How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Renewing Your Georgia 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 fit those requirements, the online renewal through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website takes about 15 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online — because your license is too old, you need to update medical information, or you prefer not to use the website — you can renew by mail or visit a DDS office in person. Mail renewal takes longer (two to three weeks) but works the same way: you fill out the renewal form, include payment, and mail everything to the address on the form. In-person renewal at any DDS location is fastest if you need your license when ready, though you may wait in line.

Key Takeaways

Georgia's online renewal is the quickest option if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions.
Online renewal costs $32 for four years or $64 for eight years, and your new license arrives by mail in about a week.
If you cannot renew online, you can mail your renewal form and payment to DDS, or visit a DDS office in person.
You will need your current license number, a valid email address, and a payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
Georgia licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

When You Can Renew Your Georgia License

Georgia allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license and falls on your birthday. Starting the renewal process early means you will have your new license before the old one runs out, so you are never driving with an expired license.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it — but only if it expired within the last two years. After two years, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. The process process is longer and requires an in-person visit to a DDS office, a written test, and a road test.

How to Renew Online Through the Georgia DDS Website

Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your driver record and ask you to confirm that your information is still correct — your name, address, and any medical conditions or restrictions.

Review everything carefully. If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal. If you have new medical information to report (such as a condition that affects your ability to drive), you cannot complete the online renewal; you must visit a DDS office in person instead. Once you confirm your information, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Georgia does not accept checks or cash online.

After payment, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Print this confirmation or save it on your phone — you may need it to track your license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact DDS to check the status.

Renewing by Mail or In Person

To renew by mail, read the DL 44 form (Renewal process) from the Georgia DDS website or pick one up at any DDS office. Fill it out completely, including your current license number and signature. Attach a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash — and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current license if possible. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your envelope.

For in-person renewal, visit any DDS office with your current license and a payment method (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). You can find office locations and hours on the Georgia DDS website. Walk-in renewals are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices are busier in the morning or on certain days of the week; calling ahead can give you an idea of the current wait. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, and you can request a temporary license to use while your permanent one is being mailed.

What Information and Documents You Need

For any renewal method, have your current Georgia driver's license ready. You will need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. If you are renewing online, you also need a valid email address on file and a credit or debit card for payment.

If you are renewing by mail or in person and your address has changed, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. These documents are not required for online renewal, but if your name or address is wrong in the system, you should visit a DDS office to update them before renewing online.

Renewal Fees and License Validity Periods

Georgia offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $32 or an eight-year license for $64. You choose which one you want when you renew. The eight-year license costs more but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. Both are valid for driving throughout the United States.

If you are over 65 years old, Georgia offers a reduced-cost renewal: a four-year license for $16 or an eight-year license for $32. You must be 65 or older at the time of renewal to receive this discount. Senior discounts are available for all renewal methods — online, by mail, and in person.

What to Do If Your License Was Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a DDS office in person and request a replacement. Bring a valid form of identification (such as a passport or state ID) and payment for the replacement fee, which is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. A replacement is treated as a new license, not a renewal, so the expiration date will be set four or eight years from the date you explore.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police or the DDS directly. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. DDS can flag your record so that if the stolen license is found and used, you have documentation that it was reported missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you no longer live in Georgia, you must surrender your Georgia license and obtain a license from your new state. You cannot renew a Georgia license if your address is outside Georgia. If you moved temporarily but still live in Georgia, you can update your address during renewal and continue with a Georgia license.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia. You can be stopped by police and cited. If your license expired within the last 30 days, the penalty is usually a warning or a small fine. After 30 days, fines increase. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it and must explore for a new license instead.

How do I know if my online renewal was successful?

After you complete online renewal, you will receive a confirmation email with a confirmation number. Save this email. If you do not receive a confirmation within a few minutes, check your spam folder. If you still do not see it, log back into the Georgia DDS website and check your account status. You can also call DDS at the number on their website to confirm your renewal was processed.

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

Georgia does not automatically block renewal for unpaid tickets or fines, but some counties may suspend your license if you have an outstanding court debt. Before renewing, check your driving record on the Georgia DDS website or call DDS to see if there are any holds on your license. If there is a hold, you must resolve it before you can renew.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

For online renewal, Georgia uses your existing photo from your current license. You do not get a new photo unless you request one in person at a DDS office. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. For mail and in-person renewal, a new photo is taken or used from your file unless you specifically request a new one.

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.