How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

How to renew your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Georgia driver's license through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) in three ways: online at dds.georgia.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DDS office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change that requires verification. If you cannot renew online, you can request a renewal by mail or visit a local office.

Your Georgia license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your license expires. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, and it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at dds.georgia.gov is available if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and your address on file is current.
Mail renewal is an option if you are 65 or older, have a valid passport or military ID, and meet other document requirements set by DDS.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license is expired, you have changed your name, or you cannot renew online.
You will need to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on the type of license and whether you choose a standard or REAL ID-compliant license.
Your new license will be mailed to your address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed.

Online renewal through the DDS website

To renew online, go to dds.georgia.gov and select the renewal option. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and check whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If you are, you can complete the renewal in one session without leaving home.

Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, or if your address on file is incorrect. You also cannot renew online if you have an outstanding traffic violation, unpaid child support, or a medical condition that affects your driving. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at a DDS office.

The online renewal fee is charged to a debit or credit card at the time you submit your renewal. Once approved, DDS will mail your new license to the address currently on file. You can check the status of your renewal on the DDS website using your driver's license number.

Mail renewal for drivers 65 and older

If you are 65 or older, you may be able to renew by mail without visiting an office. To use mail renewal, you must submit a completed DL 44 form (process for Georgia Driver's License or Permit), a copy of your current Georgia driver's license, and proof of your current address. Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, bank statement, or government document dated within the last 60 days.

You must also include a copy of an acceptable identity document. DDS accepts a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or other state driver's license. Do not send original documents — copies are sufficient. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

Mail your completed packet to the address listed on the DL 44 form. Processing by mail takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks after DDS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you have changed your name, or if you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Visit any DDS office in Georgia with your current driver's license and proof of your current address. Bring a utility bill, bank statement, or government document dated within the last 60 days as proof of address.

If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DDS will verify the document before issuing your new license. If you are renewing after your license has expired, you may be required to pass a vision test or answer questions about traffic laws, depending on how long the license has been expired.

Bring a payment method for the renewal fee. DDS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Your new license will be printed on site or mailed to you, depending on the office and the type of license. Ask the staff member which option applies to your renewal.

REAL ID versus standard license renewal

When you renew, you can choose between a standard Georgia driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. You will need a REAL ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.

To renew as a REAL ID license, you must provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate with a raised seal, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. You must also provide proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form works. If you renew online, the system will tell you whether you can obtain a REAL ID license based on the documents DDS already has on file.

A REAL ID license costs more than a standard license. The fee difference varies, but REAL ID renewal typically costs between $5 and $10 more. If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, you can renew as a standard license instead.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard Georgia driver's license is $32 for an eight-year license. If you choose to renew as a REAL ID license, the fee is higher — the exact amount depends on the type of license and your age. DDS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Online renewal requires a debit or credit card.

If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order. Make the check payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Do not send cash by mail. If your check is returned for insufficient funds, DDS will contact you and may suspend your license until the fee is paid.

What to do if your license is expired

If your Georgia driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. Reapplication requires an in-person visit to a DDS office, a new written test, and a new vision test. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Georgia residency.

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew it. However, you must renew in person at a DDS office, not online or by mail. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your payment method. DDS may require you to pass a vision test depending on how long the license has been expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia driver's license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must be a Georgia resident to hold a Georgia driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. You can surrender your Georgia license to any DDS office or by mail.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

After your renewal is approved, DDS mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can visit a DDS office and ask whether they can print it on site — some offices offer this service, but not all.

What if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid child support?

You cannot renew your license online or by mail if you have an outstanding traffic violation or unpaid child support. You must resolve these issues before renewing. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the child support enforcement agency to find out how to clear the hold on your license.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, DDS will use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, DDS will take a new photo at the office. You cannot use your own photo — DDS takes all photos in-house to meet federal standards.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — your new license will still be valid for eight years from the date it is issued, not from the date your old license expired.

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.