How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Georgia driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a DDS office, depending on your situation and how much time you have. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need to update your photo, or if you have a commercial license.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. It contains a barcode that speeds up online or mail renewal. If you have not received it, you can still renew online using your driver's license number and date of birth. Georgia does not require you to renew before your license expires, but driving on an expired license is illegal — renew before the expiration date on your card.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes minutes and is available if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and you have a valid payment method.
Mail renewal requires your renewal notice and takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your materials.
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 hold a commercial license.
Georgia charges $32 for a standard four-year renewal and $64 for an eight-year renewal; fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
You must have a valid payment method (debit or credit card) for online or mail renewal; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit, or credit.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest option and works if your license is current (not expired), you have not changed your name, and you have a valid debit or credit card. Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You will be asked to confirm your address and choose your renewal term — four years ($32) or eight years ($64).

After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office or provide documents. If your renewal notice arrived in the mail, you can use the barcode on it to speed up the process, but it is not required.

Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, if you need to update your address to something outside Georgia, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. In those cases, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal with your renewal notice

Mail renewal works for most drivers and takes about two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your materials. Your renewal notice contains a barcode and a return envelope. Fill out the notice, include your payment ($32 for four years or $64 for eight years), and mail it to the address printed on the envelope. You can pay by check or money order only — credit and debit cards are not accepted by mail.

Do not send cash through the mail. Include only your renewal notice and payment; you do not need to send your current license or other documents unless your notice specifically asks for them. Mail your materials at least three weeks before your license expires to account for postal delays and DDS processing time.

If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by phone at 678-413-8400 or read a renewal form from the Georgia DDS website. Mail the completed form with your payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes the same two to three weeks.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

Visit a DDS office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you want to update your photo, if you have a commercial license, or if you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it is less than two years past expiration), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment in cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. Find your nearest office and current wait times on the Georgia DDS website. Processing at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person — online and mail renewal are not available. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license has expired, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew by mail or in person. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, mail renewal is an option — send your renewal notice and payment to DDS. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must visit a DDS office in person and pass a vision test.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show your confirmation number from online renewal or your receipt from mail renewal as proof that you have applied, but this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket. Renew before your expiration date to stay legal.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you have moved within Georgia, you can update your address during online renewal or by mail. If you have moved out of state, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

If you have changed your name since your last renewal, you cannot use online renewal. Renew by mail or in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DDS will not accept photocopies; the document must be an official certified copy or an original.

Commercial driver's license renewal

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of your address, and payment. You will be required to pass a vision test and may be asked to take a written test depending on your endorsements and the time since your last renewal.

CDL renewal fees are the same as standard license renewal ($32 for four years or $64 for eight years). If your CDL has expired, you must renew in person and may need to retake the skills test. Check with your local DDS office about specific requirements for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If you have moved out of state and want to update your address, you must renew in person at a Georgia DDS office. If you no longer live in Georgia and do not plan to return, you should consider getting a license in your new state instead.

What happens if I renew online but do not receive my license within 10 days?

Contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and remail it if needed. If your license was lost in the mail, DDS may issue a replacement at no additional charge.

Do I need to take a new photo during renewal?

No, unless your license is more than eight years old, you have a commercial license, or you choose to update your photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?

Yes, an outstanding ticket or fine does not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an unpaid child support obligation or certain other court orders, your license may be suspended. Check your status on the Georgia DDS website or call 678-413-8400 before renewing.

How long is my temporary license valid after in-person renewal?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days or until your permanent license arrives, whichever comes first. Your permanent license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is sufficient proof of a valid license.

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.