How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

How to renew your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person

Georgia lets you renew your driver's license three ways: online through the DDS website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DDS office. Most people renew online because it takes minutes and costs less than in-person renewal. You can renew online if your license is not suspended, you have no medical conditions on file that need review, and your license expires more than 30 days from now. If you cannot renew online, you will need to go to a DDS office or mail in your renewal process.

The process you choose depends on your situation and how soon you need the new license. Online renewal is fastest and cheapest. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office. In-person renewal is required if you have a suspension, medical flag, or name change, or if you want to update your address or photo at the same time.

Key Takeaways

Georgia's online renewal through the DDS website costs $32 and takes a few minutes if your license is not suspended and expires more than 30 days away.
Mail renewal costs $32 and takes two to three weeks; you must request the form from DDS or read it from their website before sending it in.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license is suspended, you have a medical condition flagged, or you want to change your photo or address.
Georgia driver's licenses expire on your birthday every eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card for online renewal) to complete any renewal method.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you are not suspended and your license does not expire within the next 30 days. Go to dds.georgia.gov, click the "Renew Your License" button, and log in or create an account. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your information against DDS records.

Once verified, you will pay the $32 renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Georgia will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail first—the online system will not let you change your address during renewal.

Online renewal does not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have a medical condition or restriction that needs DDS review; if your name has changed; or if your license expires within 30 days. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but works if you cannot visit a DDS office and your license is not suspended. read the DL 44 form from dds.georgia.gov or call DDS at 678-413-8400 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for $32 made out to "Georgia DDS." Do not send cash.

Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form—this is usually the DDS office in Atlanta. Include a copy of your current driver's license or a government-issued ID. DDS will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on file. The entire process typically takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your envelope.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot be suspended, you cannot have a medical flag, and your license must not expire within 30 days. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, you have a medical condition on file, your name has changed, or you want to update your photo or address. Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit any DDS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Find your nearest office and check its hours at dds.georgia.gov. You do not need an appointment for renewal, but wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon. Arrive early in the day if possible.

At the office, tell the clerk you are renewing your license. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the $32 fee by cash, check, or card. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while DDS mails your permanent license. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is suspended or expired

If your Georgia driver's license is suspended, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DDS office in person. The clerk will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you must do to clear it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee, provide proof of insurance (SR22 or other form), or complete a defensive driving course before DDS will process your renewal.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it in person at a DDS office as long as it expired fewer than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must take the written test and road test again—you cannot straightforward renew. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal.

Understanding Georgia's license expiration and renewal timeline

Georgia driver's licenses expire on your birthday every eight years. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. For example, if your birthday is March 15 and your license expires on March 15, 2026, you can renew starting March 15, 2025. Renewing early does not change your expiration date—your new license will still expire on March 15, 2026.

If you renew after your license has expired, you can still do so as long as the expiration date is fewer than five years in the past. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew before your birthday if possible. If you are unsure of your expiration date, check the front of your current license or log into your DDS account online.

Costs and payment methods for Georgia license renewal

Georgia charges $32 to renew a standard driver's license, regardless of which method you choose. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order—do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card, depending on the office.

If you are renewing in person and need to update your address or photo at the same time, there are no additional fees. If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), that costs $20 and must be done in person. If you are renewing and also need to change your name, address, or restrictions, the renewal fee covers the renewal only—address or name changes do not cost extra when done at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Georgia only renews licenses for people who still live in Georgia. If you moved, you must get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Georgia license by mail or in person at a DDS office, but you cannot renew it.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You can get a duplicate license for $20 at any DDS office in person. Bring your ID and proof of address. A duplicate is not a renewal—it is a replacement of your current license with the same expiration date. When your license actually expires, you will renew it then.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive with the temporary license during that time.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my Georgia driver's license?

No. A standard renewal does not require Real ID. However, if you want to upgrade to a Real ID at renewal time, you must do so in person and bring additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of address. A Real ID costs $32, the same as a standard renewal.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DDS will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.

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.