How to renew your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few basic conditions: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any medical suspensions or restrictions that need updating. If you may have access to, the online renewal through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website takes about 15 minutes and costs $32. If you don't may have access to for online renewal, you can renew by mail or visit a DDS office in person.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready after online renewal that you can use right away while you wait for the physical card.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions or suspensions.
- The online renewal fee is $32, and you'll get a temporary paper license to use when ready while your new card is mailed to you.
- If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license and a check to the DDS, or visit a DDS office in person.
- Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so plan to renew before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.
- You will need to pass a vision test and provide proof of residency if you renew in person at a DDS office.
Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website
To renew online, go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your information against DDS records and ask you to confirm that your address, name, and other details are still correct. If anything has changed, you cannot complete the online renewal and must visit an office or renew by mail instead.
After you submit your renewal, you'll pay the $32 fee by credit or debit card. The system will generate a temporary paper license that you can print or save to your phone. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving, voting, or any other purpose that requires a driver's license while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.
Your new physical license will be mailed to the address on file. If you've moved recently and updated your address online before renewing, the card will go to your new address. If you haven't updated your address yet, the card will go to your old address, and you'll need to contact DDS to have it reissued to the correct location.
Renewing by mail if you don't may have access to for online renewal
If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you have medical restrictions or suspensions on your record, you must renew by mail or in person. To renew by mail, request a renewal process form from the Georgia DDS by calling 678-413-8400 or visiting a DDS office. You can also read the form from the DDS website.
Fill out the process completely and include your current driver's license (or a copy if it's been lost). Write a check or money order for $32 payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your packet, but mail delivery itself can add another week or more.
You will not receive a temporary license when you renew by mail, so you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is processed, you must visit a DDS office in person instead.
In-person renewal at a Georgia DDS office
Visit any Georgia Department of Driver Services office to renew in person. You'll need to bring your current driver's license, proof of Georgia residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $32 in cash, check, or card. You'll also take a new photo and pass a vision test at the office.
DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Georgia DDS website.
If you renew in person, you'll receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if the office needs to mail it. Most people walk out with their new license the same day, though some offices may mail it if they're processing a high volume of renewals.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your Georgia driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person at a DDS office. At that visit, you'll need to pass a vision test and provide proof of residency. You'll also need to pay the $32 renewal fee.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you're renewing it. If you're stopped by police, you can show them your temporary paper license (if you renewed online) or your renewal receipt (if you're in the process of renewing by mail or in person), but this does not may provide you won't be cited. The safest approach is to complete your renewal before your license expires.
Updating your address, name, or other information during renewal
If you've moved, changed your name, or need to update any information on your license, you can make these changes during renewal. For online renewal, the system will ask you to confirm or update your address before you submit. If your address has changed and you don't update it during online renewal, your new license will be mailed to your old address.
If you're renewing by mail or in person and need to change your name, you'll need to bring legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A name change requires an in-person visit; you cannot complete it by mail or online. Address changes can be made by mail or online, but name changes must be done in person at a DDS office.
Renewing if you have medical restrictions or suspensions
If your license has a medical restriction (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only) or if your license is under medical suspension, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DDS office in person. At that visit, a DDS examiner will review your medical status and may ask you to provide updated medical documentation from your doctor.
If your suspension is due to a medical condition that has improved, bring a letter from your doctor stating that you are now safe to drive. The examiner will review this documentation and may clear the suspension, allowing you to renew your license. If the suspension remains in place, your renewal will be denied until the medical issue is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Georgia driver's license valid?
A Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?
Yes, you can renew online if you meet the standard requirements (license not expired more than two years, no medical restrictions). If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail. You cannot renew in person at a DDS office unless you are physically present in Georgia.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a DDS office in person to report it lost and renew at the same time. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of residency. You'll pay $32 for the renewal plus a replacement fee for the lost license.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Georgia DDS office?
Most Georgia DDS offices do not require appointments for license renewal. You can walk in during business hours and wait your turn. However, some offices may offer appointment scheduling during busy times. Check the DDS website or call ahead to see if your local office accepts appointments.
What if my temporary paper license expires before my new card arrives?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. If your new card hasn't arrived within that time, contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to check the status. In most cases, the card arrives within 7 to 10 business days, so this is rare. If there's a delay, DDS can issue you another temporary license or expedite your card.