How to renew your 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 whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office — but some situations require you to show up in person.
Georgia licenses expire on your birthday, eight years after you received them. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which gives you a wide window to plan ahead. The state does not mail renewal reminders, so you need to track your own expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for an eight-year license, but only works if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your address.
- Mail renewal costs $32 and takes two to three weeks, and you can use it if your address has not changed and your license is still valid.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal.
- You will need your current Georgia driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number to renew in person.
- DDS offices do not require an appointment for most renewals, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about your current address, vision, medical conditions, and whether you have any traffic violations or suspensions. The system will take a new photo using your computer's camera.
Online renewal works only if your license is currently valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked), your address has not changed, and you have no disqualifying medical conditions. If any of these do not explore to you, the system will tell you to renew in person or by mail instead. The fee is $32, and you can pay by debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 10 business days.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but requires no office visit. You will need to request a renewal form from the Georgia DDS or print one from their website. Fill out the form, include your current license, a check or money order for $32 made out to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, and mail everything to the address on the form.
Mail renewal works if your address has not changed and your license is still valid. If you have moved, changed your name, or your license is suspended or expired, you must renew in person. Processing takes two to three weeks after the DDS receives your envelope, so mail your renewal at least a month before your expiration date to avoid driving on an expired license.
Renewing in person at a DDS office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked; if you have changed your name or address; if you need a new photo; or if you have medical conditions that require review. Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days).
Walk into any Georgia DDS office during business hours — no appointment is needed for most renewals. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive home with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. The fee is $32. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices are usually less crowded on weekday mornings.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must take the written test and road test again, just as a new driver would. If your license expired within the last five years, you can still renew it by mail or in person without retesting, but you cannot renew online. Bring your expired license to a DDS office along with your proof of Social Security number and proof of address.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have already submitted a renewal. Do not wait until your license expires to start the process. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can face a fine and a traffic citation.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and a medical certificate (MCSA-5875) signed by a licensed medical examiner within the last 14 months. The office will take a new photo and issue your renewed CDL on the spot. The fee is $32 for an eight-year license.
If your CDL is suspended or revoked, or if you have failed a medical exam, you will need to resolve those issues before renewing. Contact the DDS to find out what steps are required in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Georgia DDS to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Once your suspension is lifted, you can renew through any method. If your license expires while it is suspended, you will need to take the written and road tests again.
What if I have moved out of state?
If you have moved to another state, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of renewing your Georgia license. Georgia will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state. If you still live in Georgia but have a temporary out-of-state address, you can renew in person and provide mail-forwarding information.
How long does my temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. Your plastic card will arrive by mail within 10 business days if you renewed online, or within two to three weeks if you renewed in person or by mail. If your plastic card does not arrive within that time, contact the DDS to check the status.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Georgia allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early is a good idea if you are traveling or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will have a new eight-year expiration date from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
What if I lost my current license?
If you have lost your license, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a DDS office in person to report it lost and request a replacement. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address. The replacement fee is $32, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.