Georgia renewal locations: in-person, online, and by mail

You can renew your Georgia driver's license at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, online through the Georgia DDS website, or by mail. Which option works for you depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you have to appear in person for a new photo.

If your license is not yet expired, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DDS location so they can take a new photo and verify your identity. Online and mail renewal are faster and do not require you to take time off work, but in-person renewal at a DDS office is the only option if you need your license the same day or if you have not renewed online before.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia DDS offices are located in every county, and you can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county.
  • Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes a few minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is still valid and you have renewed online before.
  • Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired, but takes two to three weeks and requires you to mail in documents and a check or money order.
  • In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license has expired, and you can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency to any DDS office, regardless of which renewal method you choose.

Finding a DDS office near you

Georgia has a DDS office in every county, so there is one within reach no matter where you live. You do not have to renew at the office in your home county — you can visit any DDS location in the state. The official Georgia DDS website has a searchable office locator that shows addresses, phone numbers, and hours for each location.

Most DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because hours vary by location and some offices close for lunch. If you live in a rural area far from a DDS office, you may want to ask whether a satellite location or mobile unit serves your area on certain days.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest way to renew if you are able to use it. You log into your account on the Georgia DDS website, upload a new photo (or use an existing one from the DDS database), review your information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The whole process takes about five minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.

Online renewal has strict limits on who can use it. Your current license must not be expired, and you must have renewed online at least once before. You cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information — you will have to do that in person or by mail. If you have a REAL ID-compliant license and want to keep that status, online renewal preserves it, but you should double-check the Georgia DDS website to confirm your specific situation before you start.

Mail renewal for unexpired licenses

If you prefer not to go to a DDS office and your license is still valid, you can renew by mail. You fill out the renewal form (available on the Georgia DDS website), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks, and your new license arrives by mail after that.

Mail renewal works only if your license has not expired. You will need to include a photocopy of a valid form of identification and proof of your current address. If you are changing your name or address, mail renewal may not be an option — contact the Georgia DDS to confirm before you send anything. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require you to take time off work or visit an office.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you have never renewed online before, or if you need your license the same day. You bring your expired or expiring license, a valid form of identification, and proof of your current address to any DDS office. A staff member will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You can usually walk in without an appointment, though wait times depend on how busy the office is and what time of day you arrive.

Most DDS offices issue a temporary paper license on the day you renew, and your permanent license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days. Some offices are busier than others — if you go early in the morning on a weekday, you will usually wait less than an hour. If you go on a Friday afternoon or near the end of the month, expect a longer wait. A few DDS offices offer appointment scheduling through the website, which can save you time if your location has that option.

What to bring to a DDS office

Bring your current or expired driver's license, a valid form of identification (such as a passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document with your name and address on it — it must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

If you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license, you may need to bring additional documents to prove your citizenship and identity — the Georgia DDS website lists the exact documents required. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, unless the DDS specifically says a photocopy is acceptable. If you are unsure whether a document counts as proof of address or identity, call the DDS office before you go.

Renewal fees and processing times

Georgia renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Online renewal is slightly cheaper than in-person renewal because there is no office visit fee. The exact fee depends on your license type and renewal method, so check the Georgia DDS website or call an office for the current price.

Processing times differ by method. Online renewal takes seven to ten business days from the time you submit. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing plus mail delivery time. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license the same day, and your permanent license arrives within seven to ten business days. If you need your license urgently, in-person renewal is the only option that gets you something you can use right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license at any DDS office, or do I have to go to the one in my county?

You can renew at any DDS office in Georgia, regardless of which county you live in. There is no requirement to visit your home county office. This means you can go to whichever location is most convenient for you, whether that is near your work, your home, or somewhere you pass through regularly.

What happens if my license expired more than a year ago?

If your license has been expired for more than a year, you will need to renew in person at a DDS office. You cannot use online or mail renewal for licenses that have been expired that long. Bring your expired license, a valid form of ID, and proof of address to any DDS office.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DDS office?

Most Georgia DDS offices accept walk-ins without an appointment. However, some locations now offer appointment scheduling through the Georgia DDS website, which can reduce your wait time. Check your local office's page on the website to see if appointments are available in your area.

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

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you renew in person at a DDS office. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.

Can I renew my license online if I have never done it before?

No. Online renewal is only available if you have renewed online at least once in the past. If this is your first online renewal, you must renew in person at a DDS office or by mail. After your first renewal, you can use online renewal for future renewals as long as your license has not expired.