You can renew your Georgia driver's license online if you meet certain conditions

Georgia allows online renewal through its website, but only if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions on file that require in-person review, and you have not had certain violations or changes to your record. If you meet these conditions, the process takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year renewal or $64 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not meet the online requirements — your license is expired by more than two years, you need to change your address, or you have medical flags on your record — you must renew in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical conditions or recent violations flagged in the system.
  • The renewal fee is $32 for four years or $64 for eight years, paid by credit or debit card during the online process.
  • You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the renewal.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until it arrives.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DDS office in person with your expired license and proof of residency.

Step-by-step process for renewing online

Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will check whether you are may be able to access for online renewal — if you are not, it will tell you when ready and direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead.

If you are may be able to access, you will review your current information and make any updates that do not require an office visit, such as correcting a middle name or updating your phone number. You cannot change your address online; address changes must be done in person. Next, you will choose your renewal term (four or eight years) and pay the fee by credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number by email.

Do not throw away your expired license. You can legally drive on it until your new one arrives. Once your new license is in hand, destroy the old one or return it to a DDS office if you prefer.

Who cannot renew online and what to do instead

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a medical condition code on your record (such as a vision restriction or seizure disorder), if you have had a suspension or revocation, or if you need to change your address or name. You also cannot renew online if you are under 18 or if your license was issued outside the United States.

To renew in person, visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and use the office locator to find the nearest DDS location. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait time. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes and costs the same as online renewal.

What happens if your license expired more than two years ago

Georgia does not allow online renewal if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must renew in person at a DDS office. This rule applies even if you have been driving legally on an expired license or if you have a valid out-of-state license.

When you go in person, bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired Georgia license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or number. The fee is the same ($32 for four years or $64 for eight years). If your license has been expired for a very long time, the DDS may require you to retake the written test or vision test, depending on how long it has been and your age. Call your local DDS office before you go to confirm what you need to bring.

Address changes and other updates during renewal

If you need to change your address, you cannot do it through online renewal. You must go to a DDS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or number. The office will update your address and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you, depending on the office's process.

Name changes also require an in-person visit. You will need to bring your expired license, a court order or marriage certificate showing the name change, and proof of residency. Some DDS offices can issue your new license the same day; others mail it. Call ahead to confirm your office's process.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your renewal

After you complete online renewal, you will receive a confirmation email with your confirmation number. Your new license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive legally on your expired license during this time. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DDS using your confirmation number.

If you renewed in person at an office, some locations issue your license on the spot; others mail it within 7 to 10 days. Ask the staff member which applies to your office before you leave. Keep your confirmation receipt until your new license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license online if I have a medical condition like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Not if the condition is flagged in the DDS system with a medical code. The online system will reject your renewal and direct you to an office. Many common conditions are not flagged, so you will not know until you try. If you are rejected, schedule an in-person appointment — the office staff can tell you whether your condition requires special review or if it was a system error.

What if I moved out of state but still have a valid Georgia license?

You can renew your Georgia license online as long as it has not been expired for more than two years and you have no other disqualifying factors. However, if you now live in another state, you should consider getting a license from your new state instead. Once you have a valid license from your new state, you should not renew your Georgia license.

Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Georgia allows you to request a new photo during in-person renewal at no extra cost.

What if the online system says I am not may be able to access but I think I should be?

The system checks your record against Georgia's rules automatically. If it says you are not may be able to access, there is usually a reason — an expired license over two years old, a medical flag, or a recent violation. Call your local DDS office with your license number and ask them to explain why you were rejected. They can sometimes override the system or clarify whether the issue is temporary.

Can I renew online if my license was suspended but the suspension is now lifted?

Not through the online system. You must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and any documents showing that your suspension has been lifted (such as a court order or letter from DDS). The office will verify the suspension is cleared before processing your renewal.