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. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $32. If you can't renew online, you'll need to visit a DDS office in person, which requires an appointment and takes longer but handles cases that involve address changes, vision corrections, or documents that need to be verified face-to-face.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Georgia sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before expiration.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website costs $32, takes about 10 minutes, and works if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a new photo.
- Mail renewal is available for certain situations but takes four to six weeks, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office requires an appointment booked through the Georgia DDS website and typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
- If your license is already expired, you can still renew it using the same methods, but you may face penalties or restrictions depending on how long it's been expired.
Online renewal: the fastest option
Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is available if your current license is not expired, your address hasn't changed since your last renewal, and you don't need a new photo. You'll need your current Georgia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $32.
Go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You'll verify your identity and confirm your information. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal does not work if you've moved, if your vision has changed and you need a new photo, or if your current license is suspended or revoked. In those cases, you'll need to renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, if you need a new photo, if your current license is expired, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license. You must book an appointment through the Georgia DDS website — walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, so schedule early if your license is expiring soon.
Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The renewal fee at a DDS office is $32 for a standard eight-year license. The appointment typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if the current one has expired.
Mail renewal for limited situations
Georgia allows mail renewal only in specific cases: if you are a member of the military stationed outside Georgia, if you are over 65 years old and your license is not expired, or if you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office. You cannot renew by mail if your address has changed or if your license is expired.
To renew by mail, contact the Georgia DDS directly at 678-413-8400 to request a mail renewal form. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $32 payable to "Georgia DDS," and mail it to the address provided on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks, so this option is not practical if your license is expiring soon.
What to do if your license has already expired
You can still renew an expired Georgia driver's license using the same methods as a non-expired license, but there are consequences. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Georgia. If you're stopped by police, you may receive a citation and a fine. The fine for driving with an expired license is typically $100 to $200, depending on how long it has been expired.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test at a DDS office. If it's been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake both tests and provide proof of residency and identity documents again. Contact the Georgia DDS before you visit to confirm what documents and tests you'll need.
Finding a Georgia DDS office and booking an appointment
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. To find the office nearest you and book an appointment, go to the Georgia DDS website and use the office locator tool. Enter your city or county, and the tool will show you nearby offices, their hours, and available appointment times.
Appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas. If no appointments are available in your preferred location or timeframe, check offices in nearby counties — you can renew at any Georgia DDS office, not just the one in your county. Some offices have more availability than others, so it's worth checking multiple locations.
If you cannot find an appointment within a reasonable timeframe and your license is expiring soon, contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to ask about cancellations or emergency appointments.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the fee for a regular license. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and varies depending on the type of CDL and any endorsements.
Online and mail renewal accept payment by debit card or credit card. In-person renewal at a DDS office accepts cash, debit card, credit card, and check. If you pay by check, make it payable to "Georgia DDS."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I've moved out of state?
No. If you've moved out of Georgia, you need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. You cannot renew a Georgia license if you no longer live in Georgia. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to find out how to obtain a license there.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Georgia typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license has expired. If you don't receive your new license within two weeks, contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400.
What if I need my license before the renewal is complete?
You can continue driving on your current license while your renewal is being processed. If you need proof of renewal for employment or another reason, ask the DDS office for a temporary license or receipt showing your renewal is in progress.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my Georgia driver's license?
No. A standard Georgia driver's license renewal does not require Real ID. However, if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license, you can do so during renewal by providing additional identity documents. Real ID costs an extra $20 and is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in May 2025.
Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Georgia DDS. Contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.