How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Georgia driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office

Your Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. When it expires, you cannot legally drive—even if you have only one day left on your card. Georgia offers three ways to renew: online through the Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DDS office. Which route you take depends on your age, how much time you have, and whether your license has restrictions or endorsements that require an in-person visit.

The online renewal process is the fastest and most convenient option for most drivers. You can start a renewal on the DDS website at any time, and the entire process takes about 15 minutes. Your new card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer—typically two to three weeks—but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal at a DDS location is necessary only if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.

Key Takeaways

Georgia driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation and license type.
Online renewal through the DDS website is the fastest method and takes about 15 minutes, with your new card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal is available if your license is not suspended or revoked and you do not need to update your photo, but takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if you have a suspended or revoked license, need a new photo, or cannot renew online or by mail.
You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.

Renewing online through the DDS website

Online renewal is available to most Georgia drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked. To start, visit the Georgia DDS website and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The fee for an eight-year renewal is $32 for drivers 21 and older; the exact amount may vary if you are renewing early or have other circumstances.

During the online process, you will confirm your personal information, review your current address, and choose whether to update it. You cannot change your photo online—your new license will use the photo from your current card. If you need a new photo, you must renew in person. Once you complete the online form and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new card will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive 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 is an option if your license is not suspended or revoked, you do not need a new photo, and your address has not changed. To renew by mail, you must request a renewal form from the DDS. You can order the form online through the DDS website or call the DDS customer service line. Once you receive the form, complete it, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DDS receives your completed form. This method is slower than online renewal but requires no visit to an office and no credit card. If your address has changed or you need a new photo, you cannot use mail renewal—you must renew online or in person.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

In-person renewal is necessary if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo, or if you cannot renew online or by mail. To renew in person, visit any DDS office with your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number. Bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. You will also need to pay the renewal fee at the office.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Your new license will be issued on the spot, and you can drive home with it when ready. If you have a suspended or revoked license, the DDS staff will inform you of the status and what steps you must take to restore your driving privileges. You can find the nearest DDS office and check wait times on the Georgia DDS website.

What to bring and how much it costs

For online or mail renewal, you need your current driver's license number and Social Security number. For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license and a document showing your Social Security number. The renewal fee for an eight-year license is $32 for drivers 21 and older. Drivers under 21 pay a different fee; check the DDS website for the exact amount. If you are renewing early or have other circumstances, the fee may differ.

Payment methods vary by renewal type. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, though some locations may have different payment options. The DDS website lists which payment methods each office accepts.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your Georgia driver's license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date beyond the normal eight-year period—your new license will expire eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from the date your old license would have expired. This means if you renew one year early, your new license will expire one year sooner than if you had waited.

Some drivers choose to renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or to update their photo or address. If you renew early, you will pay the full renewal fee. There is no discount for renewing before your license expires.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired Georgia driver's license is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which is a misdemeanor in Georgia. You may also face fines and points on your driving record. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, you may need to take a written test or vision test to renew it, rather than straightforward renewing by mail or online.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it using any of the three methods—online, by mail, or in person. However, if it has been expired for a long time, the DDS may require you to renew in person and pass a vision and written test. Check the DDS website or call customer service to find out what is required for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia driver's license if I have moved out of state?

If you no longer live in Georgia, you cannot renew your Georgia license. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. However, if you still live in Georgia but have moved to a new address, you can update your address during online renewal or provide your new address when you renew in person.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person to report the loss and obtain a replacement. Bring your Social Security number and a document showing it. The DDS will issue you a new license on the spot, and you will pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the time the DDS receives your completed form. In-person renewals are issued when ready at the office. Delivery times may vary depending on mail service delays.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Georgia driver's license?

No, unless you choose to renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Some drivers renew in person specifically to update their photo.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DDS office and bring documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DDS will issue a new license with your updated 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.