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, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but you must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your name or address.
Your Georgia license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the DDS, and takes two to three weeks to receive your new license.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your name or address.
- You must bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid form of ID to renew in person.
- Georgia offers a Real ID-compliant license, which is required for federal travel after May 7, 2025, and requires additional documents if you don't already have one.
Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website
Online renewal is the fastest and easiest option if your license is still valid and you don't need to change your photo or personal information. Go to the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the main menu. You'll need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
The online form asks you to confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. If any of this information is wrong, you cannot correct it online — you must renew by mail or in person instead. Once you submit the form and pay the $32 renewal fee by credit or debit card, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, if you're changing your name, or if you're changing your address. In those cases, you must use mail or in-person renewal.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo or to change your personal information. You'll need to complete Form DL 44, which you can read from the Georgia DDS website or request by calling 678-413-8400. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $32 to the address listed on the form.
The DDS processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Your new license typically arrives two to three weeks after they receive your process, though processing can take longer during busy periods. You can track your renewal status on the Georgia DDS website if you have your confirmation number.
If you're changing your address or name, you cannot renew by mail — you must go in person. The same applies if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you need a new photo.
Renewing in person at a DDS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, if you're changing your name, or if you're changing your address. You'll also need to renew in person if you're upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license for the first time.
Bring your current driver's license, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You'll also need a valid form of ID — your passport, military ID, or birth certificate all work. If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Visit the Georgia DDS office locator at dds.georgia.gov to find the office nearest you and check their hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online. Processing times vary by location, but most in-person renewals are completed the same day. You'll pay $32 for a standard license or $47 for a Real ID-compliant license.
Real ID compliance and what it means for your renewal
Georgia offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which is required for federal travel (flights, military bases, federal buildings) starting May 7, 2025. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant, you can upgrade during your renewal by renewing in person and bringing additional documents.
To get a Real ID license, you need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of your date of birth (your birth certificate or passport), proof of your current address (utility bill or lease), and a valid form of ID. The fee is $47 instead of $32. If you renew online or by mail, you'll get a standard license, not a Real ID license. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time by visiting a DDS office in person.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if you've started the renewal process.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, the DDS may require you to pass the written test again before they issue a new one. Call 678-413-8400 to ask whether you'll need to test before you go to the office.
Fees and payment methods
A standard Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32. A Real ID-compliant license costs $47. If you renew online or by mail, you can pay by check, money order, or credit/debit card. If you renew in person, most DDS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, but call ahead to confirm your office's payment methods.
There are no additional fees for changing your address or name during renewal. If you need a replacement license before your renewal is complete (for example, if your license was lost or stolen), you can request an expedited replacement for an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I don't live in Georgia anymore?
No. Your Georgia license must be renewed in Georgia, either online, by mail, or in person. If you've moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. You can keep your Georgia license as a form of ID, but it cannot be renewed once you no longer live there.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online renewals arrive in seven to ten business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the time the DDS receives your process. In-person renewals are usually completed the same day, and you can drive home with a temporary paper license while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail.
What if I lost my current license and can't send it in with my mail renewal?
Call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 and explain that your license was lost. They can issue you a replacement or tell you whether you must renew in person instead. Do not send your mail renewal without your current license unless the DDS has given you permission to do so.
Do I need a Real ID license to renew my Georgia license?
No. You can renew your standard Georgia license without upgrading to Real ID. However, you will need a Real ID license or another form of federal ID (passport, military ID) to fly or enter federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time by visiting a DDS office in person.
Can I renew my license online if I'm changing my address?
No. Online renewal only works if all your information is correct. If you're changing your address, name, or any other personal information, you must renew by mail or in person. In-person renewal is fastest if you need to make changes.