How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Renew Your Georgia License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few 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 or vision 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. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or in person at a DDS office. By mail, you fill out form DL 44, include your current license and a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form—processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. In person, you visit a local DDS office with your current license and payment, and you walk out with a temporary license the same day while your permanent one is mailed to you.

Your renewal fee depends on how long your new license is valid. A four-year renewal costs $32; an eight-year renewal costs $64. Georgia does not offer online renewal for commercial driver's licenses (CDL) or for licenses with medical restrictions, so you will need to visit an office in those cases.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest option if your license expired less than two years ago and has no medical or vision restrictions.
Mail renewal requires form DL 44, your current license, and payment by check or money order, with processing taking 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at a DDS office gives you a temporary license when ready and costs the same as online or mail renewal.
Your renewal fee is $32 for four years or $64 for eight years, depending on which term you choose.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you have medical or vision restrictions that need review.

What You Need Before You Start

For any renewal method, you need your current Georgia driver's license. If you are renewing online, you also need a valid email address on file with DDS and access to a computer or phone to complete the transaction. You will need to pay the renewal fee—$32 or $64 depending on the term length you choose—by credit or debit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal.

If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and a payment method the office accepts (cash, check, debit card, or credit card—policies vary by location, so call ahead if you want to confirm). You do not need to bring proof of residency or other documents unless your address has changed or you need to update your name. If your address or name has changed, bring a document that shows your new information, such as a utility bill, lease, or marriage certificate.

Online Renewal Step by Step

Go to the Georgia DDS website and select the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will check whether you meet the requirements—license expired less than two years ago, no medical restrictions, valid email on file. If you do not meet these conditions, the system will tell you and direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead.

If you are approved, you will review your current information and make any updates to your address or email. You cannot change your name online; if your name has changed, you must renew in person or by mail and include a name-change document. After you confirm your information, you will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation email when ready, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail Renewal: Form and Timeline

read or request form DL 44 from the Georgia DDS website. Fill it out completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and the term length you want (four or eight years). Include your current license and a check or money order for the correct amount—$32 for four years or $64 for eight years. Make the check payable to "Georgia DDS."

Mail the form, license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Do not mail your original license unless the form specifically instructs you to; some versions ask for a photocopy instead. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you listed on the form. If you need to update your address or name, include a document showing the change and note it on the form.

In-Person Renewal at a DDS Office

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website and check its hours. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept appointments through an online scheduling system. Bring your current license and payment in the form the office accepts. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

When you finish, you will receive a temporary license printed on the spot that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If your address or name has changed, bring a document showing the change and tell the staff member before you pay. If you have medical or vision restrictions that need updating, the office staff will help you complete the necessary forms and may refer you to a vision test or medical evaluation.

Renewing a License That Expired More Than Two Years Ago

If your Georgia license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or standard mail renewal. You must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your expired license, a valid form of identification (such as a passport or military ID), and payment for the renewal fee.

At the office, you may be asked to retake the written test, vision test, or both, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age. Staff will tell you what tests you need before you pay. Once you pass any required tests and pay the fee, you will receive a temporary license and your permanent license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not have your expired license, bring two other forms of ID instead.

Medical Restrictions and Vision Requirements

If your current license has medical restrictions—such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only—you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DDS office so staff can review your restrictions and determine whether they still explore.

If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, your license will note "corrective lenses required." When you renew, you can update this restriction if your vision has changed. If you need a vision test, the DDS office can administer one on site for a small fee, or you can bring a vision test result from an eye doctor dated within the past 60 days. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, DDS may require a report from your doctor or a medical evaluation before approving your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you meet the online renewal requirements, you can renew through the Georgia DDS website from anywhere. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail using form DL 44. You cannot renew in person at a DDS office unless you are physically present in Georgia.

What if my address changed since my last license?

For online renewal, you can update your address during the renewal process. For mail renewal, write your new address on form DL 44 and include a document showing the change, such as a utility bill or lease. For in-person renewal, bring the address-change document and tell the staff member before you pay.

How long is my temporary license valid?

A temporary license issued at a DDS office is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that time, contact DDS to check the status.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

For online and mail renewal, your current photo is used unless you request a new one. For in-person renewal, a new photo is taken automatically. If you want a new photo for online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

What if I lost my license and need to renew?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. You must visit a DDS office in person with two forms of valid identification. Staff will issue a replacement license and you can renew it at the same time.

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.