How to renew your Georgia driver license

You can renew your Georgia driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all.

Georgia licenses expire on your birthday and are valid for eight years. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DDS office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal is an option if your license is valid and you have not changed your address, but it takes two to three weeks to receive your new license.
  • You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need to update your photo, or if you are changing your address.
  • Georgia offers a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025, and costs $7 more than a standard renewal.
  • You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will enter your current license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to verify your identity.

The system will confirm your address on file. If your address is correct, you can proceed to payment. Online renewal costs $32 for a standard eight-year license. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead, the cost is $39. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After you pay, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, or if you want to update your photo. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works only if your license is still valid, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. You do not need to visit a DDS office or use the website. Instead, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions for mailing in your current license.

Fill out the form that comes with the notice, include your current license, and mail everything back in the prepaid envelope. Do not add postage — it is already paid. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you after processing is complete.

If you do not receive a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires, contact a DDS office or renew online instead. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal, so choose this method only if you prefer not to use the internet.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need to update your photo, or if you are changing your address. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Visit any Georgia DDS office during business hours. You will take a new photo, pay the renewal fee, and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will be mailed to your new address (if you changed it) or your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Standard renewal costs $32; REAL ID renewal costs $39.

Wait times at DDS offices vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time.

Understanding REAL ID and when you need it

A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or another federal ID (such as a passport) to board a domestic flight in the United States. A standard Georgia driver license will no longer be accepted for air travel after that date.

You can renew as a REAL ID license online, by mail (if you received a REAL ID notice), or in person at a DDS office. The cost is $39 instead of $32. You do not need to provide additional documents beyond what you would normally bring to renew — your current license and proof of address are enough if you are renewing in person.

If you are not sure whether your current license is REAL ID-compliant, check the upper right corner. If there is no gold star, your license is not REAL ID-compliant. You can renew as REAL ID at any time before your license expires.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will take a new photo and pay the renewal fee.

If your license expired very recently (within the last month or so), some DDS offices may allow you to renew by mail or online. Contact your local DDS office to ask whether you are still within the grace period. Do not wait — the longer your license is expired, the more documents you may need to bring.

Finding a Georgia DDS office and checking hours

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website by entering your city or zip code. The website shows the office address, phone number, hours of operation, and current wait time.

Many DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. A few offices are open on Saturdays. Call ahead or check the website to confirm hours before you visit, especially if you are traveling a long distance.

If you cannot visit an office in person and your license is expired, contact DDS to ask about your options. Some situations may allow for exceptions or alternative renewal methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have a current Georgia address to renew a Georgia license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver license from your new state instead. You can keep your Georgia license as a form of ID, but you cannot renew it.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

If your license is still valid but you lost it, you need to replace it rather than renew it. Visit a DDS office with proof of your address and Social Security number. You will pay a replacement fee (usually around $20) and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I pay online?

After you pay online, your new license is mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail times can vary depending on your location and postal service delays. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact DDS to check the status.

Do I need to take a new written test or road test to renew?

No. Renewal is not the same as getting a new license. You do not take a written test or road test to renew. You only take a new photo if you renew in person. If you are renewing online or by mail, you do not need to visit an office at all.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Georgia does not automatically block license renewal because of unpaid tickets or fines. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact DDS or the court that issued the ticket to find out how to resolve the suspension.