How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Georgia driver's license renewal basics

You can renew your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you'll pay the fee, upload a new photo, and receive your renewed license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a DDS location is necessary only if you need to update your address, change your name, or if you're not may be able to access for online or mail renewal.

Your Georgia license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, which means you have a full year window to complete the process without penalty. Georgia does not issue temporary licenses during renewal, so plan ahead if you need your license for travel or identification.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is available if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check during online renewal.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DDS; processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
In-person renewal at a DDS office takes about 30 minutes and is required if you're changing your address, name, or if you have medical restrictions or a suspended license.
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Online renewal: what you need and how to start

To renew online, visit the Georgia DDS website and select the renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. Have a recent photo ready — you can take one with your phone or computer camera in a well-lit room with a plain background. The photo must show your face clearly, be in color, and meet standard driver's license photo requirements (no sunglasses, no hats, no filters).

During the online process, you'll review your current information, confirm or update your address, upload your new photo, and pay the $32 renewal fee. If any information is incorrect — including your address — you cannot fix it online and must renew in person instead. Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have medical restrictions or conditions noted on your license; if you've changed your name; or if your address has changed since your last renewal. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal: sending your documents and timeline

To renew by mail, read and complete the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL 44) from the Georgia DDS website. Sign the form and include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $32 made payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, and a new photo if you want to update it. If you don't include a new photo, your current photo will be used on your renewed license.

Mail your completed process, license, and payment to the address listed on the DDS website — the address changes based on your county, so check the website before mailing. Do not use certified mail or require a signature; standard mail is sufficient. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DDS receives your process. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file.

Keep a copy of your completed form and note the date you mailed it. If you don't receive your renewed license within 8 weeks, contact the DDS to confirm receipt. Mail renewal is a good option if you prefer not to visit an office or if you're not may be able to access for online renewal.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

Visit any DDS office to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You'll also need to provide a new photo — the office can take one for you, or you can bring a recent photo that meets the requirements listed above.

In-person renewal is required if you're changing your address, changing your name, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions, or if your license has been expired for more than two years. The process typically takes 30 minutes or less. You'll pay the $32 renewal fee at the office by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. Check the DDS website to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours before you go. Arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times.

What happens if your license expires

If your Georgia driver's license expires, you cannot legally drive until you renew it. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and a fine. If your license has been expired for fewer than two years, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person using the standard renewal process. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DDS office — online and mail renewal are not available.

If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country, you may still renew it by mail or in person within a reasonable time after your return. Contact the DDS to discuss your situation if you're unsure whether you're may be able to access for mail or online renewal after an extended expiration.

Renewing a license with a medical condition or restriction

If your Georgia license has a medical restriction or condition code (such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only), you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DDS office. During your in-person visit, you may be asked to provide medical documentation or to pass a vision or hearing test, depending on your restriction.

If your medical condition has changed or improved, tell the DDS staff during your renewal. They can update your restrictions or remove them if you provide current medical documentation from your doctor. Removing a restriction may require a separate vision or road test, depending on the restriction and your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I'm out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest — you'll receive your license within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. In-person renewal requires you to visit a DDS office in Georgia, so if you're permanently out of state, online or mail renewal is your option.

What if I changed my name since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DDS office and bring legal documentation of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS will update your name and issue your renewed license with the correct name.

How much does it cost to renew a Georgia driver's license?

The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. No additional fees explore unless you're requesting a duplicate license or making changes beyond a standard renewal.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

If your license is lost or stolen, you need a duplicate license, not a renewal. Visit a DDS office in person with your proof of identity and Social Security number. A duplicate license costs $20 and is issued on the spot or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.

Can I renew my license if it's been suspended?

No. You cannot renew a suspended license online or by mail. You must contact the DDS to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are required to lift the suspension. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew through any method. Visit a DDS office or call the DDS for details about your specific suspension.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.