Georgia driver's license renewal: what you need to do and when
In Georgia, you renew your driver's license through the Department of Driver Services (DDS). The process depends on whether you renew in person, by mail, or online — and your may be able to access for each method depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you have had any violations or address changes.
Most Georgia drivers under 65 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online or by mail without visiting a DDS office. Drivers 65 and older, those with certain medical conditions, and anyone whose license has been expired for more than five years must renew in person. The fee is $32 for a four-year renewal or $64 for an eight-year renewal, and processing times vary by method.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia offers three renewal methods — online, by mail, and in person — but your age and license status determine which ones you can use.
- Online and mail renewal are available only if your license is not expired or expired less than five years ago, and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.
- Drivers 65 and older must renew in person at a DDS office, and you will need a current proof of residency document.
- A four-year renewal costs $32 and an eight-year renewal costs $64; you choose the term when you renew.
- Processing times range from same-day (in person) to two to three weeks (by mail) to when ready (online).
Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are under 65, your license is not expired or expired less than five years ago, and you have no medical restrictions. You renew through the official Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new license number when ready.
To renew online, you will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). You will also answer questions about any address changes, medical conditions, or violations since your last renewal. If you answer yes to any of these, you will be directed to renew by mail or in person instead.
After you complete the online transaction, your new physical license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If your address has changed, update it before you renew online, or the new license will be sent to your old address.
Mail renewal for drivers who cannot go online
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired or expired less than five years ago, you are under 65, and you have no medical restrictions or address changes. You request a renewal form from the Georgia DDS by calling 678-413-8400 or visiting a DDS office in person. Some DDS offices also have forms available at their front desk.
Complete the renewal form and mail it to the address printed on the form, along with your $32 (four-year) or $64 (eight-year) payment. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card. Include a copy of your current driver's license with your process. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DDS receives your form.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require a trip to an office. However, if you have any address changes, medical restrictions, or violations, you must renew in person instead.
In-person renewal at a Georgia DDS office
In-person renewal is required if you are 65 or older, your license has been expired for more than five years, you have medical restrictions, or you have had an address change. You can also choose to renew in person even if you are not required to. Visit any DDS office during business hours — no appointment is needed, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if your current one is lost), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment ($32 or $64). If you are 65 or older, you may also need to pass a vision test. Some drivers 65 and older are required to take a written test as well — DDS will tell you when you arrive whether you need to.
In-person renewal is processed the same day. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new plastic license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Documents and fees for Georgia renewal
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, Social Security number, payment method | $32 or $64 | 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Renewal form, copy of current license, payment | $32 or $64 | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current or expired license, proof of residency, payment | $32 or $64 | Same day (temporary license); 7–10 days for plastic |
The $32 fee covers a four-year renewal; the $64 fee covers an eight-year renewal. You choose which term you want when you renew. Proof of residency for in-person renewal must be a document dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
When your Georgia license expires and renewal important date
Your Georgia driver's license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or online if it expired less than five years ago — but if it has been expired for five years or longer, you must renew in person.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal (such as a confirmation email from online renewal or a mailed process receipt), but this does not may provide you will not be cited.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew in person at a DDS office. You cannot use online or mail renewal for licenses expired that long.
Common mistakes to avoid when renewing in Georgia
The most common mistake is attempting to renew online or by mail when you are not may be able to access. If you have an address change, medical restriction, or violation on your record, the online system will reject your process and direct you to renew in person. Starting the online process and being rejected wastes time — check your may be able to access first by calling 678-413-8400 or visiting a DDS office.
Another frequent error is sending payment without a signed renewal form or without a copy of your current license when renewing by mail. DDS will return your process incomplete, and you will have to resubmit. Read the renewal form instructions carefully before you mail it.
If you are renewing in person, bring proof of residency dated within 60 days. An older utility bill or lease will not be accepted. If you forget this document, you will have to return to the office with it before your renewal can be processed.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to six months early, and doing so avoids the risk of driving with an expired license or being unable to renew by your preferred method if complications arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I have moved out of state?
No. To renew a Georgia license, you must be a Georgia resident. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. If you still live in Georgia but have moved to a new address, you can renew online or by mail as long as you update your address during the renewal process.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current driver's license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew by mail or online with a name change.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Georgia license?
If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your previous license is used. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you must renew in person instead.
What happens if I renew but my license arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 with your license number and the issue. DDS will issue a replacement at no additional charge. Bring your damaged or incorrect license to a DDS office, or mail it to the address provided by DDS when you call.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines or suspensions?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Georgia DDS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to restore your driving privileges. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew normally.