How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Georgia driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office, depending on your situation and how much time you have. Online renewal is the fastest route if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address or name, or if you don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.

Your renewal window opens 6 months before your license expires and closes on your expiration date. Georgia does not extend expired licenses, so renewing on time matters — driving on an expired license is illegal even if you've started the renewal process.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is available if your license is valid, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to mail your current license, a completed process, and payment to the DDS; you cannot use mail renewal if your license is suspended or if you need to update your address.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license is suspended, if you're changing your name or address, or if you don't meet online or mail renewal requirements.
Georgia charges $32 for an 8-year renewal and $20 for a 5-year renewal; you must be at least 18 to hold a standard license and at least 17 to hold a learner's permit.
Real ID-compliant licenses cost $5 more and require proof of citizenship and residency; a standard Georgia license is not Real ID-compliant and will not be accepted for federal purposes after May 7, 2025.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the quickest option if you meet all the requirements. You can renew at dds.georgia.gov using your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DDS records and show you whether you're may be able to access to proceed. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

You're may be able to access for online renewal if your current Georgia license is valid (not suspended or revoked), your address has not changed since your last renewal, and your Social Security number matches what DDS has on file. If any of these conditions don't explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.

After you complete online renewal, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal when you can't visit an office

Mail renewal works if your license is valid and your address hasn't changed. You'll need to mail the DDS a completed Form DL 44 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), your current license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail your packet to the address listed on the DDS website under "Mail Renewal."

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your packet, plus mail time in both directions. This means the total time from mailing to receiving your new license is typically 3 to 4 weeks. Keep a copy of your completed form and note the date you mailed it in case you need to follow up.

You cannot use mail renewal if your license is suspended, if you need to change your name or address, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). You also cannot use mail renewal if you're upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license for the first time.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

Visit a DDS office if your license is suspended, if you're changing your name or address, if you need a Real ID-compliant license for the first time, or if you don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and payment in cash, check, or card.

If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're changing your address, bring a document that shows your new address and your name, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

DDS offices operate by appointment in most locations. You can schedule an appointment online at dds.georgia.gov or by calling 678-413-8400. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but wait times can be long. Check the DDS website to find the office nearest you and see whether it accepts walk-ins.

Real ID compliance and what you need to bring

Georgia offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard Georgia license does not meet these requirements and will not be accepted for those purposes after May 7, 2025.

If you're renewing a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and two documents: one that proves your citizenship (a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and one that proves your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Real ID renewal costs $37 for an 8-year license instead of the standard $32.

If you already have a Real ID-compliant Georgia license, you can renew it online or by mail as long as your address hasn't changed and your license isn't suspended. Your new license will also be Real ID-compliant.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Georgia charges $32 for an 8-year driver's license renewal and $20 for a 5-year renewal. Real ID-compliant licenses cost $5 more: $37 for 8 years and $25 for 5 years. You can choose which term you prefer when you renew. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards; mail renewal requires a check or money order; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card.

Your new license will be valid for the term you choose, starting from the date it's issued. If your current license expires before your new one arrives, you can show your confirmation number or receipt as proof of renewal while you wait.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DDS office in person. Before you renew, you'll need to resolve the reason for the suspension — this might mean paying a traffic fine, completing a defensive driving course, or satisfying a child support obligation, depending on why your license was suspended.

Contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at any DDS office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and payment for the renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have a Georgia address on file to renew a Georgia license. If you've moved out of state, you'll need to surrender your Georgia license and obtain a license from your new state. If you're temporarily out of state but still a Georgia resident, contact the DDS to confirm your address is current before you renew online.

What happens if I drive on an expired license?

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you've started the renewal process. You can be stopped and cited. If your license is about to expire and you haven't renewed yet, renew online when ready — it takes only 10 minutes and your confirmation number serves as proof of renewal while you wait for your new license to arrive.

How long does in-person renewal take at a DDS office?

If you have an appointment, the office visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you walk in, wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Your new license is issued on the spot, so you can drive home with it the same day.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed?

Yes, but only in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license and proof of your Social Security number. The DDS will issue a new license with your updated name.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

If your license is lost or stolen, you'll need to report it to the DDS and obtain a replacement before you can renew. Visit a DDS office with proof of your identity and Social Security number. Once you have a replacement license, you can renew it using any of the three methods available to you.

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.