How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Where to renew your Georgia license and what documents you need

You can renew your Georgia driver's license in person at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Georgia DDS website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

If you renew in person, bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You will also need to pass a vision test. If you are renewing by mail or online, the requirements are simpler but available only to certain drivers — see the sections below for details on who qualifies.

The renewal fee in Georgia is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an office, or by credit or debit card online and by mail.

Key Takeaways

Georgia allows online renewal for drivers whose licenses are not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, and who have not changed their address.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you do not need to update your photo, address, or other personal information.
In-person renewal at a DDS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and a vision test.
Renewal fees are $32 for four years or $64 for eight years, and you can choose the length when you renew.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail, or when ready if you renew in person.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are not changing your address and your license is current. Go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will review your current information, choose your license length (four or eight years), and pay the fee with a credit or debit card.

You are not allowed to renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if it expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address, or if you need to update your photo or name. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail (if mail renewal is available to you).

After you complete the online renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. It typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired, you do not need to update your address, and you do not need a new photo. To renew by mail, contact your local DDS office or read the renewal form from the Georgia DDS website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — expect 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus mail time in both directions. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you should have renewed in person or online instead.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

Visit any DDS office with your current Georgia driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You will take a vision test and have your photo taken. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them for driving.

You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Georgia DDS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times. You can renew in person even if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked (though a revoked license may require additional steps — contact your local office first).

If you renew in person, you will receive your new license when ready and can drive home with it. The physical card is valid right away, though it will have an expiration date printed on it.

What to do if your license is expired or about to expire

If your Georgia license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at a DDS office. Online and mail renewal are not available for expired licenses. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

If your license is about to expire within the next 30 days, renew now rather than waiting. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery, and mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks plus mail time. If you wait until after your license expires, you lose the option to renew online or by mail.

Changing your address during renewal

If you have moved and need to update your address, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The DDS office will update your address in the system and issue your new license with the correct information.

Do not attempt to renew online or by mail if your address has changed — the system will reject your request. If you have already moved but have not yet renewed your license, renew in person as soon as possible so your license reflects your current address.

Getting a replacement if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, you need a replacement, not a renewal. A replacement is a new card with a new number and costs $20. You must get a replacement in person at a DDS office with proof of residency and your Social Security number. You do not need your old license to get a replacement.

Once you have your replacement, you can renew it using the normal renewal process (online, by mail, or in person) when it is time to renew. The replacement card is valid for the same length of time as a regular license — four or eight years, depending on which you chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I moved out of state?

No. Georgia licenses are for Georgia residents only. If you have moved to another state, you must get a driver's license from that state. You can no longer renew your Georgia license once you are no longer a resident.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Georgia. You can be stopped and cited. If your license expired within the last 30 days, the penalty is usually a warning or a small fine. If it expired more than 30 days ago, the fine is higher. Renew before your license expires to avoid this.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

Only if you renew in person. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you will have to renew in person instead or wait until your next renewal cycle.

How long is a Georgia driver's license good for?

You can choose four years or eight years when you renew. The four-year license costs $32 and the eight-year license costs $64. Drivers under 21 must renew every four years. There is no age limit for the eight-year option.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. The DDS office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.

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.