How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

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 — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $32. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DDS office is when ready but requires an appointment, which you book through the Georgia DDS website.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. 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 before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is available if your license hasn't been suspended, you haven't changed your name, and your vision hasn't changed since your last renewal.
Mail renewal requires you to submit your current license, a completed form, and payment by check or money order — processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at a DDS office requires an appointment booked on the Georgia DDS website and takes about 30 minutes once you arrive.
You'll need proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) for any renewal method.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online and must visit a DDS office in person.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the simplest path if you meet the requirements. You need a valid Georgia driver's license that hasn't been suspended or revoked, a Social Security number, and a credit or debit card for the $32 fee. You cannot renew online if you've changed your name since your last license was issued, if your vision has changed, or if you want to update your address to a different county.

Go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Renew Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm your current information and ask you to review it. Once you submit payment, your renewal is processed when ready. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If the online system tells you that you're not may be able to access, note the reason — it will tell you whether you need to visit an office in person or whether mail renewal is an option instead.

Mail renewal: submitting your process by post

Mail renewal works if your license is valid and not suspended. You'll need to complete Form DL 44 (process for Driver's License or Learner's Permit), which you can read from the Georgia DDS website or pick up at any DDS office. You also need to include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $32 made payable to "Georgia Department of Driver Services," and proof of your current address.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days of mailing. Mail your completed form, license, payment, and proof of address to the address listed on the DDS website — it varies by region. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your packet. Your new license arrives by mail after approval.

Keep a copy of everything you mail. If your packet gets lost, you'll have documentation of what you sent. Mail renewal is slower than online but works if you're not may be able to access for online renewal and prefer not to visit an office.

In-person renewal at a Georgia DDS office

Visit a DDS office if you need a new photo, want to update your address to a different county, have a suspended or revoked license, or straightforward prefer to renew in person. You must book an appointment through the Georgia DDS website — walk-ins are not accepted. Select your nearest office, choose an available time slot, and arrive 10 minutes early with your documents.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and $32 in cash, check, or card. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Processing time at the office is typically 20 to 30 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask the DDS staff whether expedited mail is available — some offices offer it for an additional fee.

What happens if your license is expired or suspended

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it through any of the three methods — online, mail, or in person — as long as it expired fewer than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license, which requires taking a written test and a road test. Contact your local DDS office to schedule these tests.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person. The staff will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to restore your driving privileges. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a court case. You cannot get a new license until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

Proof of residency and what documents work

Georgia requires proof that you live at the address on your renewal process. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental contract, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document showing your name and address. The document must be dated within 60 days of your renewal process.

If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new address yet, contact your DDS office — they may accept a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation. Keep the original document with you when you renew in person, or include a copy if you're renewing by mail.

Fees, processing times, and what to expect

A standard eight-year Georgia driver's license renewal costs $32. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you choose expedited mail processing at a DDS office, there is an additional fee — ask your local office for the current amount.

Online renewal is processed when ready, and your license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your packet. In-person renewal is completed the same day, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. If you need your license before the permanent one arrives, the temporary license is valid for driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're traveling or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

What if I've changed my name since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew by mail or in person. If renewing by mail, include a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If renewing in person, bring the same document to your DDS office appointment.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DDS office?

Yes. Georgia DDS requires appointments for all in-person transactions. Book your appointment through the Georgia DDS website by selecting your office and choosing an available time slot. Walk-ins are not accepted, and arriving without an appointment will result in being turned away.

What if my 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. The staff will explain the reason for the suspension and tell you what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.

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

If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving during this time.

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.