How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Georgia driver's license in person at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, online through the Georgia DDS website if you meet certain conditions, or by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked. The fastest route is online renewal if your license is valid and not expired by more than five years — you can complete it from home in about 15 minutes and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

For in-person renewal at a DDS office, 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. If you are renewing by mail, you will need to submit your current license, a completed DL 44 form, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail-in renewal takes 15 to 20 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is available if your license is valid and expired no more than five years ago, and takes about 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at a DDS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
Mail-in renewal is an option if your license is not suspended or revoked, and typically takes 15 to 20 business days.
The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how many years you are renewing for — check the Georgia DDS website for current pricing.
You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.

Online renewal: the fastest option for most people

Georgia's online renewal system is open to drivers whose current license is valid and not expired by more than five years. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your address and other information on file.

Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to change your address, name, or other information, you will need to renew in person instead.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

Visit any DDS office in Georgia during business hours to renew in person. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and be ready to provide your Social Security number.

The DDS office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information, or if you want to update your photo.

Mail-in renewal: when you cannot visit an office

You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and is not expired by more than five years. read and complete the DL 44 form from the Georgia DDS website, then mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail-in renewal typically takes 15 to 20 business days from the time the DDS office receives your materials. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years, you must renew in person at a DDS office instead.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. The renewal fee depends on how many years you are renewing for and whether you are renewing a standard license, a commercial license, or a license with special endorsements. Check the Georgia DDS website for current fee amounts, as they can change.

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date to start the process. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same methods, though an expired license may affect your ability to drive legally while your renewal is being processed.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Georgia driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person to address the suspension or revocation before you can renew. The reason for the suspension or revocation will determine what steps you need to take — this might include paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a court case.

Contact the Georgia DDS directly to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can proceed with renewal using any of the three methods described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before the expiration date shown on your current license. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid waiting until the last minute.

What if I have moved since my last license was issued?

If you renewed online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the DDS. If you have moved and need to update your address, you must renew in person at a DDS office and bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).

How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?

Online and in-person renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail. Mail-in renewals take 15 to 20 business days from the time the DDS office receives your materials. Times may vary depending on mail delivery and DDS processing volume.

What if my current Georgia license is expired by more than five years?

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person to renew. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Can I renew my license if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

Commercial licenses have different renewal rules and cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew a CDL in person at a DDS office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and any required medical certificates or endorsement documentation.

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.