The fastest way to renew in Georgia
If your Georgia driver's license has expired, you can renew it online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. The online route is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home if your license expired within the last five years and you meet a few basic requirements. If you cannot renew online, the mail option takes about two weeks, and in-person renewal at a DDS office usually takes an hour or less.
The method you choose depends on how long ago your license expired and whether your address, name, or other information has changed. Georgia does not allow you to renew a license that expired more than five years ago through the online or mail process — you must visit a DDS office in person for those cases.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's online renewal system works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have not changed your address, name, or other personal information.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal, but you cannot use it if your license expired more than five years ago.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need to update your address, name, or other details.
- You will need your Social Security number, a valid payment method, and your expired license or ID number to renew online or by mail.
- Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so plan to renew before your expiration date to avoid the complications of a lapsed license.
Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website
Online renewal is the quickest option if you meet Georgia's requirements. You can renew online only if your license expired within the last five years, your personal information (name, address, date of birth) has not changed, and you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving. You will also need a valid payment method — Georgia accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.
Go to the Georgia DDS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your expired license number or Social Security number to start. The system will pull up your record, ask you to confirm your information, and let you pay the renewal fee. Georgia's renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license. Once you pay, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means one of your details has changed or your license expired more than five years ago. In that case, you will need to use the mail option or visit a DDS office in person.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license expired within the last five years and your personal information has not changed. You cannot renew by mail if your license expired more than five years ago. To renew by mail, contact the Georgia DDS to request a renewal form, or read the form from their website. Fill out the form completely, include a copy of your expired license or a government-issued ID, and mail it along with your payment to the address listed on the form.
The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license. Georgia accepts checks, money orders, or credit card information included in the mail. Processing takes about two weeks from the time DDS receives your envelope, though mail delivery can add several days on each end. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
Keep a record of when you mail your renewal and consider using certified mail or tracking if you want confirmation that DDS received it. If you do not hear back within three weeks, contact DDS to check the status of your renewal.
Renewing in person at a Georgia DDS office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have medical conditions that affect your driving. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your license class or add endorsements (such as a commercial driver's license or motorcycle endorsement).
Bring your expired Georgia license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If your name has changed, bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. You will also need to pass a vision test and pay the $32 renewal fee.
Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Appointment availability varies by location, so check ahead. In-person visits usually take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Time to Receive License |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Expired license number or Social Security number; valid payment method | 7–10 business days |
| Completed renewal form; copy of expired license or government ID; payment | About 2 weeks plus mail time | |
| In Person | Expired license; proof of Social Security number; proof of address; proof of name change (if applicable) | Same day (temporary license issued) |
Renewal fees and payment methods
Georgia's renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year driver's license. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Georgia does not charge additional fees for standard renewals, though certain endorsements or license classes may have different costs.
Online and mail renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. In-person renewals accept cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards. If you pay by check or money order through the mail, make it out to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your Georgia license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process. You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test. Georgia treats renewals of licenses expired more than five years the same as new license applications in terms of testing requirements. This means you will need to demonstrate that you still know the rules of the road. Study the Georgia Driver's Manual before your visit so you are prepared for the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renew online or by mail, your old license is no longer valid the moment it expires. If you renew in person, the DDS office will issue a temporary license that you can use while your permanent license is being mailed to you.
What if my address has changed since my license was issued?
If your address has changed, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DDS office so that your new address can be recorded on your license. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
How long is a renewed Georgia driver's license valid?
A renewed Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Your expiration date will be printed on your new license. Mark your calendar or set a reminder so you do not let it expire again.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Georgia may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered child support obligations. Check your status on the Georgia DDS website before you renew. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue before you can renew.
What if I lost my expired license and do not have the license number?
If you are renewing online, you can use your Social Security number instead of your license number. If you are renewing by mail or in person, contact the Georgia DDS to request a copy of your driving record, which will include your license number. You can also bring a government-issued ID (such as a passport) to an in-person renewal instead of your expired license.