Renewing Your Georgia Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person
Georgia allows you to renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the DDS website, by mail if you meet specific conditions, or in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person appointment.
Your Georgia license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process and must go to a DDS office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a standard eight-year license; you must have a valid email address and your current license number.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license expires within 90 days, you have not renewed by mail in the past two years, and you do not need a new photo or address change.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address or name.
- Georgia does not charge a separate fee for address or name changes on renewal; the renewal fee covers all updates.
- You must bring your current Georgia license or valid ID to any in-person appointment; DDS offices operate by appointment only and do not accept walk-ins.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Option for Most People
Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is available if your license is not expired, you have not renewed online in the past two years, and you do not need a new photo. You will keep the same photo from your current license. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $32.
To renew online, visit the Georgia DDS website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will review your current information, confirm or update your mailing address, and pay the $32 fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal does not allow you to change your photo, address, or name. If you need any of these changes, you must renew in person or by mail (if mail renewal is available to you).
Mail Renewal: When You Can Skip the Office Visit
Mail renewal is available only if your current license expires within 90 days, you have not renewed by mail in the past two years, and you do not need a new photo or address change. If you meet all three conditions, you can request a mail renewal form from the Georgia DDS website or by calling 678-413-8400.
Complete the form, include a check or money order for $32 payable to "Georgia DDS," and mail both to the address listed on the form. Include your current license with your mailed packet. Your new license will arrive within 10 to 14 business days after DDS receives your renewal. Keep your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal does not allow photo changes. If you need a new photo, address change, or name change, you must renew in person.
In-Person Renewal at a DDS Office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need a new photo, you are changing your name or address, or you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). All Georgia DDS offices operate by appointment only; walk-ins are not accepted. You can schedule an appointment online at the Georgia DDS website or by calling 678-413-8400.
Bring your current Georgia driver's license or a valid form of ID, such as a passport or military ID. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring proof of residency dated within the past 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name.
The in-person renewal fee is $32 for a standard eight-year license. You will have your photo taken at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives, unless your current license has already expired.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
| Renewal Type | Required Documents | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, date of birth, last four digits of SSN | $32 | 7–10 business days |
| Current license, completed form, check or money order | $32 | 10–14 business days | |
| In Person | Current license or valid ID; proof of name change or address change if applicable | $32 | 7–10 business days |
Georgia charges $32 for a standard eight-year license renewal regardless of which method you use. If you renew a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and varies depending on the endorsements on your license. CDL renewals must be done in person.
If you need a replacement license before your renewal arrives—for example, if your current license is lost or stolen—you can request an expedited replacement at a DDS office for an additional fee. Expedited licenses are typically ready the same day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Renewal
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Georgia allows renewal up to one year before expiration, and renewing early prevents the gap when your license is expired and unusable for identification or driving. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you lose the option to renew online or by mail and must go to an office in person.
Do not attempt to renew online if you need a new photo or are changing your name or address. The online system will not process these requests, and you will have to start over with an in-person or mail renewal. Check your renewal may be able to access on the Georgia DDS website before you begin.
Do not mail cash. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order only. Do not include your Social Security number on any mailed documents unless the renewal form specifically asks for it.
Do not schedule an in-person appointment without bringing the required documents. DDS offices will not process your renewal if you arrive without your current license or valid ID, and you will have to reschedule. If you are changing your name or address, bring the supporting documents; without them, you cannot complete the change during renewal.
What Happens After You Renew
After you renew, your new license will be mailed to the address you provided during renewal. If you renewed online or by mail, your current license remains valid until your new license arrives. If you renewed in person and your current license has already expired, you should not drive until your new license arrives, though you can carry the receipt from your in-person appointment as proof of renewal if stopped by law enforcement.
If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to check the status. Provide your driver's license number and the date you renewed. If your license was lost or damaged in the mail, DDS can issue a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you live outside Georgia, you can renew online or by mail if you meet the requirements for those methods. You do not need to be a Georgia resident to renew a Georgia license, but your mailing address on file will be used to send your new license. If you need to change your address to an out-of-state address, you can do so during online or mail renewal without visiting an office.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS office will update your name during renewal at no additional cost beyond the $32 renewal fee. You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal.
How do I know if my license is about to expire?
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Georgia also sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before expiration if your address is current on file. You can also check your license status on the Georgia DDS website by entering your license number and date of birth.
Can I get a REAL ID-compliant license during renewal?
No. REAL ID upgrades require an in-person visit to a DDS office and additional documents, such as proof of citizenship or legal residency. You cannot add REAL ID compliance during a standard renewal. If you need a REAL ID license, you must visit an office and request it separately from your renewal.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Georgia DDS by paying any outstanding fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions. Once your driving privileges are restored, you can renew your license through any available method.