How to renew your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Georgia driver's license through three routes: online at the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DDS office. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than the other methods. Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued, so you'll receive a notice in the mail roughly 60 days before expiration telling you it's time to renew.
The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and whether you're willing to visit an office in person. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online — you must go to a DDS office or use the mail option. If you've changed your name since your last license, you'll need to renew in person with supporting documents.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $32, and works only if your current license is still valid and you haven't changed your name.
- Mail renewal costs $20 and takes two to three weeks, but you must request a form from DDS first and meet specific may be able to access rules.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office takes about 30 minutes, costs $32, and is required if your license has expired or you've had a name change.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card for online, check or money order for mail).
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or two to three weeks for mail renewal.
Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name. Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, select "Renew Your License," and create an account or log in if you already have one. You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address.
During the online process, you'll answer questions about your vision, medical conditions, and whether you've had any traffic violations or suspensions since your last renewal. You'll also choose whether to keep the same address or update it. At the end, you'll pay the $32 renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot complete the online process because your information doesn't match DDS records, the system will tell you to visit an office in person or use the mail option instead. This sometimes happens if your address or name in the system is outdated.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal costs $20 and takes two to three weeks, making it slower and cheaper than online renewal. However, you cannot straightforward send in your old license — you must first request a renewal form from the Georgia DDS. Call 678-413-8400 or visit a DDS office to request the form, which will be mailed to you. Once you receive it, fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it back with a check or money order for $20 and a copy of your current address proof (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
Mail renewal has strict rules: your license must not be expired, you cannot have changed your name, and you cannot have any medical conditions or violations that require an in-person review. If any of these explore to you, the DDS will return your process and ask you to renew in person instead.
Renewing in person at a DDS office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, you've changed your name, or you have medical conditions that need review. It also applies if you want to change your address, update your vision correction status, or add or remove organ donor designation. Visit a DDS office with your current driver's license (or expired license if that's all you have), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. The fee is $32, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
The process takes about 30 minutes, including a vision test and a new photo. You'll answer the same questions about medical conditions and violations as you would online. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need a license to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, valid for 30 days.
To find a DDS office near you, use the office locator on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
What documents and information you'll need
For all renewal methods, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. If you're renewing online, you'll also need your driver's license number and a valid credit or debit card. For mail renewal, you'll need a check or money order and a recent utility bill or other address proof. For in-person renewal, bring your current or expired driver's license and proof of your current address.
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without this document, the DDS cannot issue a new license with your new name.
What happens after you renew
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renewed online or in person, or within two to three weeks if you renewed by mail. Until it arrives, your old license is still valid and you can continue to drive. Once the new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — Georgia does not require you to return it.
If your new license doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to check the status. Occasionally mail is delayed, but the DDS can tell you whether your renewal was processed and when your license was mailed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if it has already expired?
No, you cannot renew online if your license is expired. You must either renew by mail (if you meet the may be able to access rules) or visit a DDS office in person. If you've been driving with an expired license, bring it with you to the office — the DDS will not penalize you for renewing late.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license will be used on your new one. If you renew in person, you'll have a new photo taken at the office. You cannot request a new photo for online or mail renewal.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
You can update your address during online renewal without visiting an office. If you're renewing by mail, include your new address on the form and send proof of it (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). In-person renewal also allows address changes.
How much does it cost to renew in Georgia?
Online and in-person renewal both cost $32. Mail renewal costs $20. All fees are for an eight-year license. If you request a temporary paper license at an office, there is no additional charge.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it. Visit a DDS office with proof of your identity and current address. Replacement is different from renewal and has different requirements and fees. Contact the Georgia DDS for details on replacement.