How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Renewing your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Georgia driver's license through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) in three ways: online at dds.georgia.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DDS office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how soon you need it, and whether you want to update your photo or address. Online renewal is fastest and available to most drivers whose licenses expire within the next six months.

Georgia allows you to renew up to six months before your license expires. If your license is already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must visit a DDS office in person. The renewal process itself takes minutes online, but mailed applications take two to three weeks, and in-person visits vary by office location and how busy they are that day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at dds.georgia.gov works for most drivers and takes about 10 minutes, but only if your license expires within the next six months and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal requires a completed form DDS 44, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks; you cannot use this method if your license is already expired.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license is expired, you want to update your photo, or you need to change your address or name.
Georgia driver's licenses expire on your birthday in the year shown on your card, and you can check your expiration date on the front of your license.
The renewal fee is $32 for a standard four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, payable by card online, or by check or money order by mail.

Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers

To renew online, go to dds.georgia.gov, select "Renew Your License," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to confirm your current address, review your information, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access; if you are, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license is already expired, if you need to change your photo, if you are changing your name, or if you are changing your address and want it updated on your license before you receive it. You also cannot renew online if you have an enhanced or REAL ID license — those require an in-person visit. If any of these explore to you, skip to the in-person section below.

Mail renewal: slower but no office visit needed

To renew by mail, read or request form DDS 44 from the Georgia DDS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $32 (four-year license) or $64 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if possible, though it is not required.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. This method does not work if your license is expired, and it does not allow you to update your photo or change your address before receiving your new license. If you need any of those changes, you must go in person.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

Visit any DDS office with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring proof of the new address.

You will have your photo taken at the office unless you are renewing an expired license and choose not to update your photo. The office will process your payment ($32 or $64) and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new plastic license is mailed. Most offices can complete the visit in 15 to 30 minutes, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times for your nearest office on the DDS website before you go.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license is already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DDS office in person with the same documents listed above. Expired licenses can still be renewed — you do not have to explore for a new license from scratch — but the office visit is required. Bring your expired license with you.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied (a receipt from the DDS office or a confirmation email from online renewal), but that does not may provide you will not be cited. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the DDS office for a temporary paper license, which is valid for 45 days.

Finding your nearest DDS office and checking hours

The Georgia DDS operates about 60 offices across the state, plus satellite locations in some counties. Find the office nearest you and check its hours on dds.georgia.gov by entering your county or zip code. Hours vary by location; some offices are open Monday through Friday, while others have Saturday hours. Many offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m.

Some offices are busier than others. The DDS website shows current wait times for most locations, updated throughout the day. If your local office has a long wait, you can visit a different office in your region — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter waits than Friday afternoons.

Renewing an enhanced or REAL ID license

If your current license is marked "REAL ID" or "Enhanced," you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your lawful presence in the United States (passport, birth certificate, or visa). REAL ID and Enhanced licenses cost more than standard licenses — check the DDS website for current pricing.

REAL ID licenses are required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you do not have one and want to keep flying domestically without a passport, you will need to explore for one at your in-person renewal. The process takes longer than a standard renewal because the office must verify your identity documents more thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly does my Georgia license expire?

Your license expires on your birthday in the year printed on the front of your card. For example, if your card says "Expires 03/15/2026," it expires on March 15, 2026. You can renew starting six months before that date. After your birthday, your license is expired and you must renew in person.

Can I renew online if I want to change my address?

Not if you want the new address on your license before it arrives. Online renewal confirms your current address on file. If you change your address online, it updates in the system, but your new license will still be mailed to your old address. To get your new address printed on your license, renew in person at a DDS office.

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

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewals give you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your plastic license arrives by mail in the same timeframe. Do not count weekends or holidays in these estimates.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew a license you do not have. You must visit a DDS office to report it lost and explore for a replacement. Bring proof of your identity and Social Security number. You can renew at the same time if your license is not expired, or the office can issue you a new license with a new expiration date.

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

The DDS office will take a new photo by default. If your license is expired and you prefer to keep your old photo, you can request not to have a new one taken, though this is not common. For all other renewals, a new photo is part of the process.

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.