The fastest way to renew in Georgia

You can renew your Georgia driver's license online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and is available if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions on file, and your address hasn't changed. If you don't meet those requirements, you'll need to renew in person.

Georgia licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue. You can start the renewal process up to six months before your license expires, which gives you time to plan ahead and avoid the rush.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is the quickest option if your license is not expired by more than two years and your address hasn't changed.
  • You can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed DL 44 form, and a check or money order to the DDS office.
  • In-person renewal at any DDS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Georgia charges $32 for a five-year renewal, and you can start the process up to six months before your birthday.
  • If your license is expired by more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the simplest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer a few security questions.

Once you complete the online form, you'll receive a temporary digital license that you can display on your phone when ready. Your physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You don't need to visit an office or provide documents in advance.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have medical restrictions or conditions on your record, if your address has changed, or if you've had a name change since your last license was issued. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired by more than two years and you meet the same conditions as online renewal. read or request the DL 44 form (process for Driver's License or Learner's Permit) from the Georgia DDS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $32 to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes 15 to 20 business days from the date the DDS office receives your envelope. There is no way to track your process once you've mailed it, so allow extra time before your license expires. If you're cutting it close, in-person renewal is faster and more reliable.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired by more than two years, if your address has changed, if you have medical conditions on file, or if you've had a name change. You'll also need to renew in person if you want to update your photo or address without waiting for mail delivery.

Bring your current license, one form of proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $32. If your license is expired by more than two years, you may be asked to retake the written test. Visit any DDS office during business hours—no appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

The process takes about 30 minutes from check-in to photo and signature. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is expired by more than two years

If your Georgia license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DDS office in person. The DDS may require you to retake the written knowledge test before issuing a new license, depending on how long it has been expired and the circumstances of the lapse.

Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and $32. If you don't have your expired license, bring a government-issued photo ID instead. The office staff will tell you whether you need to take the written test when you arrive.

Fees and payment methods

A five-year Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32. You can pay by cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card, depending on how you renew. Online and in-person renewals accept debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.

There are no additional fees for a standard renewal. If you need to change your address, update your photo, or correct information on your license, those changes are included in the renewal fee when done at the same time.

Finding a DDS office near you

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. Use the office locator on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website to find the nearest location, hours, and contact information. Some offices are busier than others—offices in smaller towns often have shorter wait times than those in Atlanta or other major cities.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. Call ahead if you have questions about what documents to bring or whether you'll need to take a test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I've moved out of state?

No. Georgia requires proof of current residency in the state to renew. If you've moved, you'll need to get a license from your new state instead. You cannot hold a valid driver's license from two states at the same time.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring legal proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew online or by mail with a name change. Bring the proof document along with your current license and proof of residency.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Physical licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days after the DDS processes your renewal. If you renew online, you'll get a temporary digital license right away that you can use while you wait for the card. If you renew by mail, there's no temporary license, so plan ahead.

Can I drive with an expired Georgia license while I wait for my renewal?

If you renewed online, yes—your temporary digital license is valid when ready. If you renewed in person, your temporary paper license is valid right away. If you renewed by mail, your old license is still valid until it expires, so you can continue driving while you wait for the new one to arrive.

What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?

You'll need to report it lost and request a replacement before you can renew. Go to a DDS office with proof of residency and pay the replacement fee. Once you have a replacement license, you can renew it through any method that fits your situation.