Georgia driver's license renewal basics
You can renew your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you'll get your new license in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DDS office is when ready if you bring the right documents, though you may wait in line.
Your license is valid for eight years from the issue date. Georgia sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year early. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but not online.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal costs $32 and works only if your license hasn't expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address is current with DDS.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks; you'll mail everything to the DDS address listed on the renewal notice.
- In-person renewal at any DDS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed form; you'll leave with your new license the same day.
- If your name, address, or medical information has changed, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal won't work.
- Georgia's Real ID-compliant licenses require an in-person visit if you don't already have one; standard renewals can often be done online or by mail.
Online renewal through the DDS website
To renew online, go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $32. You must have a valid, unexpired license to use this method.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you have medical restrictions or conditions listed on your license, if you've changed your name or address since your last renewal, or if you need to update your photo. If any of these explore, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.
After you complete the online transaction, DDS will mail your new license to the address on file. Check your current address in the system before you submit — if it's wrong, you'll need to start over or renew by mail. Your new license should arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal with a completed form
To renew by mail, fill out Form DL 44 (process for Driver's License or Learner's Permit) or use the renewal form that came with your notice. You can read Form DL 44 from the DDS website. Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $32 to the address shown on your renewal notice or on the DDS website.
Do not send cash. Include your current license number and your Social Security number on the form. If your address has changed, write the new address clearly on the form. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DDS receives your packet.
Mail renewal works even if your license has expired, and it's a good option if you can't visit an office or use the online system. However, you won't be able to update your photo by mail — your new license will use the photo from your previous license.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
Visit any DDS office with your current driver's license, a completed Form DL 44, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original or a certified copy — a photocopy alone won't work.
You'll have your photo taken at the office. Your new license will be printed and ready to use before you leave, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. The fee is $32, and you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
In-person renewal is required if you've changed your name, if you need to add or remove medical restrictions, if you want to update your photo, or if you're renewing a Real ID-compliant license for the first time. Check the DDS website for office hours and locations near you — some offices are open only certain days or have limited hours.
Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal
Georgia's Real ID-compliant driver's license has a gold star in the upper right corner. This license meets federal standards for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license doesn't have the star and you want one, you must renew in person.
When you renew in person for a Real ID license, you'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and one document proving your legal name and date of birth — such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. You'll also need a Social Security number verification document, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form.
If your current license already has the Real ID star, you can renew it online or by mail without bringing additional documents. Real ID renewal in person takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal — you'll leave with your new license the same day.
What to do if your license has expired
You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if you've started the renewal process. However, you can still renew by mail or in person. Online renewal is not available once your license expires.
If you renew by mail after expiration, your new license will be mailed to you and you should not drive until it arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, visit a DDS office in person — you'll receive your new license when ready and can drive legally that same day.
Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation. If you're stopped by police, show them your renewal receipt or proof that you've submitted your renewal process. This may help, but it does not may provide you won't be cited.
DDS office locations and how to prepare
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. Find the office nearest you on the DDS website, which also shows hours of operation — some offices close for lunch or are open only certain days. Call ahead if you have questions about what documents you need or if the office is particularly busy on certain days.
Bring all required documents in originals or certified copies. Photocopies of proof of residency will not be accepted. If you're renewing in person, allow extra time if you need to update your photo or if you're explore for Real ID for the first time — these visits take longer than a standard renewal.
If you're renewing by mail or online, double-check that your address is correct before you submit. If your address is wrong in the DDS system and you submit your renewal, your new license will be mailed to the wrong place and you'll have to start over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online if you meet the requirements for those methods. Mail renewal works for anyone with a current or recently expired license. If you live outside Georgia and need to renew in person, you'll have to visit a DDS office during a trip back to the state.
What happens if I renew online but my address is wrong?
Your new license will be mailed to the address in the DDS system. If that address is incorrect, your license will go to the wrong place. Contact DDS before you renew to update your address, or renew by mail or in person instead so you can provide the correct address on the form.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Only if you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your photo from your previous license. If you want a new photo, you must visit a DDS office. You can renew in person even if your license hasn't expired yet.
How much does Georgia driver's license renewal cost?
The renewal fee is $32 for all methods — online, mail, and in person. This fee is for a standard eight-year license. Real ID licenses cost the same. You cannot renew for free in Georgia.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or court fine?
Georgia does not suspend license renewal based on unpaid traffic tickets or court fines alone. However, if you have an active suspension on your license for other reasons — such as failure to pay child support or a DUI conviction — you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Check your license status on the DDS website or call DDS to confirm whether you can renew.