can also renew online or by mail if you meet Georgia's requirements for remote renewal. In-person renewal is necessary only if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your address or name, or if you do not meet the online renewal criteria.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia has 59 DDS offices statewide, and you can renew at any of them regardless of where you live or where your license was issued.
- Full-service offices are open during standard business hours, usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but hours vary by location.
- Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number.
- You will pay the renewal fee at the office — Georgia charges $32 for a four-year renewal and $64 for an eight-year renewal as of 2024, though fees may change.
- If your license is suspended or expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may face additional requirements or fees.
How to find the DDS office nearest you
The Georgia DDS website has an office locator tool where you enter your city or county and see all nearby locations, their hours, and the services they offer. You can also call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 to ask which office is closest and whether it handles renewals.
Many DDS offices in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and other large cities have multiple locations. Some are full-service offices open five days a week; others are express locations with shorter hours or limited services. The website shows which services each location provides, so you can confirm before you go.
If you live in a rural county, the nearest DDS office may be 30 to 45 minutes away. In that case, renewing online or by mail may save you time. Check whether you meet Georgia's remote renewal rules before making the trip.
What to bring to renew in person
Bring your current Georgia driver's license and one form of proof of residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number verbally or in writing — the DDS will verify it with the Social Security Administration. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
If you are renewing a license that expired more than five years ago, bring additional documents. Georgia may require proof of lawful presence in the United States, such as a passport, birth certificate, or visa. The DDS office can tell you what you need when you call or visit.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Georgia charges $32 for a four-year driver's license renewal and $64 for an eight-year renewal. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change. You pay the fee at the DDS office when you complete your renewal — cash, debit card, and credit card are accepted at most locations, though some may accept cash only.
If your license is suspended or has been expired for more than five years, you may owe additional fees or be required to retake the written test. Ask the DDS office about your specific situation before you renew.
You cannot pay the renewal fee online or by mail unless you are renewing by mail. If you renew in person, you will pay at the office.
DDS office hours and wait times
Most Georgia DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some variation by location. A few offices have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the office locator on the DDS website for the exact hours of the location you plan to visit.
Wait times vary widely depending on the office, the day of the week, and the time of day. Offices in rural areas often have shorter waits. Urban offices, especially in Atlanta, can have waits of 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times. Visiting early in the morning or midweek usually means a shorter wait.
Georgia does not currently offer online appointment scheduling for in-person renewals. You arrive and take a number. Some offices have a text-ahead system that lets you join the queue remotely, but this is not available at all locations. Call ahead to ask whether your office offers this option.
When you must renew in person instead of online or by mail
You must renew in person if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, such as vision loss or seizures, the DDS may require you to renew in person and pass a medical examination or vision test. If you are unsure whether you can renew online, call the DDS or check your renewal notice — it will tell you whether you are may be able to access for remote renewal.
Drivers under 21 must renew in person because Georgia requires them to pass a vision test and sign the license process in front of a DDS employee.
What happens after you renew
After you complete your renewal at a DDS office, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the paper license — it is your proof of a valid license until the plastic one arrives.
If your plastic license does not arrive within two weeks, call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. They can check the status of your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
Your new license will be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which term you chose. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia driver's license at any DDS office, or do I have to go to the one in my county?
You can renew at any DDS office in Georgia, regardless of which county you live in or where your current license was issued. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you. However, confirm that the office offers renewal services — some satellite locations handle only certain transactions.
What if I cannot find a proof of residency document dated within the last 60 days?
Contact the DDS office before you visit and ask what alternative documents they will accept. Older utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements may be accepted if you can explain why you do not have a recent one. Some offices will accept a notarized affidavit of residency if you cannot produce a dated document.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person at a DDS office?
Georgia DDS offices do not require appointments for standard renewals. You arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. Some offices have a text-ahead system that lets you join the queue from your car, but this is not available everywhere. Call your local office to ask whether it offers this option.
How long does it take to renew my license in person at a DDS office?
The actual renewal process takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter. Wait time before that depends on how busy the office is — it can range from 15 minutes in a quiet rural office to over an hour in a busy urban location. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.
What if my license is suspended — can I still renew it in person?
You can renew a suspended license in person, but the suspension will remain in effect until you resolve the underlying issue — usually paying a fine, completing a traffic safety course, or serving a suspension period. Renewing does not lift the suspension. Contact the DDS to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension before or after you renew.