Georgia driver's license renewal: the basic path
Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. Most people can renew online if their license is not expired and they have not had certain violations or medical suspensions. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DDS office in person, bring your current license and proof of residency, and pay the renewal fee.
Your Georgia license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. The state will mail you a reminder postcard about four months before your expiration date, but that postcard is not required to start the renewal process.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia offers online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired and who have no active medical suspensions or certain traffic violations.
- Online renewal costs $32 and takes about 10 business days; your new license will arrive by mail.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DDS office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not need to wait for the reminder postcard.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office requires an appointment; you can book one on the Georgia DDS website.
Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website
To renew online, go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity and check whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
Online renewal costs $32. Once you complete the process and your payment is processed, the state will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard mailing takes about 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, Georgia does not offer expedited mail renewal, but you can visit a DDS office to get a temporary license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
You cannot renew online if your license is already expired, if you have an active medical suspension, if you have certain traffic violations on your record, or if you need to change your name or address. If any of these explore to you, you will need to renew in person.
When you must renew in person at a DDS office
Visit a DDS office if your license is expired, if you have a medical suspension, if you have been convicted of certain traffic offenses in the past five years, or if you need to update your name, address, or other information on your license. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your license class or add endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement).
To renew in person, you must bring your current Georgia driver's license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
In-person renewal costs $32 for a standard eight-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days while the state processes your process. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 10 business days.
Making an appointment at a Georgia DDS office
Georgia DDS offices require appointments for most services, including license renewal. You can book an appointment on the Georgia DDS website by selecting your county and the service you need. The website shows available times at each office. Some offices have same-day or next-day appointments available, while others may have longer wait times depending on demand.
If you cannot book an appointment online or if you have questions about which office is nearest you, you can call the DDS customer service line. Wait times for phone appointments can be long during peak hours, so try calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your Georgia license has already expired, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your payment. The renewal process is the same as for an unexpired license, and you will still pay the standard $32 renewal fee.
If your license expired more than two years ago, Georgia may require you to retake the written test and vision test before renewing. Call the DDS customer service line or visit your local office to confirm what you will need to bring before your appointment.
Renewing by mail (limited availability)
Georgia does not have a standard mail-in renewal program for most drivers. However, if you are a member of the military stationed outside Georgia, you may be able to renew by mail. Contact the DDS customer service line to ask about military renewal options and to request the necessary forms.
If you are unable to visit a DDS office due to a disability or medical condition, you may request a home visit or ask about alternative renewal methods. Call the DDS customer service line to discuss your situation and learn what options are available to you.
Changing your name, address, or license class during renewal
If you need to change your name or address, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address, and a certified copy of any document showing a name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The renewal fee remains $32.
If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement or change your license class, you must also renew in person. You may need to pass a written test or skills test depending on the change you are requesting. Ask the DDS office what tests or documents you will need before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. To renew a Georgia license, you must have a Georgia address on file. If you have moved out of state, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still have a Georgia address (such as a family member's home), you can use that address to renew, but you should update it if you move permanently.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You will need to visit a DDS office in person. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The office will issue you a replacement license and charge the standard $32 renewal fee. You do not need to pay a separate replacement fee if you are renewing at the same time.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?
Standard mailing takes about 10 business days after your process is processed. Processing itself usually takes a few days, so plan for up to two weeks total. If you need your license sooner, visit a DDS office in person to get a temporary paper license valid for 45 days.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online, the state will use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person at a DDS office, you will have a new photo taken. If you want a new photo but are renewing online, you will need to wait until your next renewal cycle or visit a DDS office to request a new photo separately.
What if my license has a medical suspension on it?
You cannot renew online if you have an active medical suspension. You must visit a DDS office in person. The office will review your medical status and determine whether the suspension can be lifted. Bring any medical documentation that shows you are now safe to drive, such as a letter from your doctor or the results of a medical evaluation.