How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Renew Your Georgia License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Georgia lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DDS office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need the new card.

If your Georgia license has not yet expired, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person. Online renewal takes about 10 business days; mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks; in-person renewal is same-day or next-day depending on the office.

Key Takeaways

Georgia offers online renewal for valid licenses at dds.georgia.gov, which is the fastest option and costs $32 for a five-year license.
Mail renewal is available if your license is current and you do not need a Real ID, and requires sending your current license and a completed form to the DDS.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID, or if you want to change your address or other information on the same day.
A standard Georgia driver's license is valid for five years; a Real ID-compliant license is also valid for five years but costs $2 more and requires proof of citizenship and residency.
You can check your renewal may be able to access and start the online process at dds.georgia.gov without creating an account.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route if Your License Is Valid

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is available if your current license has not expired and you do not need a Real ID. You do not need an account to start. Go to dds.georgia.gov, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

If you are may be able to access, you will pay $32 for a five-year standard license using a credit or debit card. Georgia will mail your new license to the address on file. The card typically arrives within 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can drive legally while you wait.

Online renewal does not let you change your address, name, or other information. If you need to update anything on your license, you must renew in person or by mail and include the change request with your process.

Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required

Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you do not need a Real ID. You will need to print and complete Form DL 44 (process for Renewal of Driver's License) from the DDS website, sign it, and mail it along with your current license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $32 payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

Mail your packet to the DDS renewal processing center. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the day they receive your envelope. Your old license must arrive with your process; if you lose it in the mail, contact the DDS to report it and ask whether they can process your renewal without it. Your current license stays valid until it expires.

Like online renewal, mail renewal does not allow address or name changes. If you need to update your information, send a separate written request with your process and ask the DDS to call you if they have questions.

In-Person Renewal at a DDS Office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID, or if you want to change your address, name, or other details on the same day. Visit a DDS Customer Service Center with your current license (or expired license) and proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form.

If you need a Real ID, bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of your current Georgia address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). A Real ID license costs $34 for five years and is marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. It is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025.

In-person renewal is same-day at most offices, though some locations issue the license on the spot while others mail it within a few days. Call ahead to confirm your local office's process. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning and weekday visits are usually faster than afternoons or weekends.

What Happens to Your Old License

When you renew online or by mail, your old license remains valid until its expiration date. You do not have to turn it in or destroy it. Once your new license arrives, you can keep the old one as a backup or destroy it yourself.

If you renew in person, the DDS will take your old license and destroy it. You will leave the office with only your new license. If you need a copy of your old license number for records, write it down before you go to the office.

Real ID vs. Standard License: Which One Do You Need

A standard Georgia driver's license costs $32 and is valid for five years. It works for driving, opening a bank account, and most everyday identification. A Real ID license costs $34 and is also valid for five years but meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.

You need a Real ID if you plan to board a domestic flight, enter a federal courthouse, or access a military base. If you do not fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient. You can renew a standard license online or by mail; you must renew a Real ID in person because the DDS needs to see your citizenship and residency documents.

If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it online or by mail as long as your current license has not expired. The DDS will issue another Real ID without requiring you to bring documents again.

Renewing an Expired Georgia License

If your Georgia license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it—you must take the written test and road test to get a new license. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it in person at a DDS office without retesting.

Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Georgia address. The DDS will issue a new license on the spot or mail it within a few days. If you need a Real ID, bring citizenship and residency documents as well. The cost is the same as a standard renewal: $32 for a standard license or $34 for a Real ID.

If you have been driving with an expired license, you may face a traffic citation. Renewing as soon as possible will prevent further legal issues, but it does not erase a citation you already received.

Finding a DDS Office and Checking Wait Times

Georgia has DDS Customer Service Centers in most counties. Find the office nearest you at dds.georgia.gov under "Locations." Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check your local office's website or call ahead to confirm their hours and whether you need to book a time slot.

Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in Atlanta or other cities. Weekday mornings are typically faster than afternoons or weekends. If your local office has a long wait, you may be able to visit a different county's office instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your Georgia license is tied to a Georgia address. If you moved to another state, you must get a license from your new state. You can keep your Georgia license as an ID, but you cannot renew it without a current Georgia address.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost and still valid, you can renew online or by mail without it—the DDS does not require you to turn in your old license for those routes. If your license is expired, you must renew in person and bring proof of your Social Security number and address instead of your license.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

It depends on your local DDS office. Some accept walk-ins during business hours; others require appointments. Check dds.georgia.gov or call your office to confirm. Booking an appointment usually guarantees a shorter wait.

How much does it cost to renew a Georgia license?

A standard five-year license costs $32. A Real ID license costs $34. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by credit card or check. In-person renewal accepts cash, card, or check depending on the office.

What if my name changed since my last license?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.

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.