Where to Renew Your Georgia License
Georgia driver's licenses are renewed through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), which is part of the Secretary of State's office. You can renew in person at any DDS Customer Service Center, by mail, or online through the DDS website — but not all renewal types work through every method.
The fastest route for most people is the online renewal system at dds.georgia.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a standard five-year license. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after DDS receives your process. In-person renewal at a DDS office is when ready but requires an appointment, which you book online before you go.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have changed your name or address, and how long it has been since your last renewal. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must appear in person.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia licenses expire on your birthday and can be renewed online, by mail, or in person, but online renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address.
- The online renewal fee is $32 for a five-year license, and the process takes about 10 minutes; mail renewal costs the same but takes 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS Customer Service Center with a valid ID and proof of residency.
- You must book an in-person appointment through the DDS website before visiting a Customer Service Center; walk-ins are not accepted.
- Georgia does not mail physical licenses — you receive a temporary paper license at renewal, and your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online Renewal Through the DDS Website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or other personal information since your last renewal. Go to dds.georgia.gov, select "Renew Your License," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to provide your Social Security number and answer security questions to verify your identity.
The system will ask you to confirm your current address and vehicle information, then present you with renewal options. A standard five-year license costs $32. You pay by credit or debit card. After you submit, you receive a confirmation number and a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If the online system rejects you — usually because it detects a name change, address change, or an expired license — you will be told which method to use instead. Do not assume the system is broken; follow its direction to mail or in-person renewal.
Mail Renewal by Sending Your process
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name or address. read the DL 44 form (process for Driver's License or Identification Card) from dds.georgia.gov, or call 678-413-8400 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a copy of a valid ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license) and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
Mail the completed form, copies of your documents, and a check or money order for $32 to the address listed on the DL 44 form. Keep a copy of everything you send. DDS will process your process within 7 to 10 business days of receipt. You will receive a temporary paper license by mail that is valid when ready, and your physical card will follow within 7 to 10 business days after that.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but useful if you do not have internet access or prefer not to provide payment information online. The risk is that mail can be delayed or lost; if you do not hear back within two weeks, call DDS to confirm receipt.
In-Person Renewal at a DDS Customer Service Center
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have changed your name or address, or if you want to renew before your expiration date. You must book an appointment online at dds.georgia.gov before you visit. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Bring your current Georgia driver's license (or expired license if it has been less than five years), a valid ID (passport, military ID, or another state's license), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are renewing an expired license, bring the same documents plus proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
At the appointment, DDS staff will verify your identity, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $32 for a five-year license.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Current License Status | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Valid, no name or address change | Driver's license number, date of birth, Social Security number |
| Valid, no name or address change | Copy of valid ID, proof of address (utility bill or lease), DL 44 form | |
| In-person | Valid or expired less than 5 years | Current or expired license, valid ID, proof of address |
| In-person | Expired more than 5 years | Expired license, valid ID, proof of address, proof of Social Security number |
| In-person | Name change since last renewal | Current license, valid ID, proof of address, certified name-change document |
Fees and Timeline for Georgia License Renewal
A standard five-year Georgia driver's license costs $32 to renew, regardless of method. This is the fee for a regular license. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel), the fee is $35. Both are valid for five years from the date of renewal.
Timeline varies by method. Online renewal is when ready — you get a temporary paper license when ready and your card within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for DDS to process, plus mail delivery time on both ends, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. In-person renewal is when ready for the temporary license, with the card arriving within 7 to 10 business days.
Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew up to 6 months before expiration without penalty. If you renew after your birthday, your new license will be dated from the renewal date, not from your birthday, so you lose the remaining validity of your old license.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is attempting online renewal when your license has expired or you have changed your name or address. The system will reject you, and you will have to start over with mail or in-person renewal. Check your license expiration date and confirm your address before you begin online renewal.
Another frequent error is sending mail renewal documents without copies. DDS keeps originals and does not return them. Always photocopy your ID and proof of address before mailing, and keep a copy of the completed DL 44 form for your records.
A third mistake is booking an in-person appointment too close to your expiration date. DDS offices can have wait times for appointments, especially near the end of the month. If your license expires on the 15th, do not wait until the 10th to book. Renew at least 2 to 3 weeks before expiration.
Finally, do not assume your temporary paper license is your permanent license. It is valid for driving, but you must carry it until your physical card arrives. If your card does not arrive within 10 business days, call DDS at 678-413-8400 to report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name or address. If you have moved out of state, you will need to update your address, which requires in-person renewal or a mail process with proof of your new address. Contact DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm whether your out-of-state address is acceptable.
What if my license has been expired for more than five years?
You must renew in person at a DDS Customer Service Center. Bring your expired license, a valid ID, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot use mail or online renewal for licenses expired longer than five years.
Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Georgia?
A standard Georgia license is sufficient for driving within the state. A REAL ID-compliant license is required only for federal building access and domestic air travel. If you want to upgrade, you can request it during renewal for an additional $3 fee. You will need to provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready after renewal and remains valid until your physical card arrives, which takes 7 to 10 business days. Carry it with you at all times while driving. If your card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DDS.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to 6 months before your expiration date without penalty. If you renew earlier than 6 months before expiration, your new license will be dated from the renewal date, not from your birthday, so you will lose the remaining validity of your old license. Plan your renewal for the 6-month window before your birthday.