Georgia driver's license renewal basics
You can renew your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $32. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DDS office is same-day if you arrive early, but you'll need to bring documents and pass a vision test.
Your license is valid for eight years from the issue date. Georgia sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website costs $32 and takes about 10 minutes if your license hasn't been suspended and you haven't changed your address in the last two years.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order; it takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs $32.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and a vision test; bring documents early because offices have daily limits on how many renewals they process.
- If your license has been suspended, expired for more than five years, or you've changed your name, you must renew in person.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 10 business days if you renew online or by mail; in-person renewal produces a temporary license on the spot.
Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website
Go to dds.georgia.gov and select "Renew Driver's License" under the Online Services section. You'll need your current Georgia driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your information against DDS records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details that may have changed.
You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you've changed your address within the last two years, if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you've changed your name since your license was issued. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.
After you complete the online form, you'll pay the $32 renewal fee by debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal with a paper form
read or request the DL 44 form from the Georgia DDS website or call 678-413-8400. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the renewal fee of $32. Mail the form along with your current driver's license and a check or money order made payable to "Georgia Department of Driver Services" to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your process. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. If you don't receive your new license within 4 weeks, contact DDS at 678-413-8400 to check the status.
Use mail renewal if you cannot go online or visit an office in person. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, if you've changed your name, or if your license expired more than five years ago.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test. If you've changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
DDS offices have daily limits on how many license renewals they process, so arrive early or go on a weekday morning if possible. You can find your nearest office and check wait times at dds.georgia.gov. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling. The renewal fee is $32, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent renewed license will be mailed to you within 10 business days. You must renew in person if your license has been suspended, if you've changed your name, if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you've changed your address within the last two years and cannot renew online.
What to do if your license has expired or been suspended
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office and you may need to retake the written driving test and vision test — call 678-413-8400 to confirm what DDS requires before you go.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DDS. Call 678-413-8400 or visit a DDS office to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your suspension is lifted, you can renew using any of the three methods.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you need a replacement, not a renewal. Go to a DDS office in person with your proof of identity and proof of address. The replacement fee is $20. You'll receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent replacement license within 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you can also report it to the police and provide DDS with a police report number, though this is not required. Reporting it helps protect you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud.
After your license arrives
Check your renewed license for errors as soon as it arrives. If your name, address, date of birth, or license number is wrong, contact DDS at 678-413-8400 or visit an office in person with your license and proof of the correct information. DDS will issue a corrected license at no charge if the error was made by DDS.
Your renewed Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the issue date printed on the front. You can renew again up to one year before it expires. If you move out of Georgia, you'll need to obtain a driver's license from your new state; Georgia will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?
No. Georgia only renews licenses for people who live in Georgia. If you've moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you still live in Georgia but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail.
What if I changed my name since my license was issued?
You must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your current address, and your Social Security card or document with your Social Security number. You'll also take a vision test.
How long can I drive after my license expires?
You cannot legally drive after your license expires. Renew before the expiration date on your license. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it if it expired fewer than five years ago, but you should not drive until your renewed license arrives.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a DDS office?
Some DDS offices offer online appointment scheduling through the Georgia DDS website, but appointments are not required. Walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary. Calling ahead or checking the website for your office's current wait time can help you plan when to go.
What if I don't receive my renewed license within the expected time?
If you renewed online or by mail and don't receive your license within 4 weeks, or if you renewed in person and don't receive it within 15 business days, contact DDS at 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number or process receipt. They can check the status and remail your license if needed.