How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Georgia License Renewal: The Basic Process

You can renew your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. Online renewal is the fastest route if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a five-year license. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DDS office is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change information, or if you do not meet the online requirements.

Georgia sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew — you can renew up to one year before expiration. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is available if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your photo.
Mail renewal requires you to submit your current license, a completed form, and payment by check or money order; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
A five-year Georgia license costs $32; an eight-year license costs $64; a commercial license renewal costs $85 for five years.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, and you can drive legally on your old license until it arrives.

Online Renewal: Requirements and Steps

Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no documents to be mailed or scanned. You are may be able to access to renew online if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, you do not need a new photo, and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

Go to the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Click "Renew Your License" and select "Online Renewal." Enter your license number and date of birth to locate your record. Review your information, confirm that nothing has changed, and select your license type and term (five or eight years). Pay the renewal fee — $32 for five years or $64 for eight years — and submit. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead. Common reasons for ineligibility include an expired license, a recent address change, or a suspension on your record.

Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. You will need to submit your current license, a completed renewal form, and payment. read the process for Renewal of Driver's License or Identification Card (form DL 44) from the Georgia DDS website, or request it by phone at 678-413-8400.

Complete the form with your current information. Sign and date it. Include your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "Georgia Department of Driver Services." Mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically the DDS office in Atlanta. Do not send cash. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license.

Keep a copy of your completed form and the tracking number from your mailing receipt. If you do not receive your new license within 4 weeks, contact DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm receipt of your packet.

In-Person Renewal at a DDS Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name, or if you have had any suspensions or revocations. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your address and want to update it on your license when ready rather than waiting for mail renewal.

Locate your nearest DDS office at dds.georgia.gov and check its hours — many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Arrive early; wait times vary but can be 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office and time of day. You will have your photo taken at the office. Payment is due at the time of renewal. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

License Types, Costs, and Renewal Terms

Georgia offers several license types, and renewal cost depends on the type and term you choose. A standard Class D driver's license (for regular passenger vehicles) costs $32 for five years or $64 for eight years. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $85 for five years. A motorcycle endorsement adds $20 to your renewal fee.

You can choose either a five-year or eight-year term at renewal. The eight-year license costs twice as much but does not require renewal as often. If you are over 65, you can renew for a shorter term (one, two, or three years) at a reduced cost — contact DDS for current pricing for senior renewals.

If you are renewing a commercial license, you must renew in person. You will need to pass a vision test and provide proof of medical certification if required by federal law. Commercial renewals cannot be done online or by mail.

What Happens If Your License Expires

If your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Georgia. Driving on 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 still renew it using the online or mail process. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written test and vision test.

If you realize your license is about to expire and you are not sure whether you are may be able to access for online renewal, renew by mail when ready. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks, so sending your packet at least three weeks before expiration gives you time to receive your new license before the old one expires. If you wait until after expiration, you will have to renew in person.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is assuming you are may be able to access for online renewal when you have had a recent address change. Georgia's online system checks your address against DDS records, and if it does not match, you will be blocked from renewing online. If you have moved, use mail renewal or go in person to update your address at the same time.

Another frequent error is sending cash in the mail. DDS will not process a renewal packet that contains cash; send a check or money order instead. Do not send your payment by credit card through the mail — use the online system if you want to pay by card.

If you are renewing a commercial license, do not try to renew online or by mail. CDL renewals require in-person visits and medical certification review. Attempting to renew a CDL by mail will delay your renewal and may result in your license expiring while your packet is being processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Georgia will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or if your license has been suspended for non-payment. Contact the court that issued the ticket to pay the fine or set up a payment plan. Once the fine is resolved, you can renew your license. If your license is suspended, you must contact DDS to have the suspension lifted before you can renew.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

After your renewal is approved, your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery typically takes another 3 to 5 business days, so expect to receive it within 10 to 15 business days total. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What if I need to change my name when I renew?

You must renew in person if you are changing your name. Bring a certified copy of the document showing the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will have a new photo taken and your updated license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I renew my license if I moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Georgia, you must obtain a license from your new state. You can continue to drive on your Georgia license until it expires, but you cannot renew it once you have established residency elsewhere. Contact your new state's DMV to obtain a license there.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew your license while it is suspended or revoked. Contact DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to have it reinstated. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license through the normal process.

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.