How to renew your expired Georgia driver's license
You can renew your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. The method you choose depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you need to update your photo or address. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.
The renewal process takes about 15 minutes in person and costs $32 for a standard five-year license. Online and mail renewals cost the same but take longer — typically five to ten business days for mail and two to three business days for online. You'll need your Social Security number, current address, and payment method ready before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia lets you renew online or by mail if your license expired within the last five years, but you must go in person if it expired longer ago.
- Online renewal takes two to three business days and costs $32; in-person renewal takes about 15 minutes but requires a trip to a DDS office.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online or by mail.
- If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal online, by mail, or in person without extra cost.
- A renewed license is valid for five years from the date of renewal, not from your original expiration date.
Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website
The fastest way to renew is through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website at dds.georgia.gov. Go to the "Renew Your License" section and select "Online Renewal." You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid debit or credit card. The system will verify your information against state records.
Online renewal works only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you don't need a new photo. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, arriving in two to three business days. If you've moved, update your address during the online process — the new license will go to your current address. You cannot change your name online; that requires an in-person visit.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, read the DL 44 form from the Georgia DDS website or request one by calling 678-413-8400. Fill it out completely, including your current address and any changes since your last renewal. Mail the form along with a check or money order for $32 to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes five to ten business days from the time DDS receives your form. This method works only if your license expired within five years. If your address has changed, write the new address clearly on the form. Do not send cash — only checks or money orders are accepted by mail.
Renewing in person at a DDS office
Visit any Georgia DDS office with your expired driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $32 in cash, check, or card. You'll have your photo taken on the spot, and your new license will be issued when ready or mailed within five business days, depending on the office location.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago. It's also the only way to change your name, update your photo, or correct errors on your license. DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. You can find your nearest office and check wait times at dds.georgia.gov.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, payment method | $32 | 2–3 business days |
| By Mail | Completed DL 44 form, check or money order | $32 | 5–10 business days |
| In Person | Expired license, proof of address (dated within 60 days), payment method | $32 | Same day or 5 business days by mail |
Updating your address during renewal
If you've moved since your license was issued, update your address during renewal at no extra cost. Online, enter your new address in the form before payment. By mail, write your new address clearly on the DL 44 form. In person, tell the DDS staff your new address when you hand in your documents.
Georgia requires your address to match your current residence. If you don't update it during renewal, you can change it later by visiting a DDS office or calling 678-413-8400. Your renewed license will be mailed to whichever address is on file when DDS processes your renewal.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your Georgia driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person with your expired license, proof of your current address, and $32. The office will take a new photo and issue your renewed license.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you're renewing it. If you're stopped by police, you can show proof that you've applied for renewal (a receipt or confirmation number), but that does not prevent a citation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid fines or other legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia. If you're renewing online or by mail, your old license is no longer valid once it expires. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, visit a DDS office for in-person renewal and request an when ready temporary license.
What if I've changed my name since my license was issued?
You must renew in person at a DDS office and bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your legal name change. Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes. Bring your expired license, proof of address, the name-change document, and $32.
How long is my renewed license valid?
Your renewed Georgia driver's license is valid for five years from the date of renewal, not from your original expiration date. If you renew on January 15, 2025, your new license expires on January 15, 2030, regardless of when your old license expired.
Can I renew my license if I owe child support or have unpaid traffic fines?
Georgia may suspend your license if you owe child support or have certain unpaid court fines. Check your status before renewing by calling 678-413-8400 or visiting a DDS office. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the underlying issue before renewal is processed.
What if my renewal process is rejected?
DDS will contact you by mail or phone if your process cannot be processed. Common reasons include incorrect information, an address that doesn't match state records, or a suspension on your record. Contact DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out why and what to do next.