Georgia Renewal Locations and Methods
You can renew your Georgia driver's license at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, online through the Georgia DDS website, or by mail if you meet specific requirements. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, expiring soon, or still valid, and whether you need to update your address or photograph.
Georgia has 59 DDS locations across the state, plus satellite offices in some counties. If you go in person, you do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Online renewal is the fastest option for those who may have access to, while mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering limited Saturday hours; you can find your nearest office and current wait times on the Georgia DDS website.
- Online renewal takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, but you must not have renewed online in the past four years and your current license must not be expired.
- Mail renewal costs $20 and takes two to three weeks, but is only available if your license is still valid and you have not renewed by mail within the past two years.
- You will need your current Georgia driver's license, proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid form of identification if renewing in person.
- If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address online before renewing by mail.
Renewing In Person at a DDS Office
Walk into any Georgia DDS office with your current license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification. You do not need to call ahead or book a time slot. The office will take a new photograph, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Bring one document that proves you live in Georgia: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring a second form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or Social Security card if your current license is expired or if you cannot provide proof of residency.
Wait times are longest on Mondays and Fridays and during lunch hours. Check the Georgia DDS website for real-time wait times at your nearest office before you go. Some DDS locations offer Saturday hours; the website lists which ones.
Renewing Online Through the Georgia DDS Website
Go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will pay $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license by credit or debit card.
You can only renew online if all of the following are true: your current license is not expired, you have not renewed online in the past four years, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photograph. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.
After you complete the online renewal, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no trip to an office. You can renew by mail only if your current license is still valid (not expired), your address has not changed, and you have not renewed by mail within the past two years. If you renewed by mail two years ago, you must renew in person or online this time.
Call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to request a mail renewal form, or read it from the Georgia DDS website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $20 payable to "Georgia DDS," and mail both to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Your new license will arrive in 2 to 3 weeks.
Mail renewal does not include a new photograph, so your new license will use the photograph from your current license. If you need a new photograph or your address has changed, you must renew in person.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Current Georgia license, proof of residency, valid ID if license is expired | $32 (4-year) or $64 (8-year) | 7–10 business days |
| Online | Current license number, date of birth, last 4 SSN digits | $32 (4-year) or $64 (8-year) | 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Mail renewal form, check or money order for $20 | $20 | 2–3 weeks |
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your Georgia driver's license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew it. You must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification. You cannot renew an expired license online or by mail.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew. This requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and a written knowledge test. Contact your local DDS office for the full list of documents and steps.
Finding Your Nearest DDS Office and Hours
The Georgia DDS website has a location finder that shows all 59 offices, their hours, and current wait times. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. A few locations offer Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to noon. Hours vary by location, so check the website before you go.
If you live in a rural county, you may have a satellite office that operates on a limited schedule. The location finder will show you the nearest office and whether it is a full-service DDS office or a satellite location. Satellite offices handle renewals but may have shorter hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I just moved to Georgia from another state?
No. If you moved from out of state, you must explore for a new Georgia license, not renew. You will need to visit a DDS office in person with your out-of-state license, proof of Georgia residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of legal presence. You will also take a vision test and a written knowledge test.
What if my name has changed since my last license was issued?
You must renew in person. Bring your current license, a document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and a valid form of identification. The DDS office will update your name and issue a new license.
How long does my new Georgia license take to arrive after I renew?
In-person and online renewals take 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks. Your current license remains valid and you can continue to drive until your new one arrives. If you need your new license faster, renew in person at a DDS office.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Georgia DDS to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Call 678-413-8400 or visit a DDS office for more information.
What if I lost my current Georgia license?
You cannot renew a lost license. You must explore for a replacement license at a DDS office in person. Bring proof of residency, a valid form of identification, and proof of your Social Security number. The replacement license costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.