Renew Your Georgia License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Georgia lets you renew your driver license through three routes: online at the Georgia Department of Driver Services 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 going to an office. You can renew online up to six months before your license expires, and the new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

If you cannot renew online—because your license is suspended, you need a new photo, or you have a medical condition to report—you must renew in person at a DDS office or by mail. The mail option is slower but works if you have a valid reason and meet Georgia's requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $32 for a five-year license, and works if your license is valid and not suspended.
  • You can renew online starting six months before your license expires through the Georgia DDS website using your driver license number and date of birth.
  • In-person renewal at a DDS office requires a current ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Mail renewal is available only if you are over 65, have a medical hardship, or meet other specific conditions set by Georgia DDS.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks for online renewal, or four to six weeks if you renew by mail.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Option for Most Drivers

Online renewal is the quickest and cheapest way to renew in Georgia. You go to the Georgia DDS website, enter your driver license number and date of birth, answer a few questions about your current address and whether your vision has changed, pay the $32 fee with a debit or credit card, and you are done. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

You can renew online if your license is valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked), you have not had a name change since your last license was issued, and you do not need a new photo. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail instead.

After you complete online renewal, Georgia mails your new license to the address on file. It usually arrives within two weeks. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can keep driving and using it for ID.

In-Person Renewal at a DDS Office

If you cannot renew online, you can renew in person at any Georgia DDS office. Bring your current driver license, one form of ID (such as a passport or state ID), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The fee is $32 for a five-year license or $64 for an eight-year license.

You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are usually less crowded early in the morning or mid-week. The renewal itself takes about 30 minutes once you reach the counter. You will answer questions about your health and vision, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can use it right away.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving—such as a seizure disorder or vision loss—you may need to bring a medical form signed by your doctor. Georgia DDS will tell you what form you need when you call or visit their website.

Mail Renewal: Limited Availability

Georgia allows mail renewal only for drivers who meet specific conditions. You can renew by mail if you are 65 or older, have a medical hardship that prevents you from visiting an office, are on active military duty stationed outside Georgia, or are a Georgia resident living outside the United States. If none of those explore, you cannot renew by mail.

To renew by mail, contact the Georgia DDS to request a mail renewal form. Fill it out, include a copy of your current license and one form of ID, and mail it to the address Georgia provides. Include a check or money order for $32 (five-year license) or $64 (eight-year license). Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal. Your process takes about two weeks to process once Georgia receives it, and your new license takes another two to four weeks to arrive by mail. Plan ahead if you are using this route—do not wait until your license is about to expire.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your Georgia license has already expired, you cannot renew it online. You must renew in person at a DDS office or by mail (if you meet the mail renewal conditions). Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, one form of ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number.

An expired license does not prevent you from renewing, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license while you wait for your new one to arrive. If you need to drive before your new license is ready, ask a family member or friend for a ride, or use a ride-sharing service.

Fees and License Duration

Georgia offers two renewal options: a five-year license for $32 or an eight-year license for $64. Both are valid for driving and identification. The eight-year license costs more upfront but spreads the cost over a longer period, so your annual cost is lower. Choose whichever fits your budget and how often you want to renew.

The fee is the same whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts debit or credit cards, in-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card, and mail renewal requires a check or money order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method. You must contact Georgia DDS to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it is restored, you can renew normally.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

If you renew online, you enter your new address during the renewal process. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you renew by mail, include a copy of your proof of address with your process.

How long can I drive on my old license after I renew?

Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives. For online renewal, that is usually about two weeks. For in-person renewal, your new license is printed on the spot. For mail renewal, it can take four to six weeks total, so your old license stays valid the entire time.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, Georgia uses your photo from your previous license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DDS office. A new photo is also required if your previous license is more than eight years old.

What if I lost my driver license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it—you must replace it first. Contact Georgia DDS to report it lost and request a replacement. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it using the normal process.