Georgia does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses, but you can renew by mail or in person

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) does not have an online portal where you can renew or update your driver's license from home. You have two main routes: mail renewal (if you meet certain conditions) or an in-person visit to a DDS office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal — you submit documents by post and receive your new license by mail — but it requires that your license is not suspended, your address is current, and you are not changing your name or photo.

If you need to change your address, name, or photo, or if your license is suspended or expired for more than five years, you must visit a DDS office in person. There is no way around this requirement, even if you have a valid reason for not being able to visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia does not offer online driver's license renewal; you must either renew by mail or visit a DDS office in person.
  • Mail renewal works only if your license is current, not suspended, and you are not changing your name, address, or photo.
  • Address changes, name changes, and photo updates require an in-person visit to a DDS office.
  • You can check your license status and find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website before you visit or mail documents.

When you can renew by mail

Mail renewal is available if all of these are true: your driver's license is not suspended or revoked, it has not been expired for more than five years, your current address is already on file with DDS, and you are not changing your name. You also cannot renew by mail if you are under 18 or if your license requires a medical certification or restriction update.

To renew by mail, you will need to request a renewal form from the Georgia DDS. You can call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 to request the form, or you can visit a DDS office and ask for one in person. Once you receive the form, you fill it out, include the required documents (usually a copy of your current license and proof of residence), and mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks after DDS receives your mail.

Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal: $32 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. You can pay by check or money order included with your mailed documents.

What to do if you need to change your address

If you have moved and need to update your address on your driver's license, you cannot use mail renewal. You must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

Address changes can usually be completed in one visit and take 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks. There is no fee for an address change if your license is not expiring soon; if it is expiring within 60 days, you may be charged a renewal fee.

How to renew in person at a DDS office

To renew your driver's license in person, visit any Georgia DDS office with your current license, proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or document with your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some busy locations now use an online scheduling system. Check the DDS website to see if your local office requires a reservation.

Bring any documents you need if you are also changing your name or address. If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are changing your photo, you will have a new photo taken at the office at no extra charge.

In-person renewal takes 15 to 45 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two weeks. The cost is $32 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older.

Finding your nearest DDS office and checking wait times

The Georgia DDS website has a location finder where you can enter your zip code and see all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they are currently open. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. A few high-traffic locations have reduced hours or are open by appointment only.

You can also call 678-413-8400 to ask about wait times at a specific office before you visit. Many offices post current wait times on their websites or social media pages. Early morning visits (right when an office opens) and mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) tend to have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.

What happens if your license is suspended or expired for more than five years

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it by mail or in person at a routine renewal appointment. You must first resolve the suspension with DDS. Suspensions are usually due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. You can check the status of your license on the DDS website or by calling 678-413-8400.

Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at a DDS office. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, even if you are renewing rather than explore for a new license. Call DDS before you visit to confirm what documents and tests you will need.

Renewing a license that is about to expire

You can renew your driver's license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or know you will not have time to renew after your expiration date. Renewing early does not cost extra and does not shorten the validity of your new license — your new license will still be valid for eight years from the date it is issued.

If you renew early by mail, request your renewal form at least eight weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing and mail delivery. If you renew in person, you can do so any time during the six-month window before expiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia driver's license online?

No. Georgia does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and you are not changing your name or address, or you can visit a DDS office in person. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal because you submit documents by post and receive your new license by mail.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person or by mail, your new license is mailed to you within two weeks. Mail renewal takes an additional four to six weeks for DDS to process your documents after they receive your mailed packet. Plan for eight to ten weeks total if you are renewing by mail.

What if I need to change my address and my license is expiring soon?

You must visit a DDS office in person to change your address. If your license is expiring within 60 days, you will be charged a renewal fee along with the address change. If it is expiring more than 60 days away, the address change is free. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address within two weeks.

Do I need an appointment to renew my driver's license at a DDS office?

Most Georgia DDS offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some busy locations now use an online scheduling system. Check the DDS website or call 678-413-8400 to learn about your local office requires a reservation before you visit.

What documents do I need to bring if I am renewing by mail?

You will need a copy of your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days), and a check or money order for $32. Request the renewal form from DDS by calling 678-413-8400 or visiting an office in person, then mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form.