How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Georgia lets you renew online, by mail, or in person—and which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license is expired

Georgia offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Online renewal is the fastest and works if your license is not yet expired and you meet a few basic requirements. Mail renewal takes longer but lets you avoid a trip. In-person renewal is necessary if your license is already expired, if you need to update your address or other information, or if you have not renewed online before.

The process itself is straightforward once you know which route fits your situation. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, depending on your age and which option you choose. Processing times vary: online takes one to two weeks, mail takes three to four weeks, and in-person is usually same-day or next-day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other personal information.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the DDS, and takes three to four weeks from the time they receive your materials.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license is already expired, and you can usually walk out with a temporary license the same day.
The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online or by mail.
You will receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks of approval, regardless of which renewal method you choose.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the quickest path if your license is still valid and your personal information has not changed. Go to the Georgia DDS website (dds.georgia.gov), log in or create an account, and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You will enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it is correct.

Online renewal has limits. You cannot use it if your license is already expired, if you need to change your address or name, if you wear corrective lenses and your vision has changed, or if this is your first time renewing online in Georgia. You also cannot renew online if you are under 18 or if your license was suspended or revoked. If any of these explore to you, skip to the in-person section below.

Once you confirm your information and pay the $32 or $64 fee by credit card or debit card, you are done. The DDS will mail your new license within one to two weeks. You can check the status of your renewal on the DDS website using your confirmation number.

Mail renewal: sending your license and form by post

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and your information has not changed. read the DL 44 form from the Georgia DDS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $32 or $64 made payable to "Georgia DDS." Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes longer than online because the DDS has to receive your materials, process them, and mail your new license back to you. Plan for three to four weeks from the time they receive your envelope. To track whether they have received your materials, you can call the DDS at 678-413-8400, though wait times are often long during peak hours.

One advantage of mail renewal is that you do not have to visit an office or use a computer. The downside is that if you make a mistake on the form or if the DDS does not receive your current license, your renewal will be delayed or rejected. Make copies of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need to change your address or name, if your vision has changed and you wear corrective lenses, or if you have never renewed online before. Bring your current license (or an expired license if you no longer have the current one), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Visit any DDS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Georgia DDS website. Bring your payment method: cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The fee is the same—$32 for four years or $64 for eight years.

At the office, you will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and sign your new license. If everything is in order, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide within one to two weeks.

What to do if your license is expired

If your Georgia license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DDS office, a new written test, and a new road test. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it using the in-person method described above, and you do not have to retake the written or road test.

If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country, you may be able to renew by mail or in person without retesting, depending on how long you were away. Call the DDS at 678-413-8400 to ask about your specific situation before you visit an office.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you have moved or changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and proof of your name change if applicable (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DDS will update your information while you are there.

If you have moved but do not need to renew your license yet, you can update your address separately by visiting a DDS office or by mailing a completed DL 43 form with proof of your new address. This does not extend your license expiration date—it just updates the address on file.

Paying the renewal fee and what it covers

Georgia charges $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license and the administrative processing. There are no additional fees for online, mail, or in-person renewal—the price is the same regardless of which method you choose.

If you pay online, you can use a credit card or debit card. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order. If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The DDS does not refund renewal fees if you change your mind or if your renewal is denied, so make sure you meet the requirements before you submit payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you need to renew in person—because your license is expired or you need to change your address—you will have to visit a Georgia DDS office in person or contact them about alternative options. Call 678-413-8400 to ask about your situation.

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

If you lost your current license, you can still renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, write a note explaining that your license was lost and send it with your DL 44 form and payment. For in-person renewal, tell the DDS staff that your license is lost, and they will process your renewal without the original license.

How long is my temporary license good for?

If you renew in person, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, call the DDS to check the status.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DDS or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to resolve the issue first. Call 678-413-8400 for guidance on your specific case.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

If you renewed in person, your temporary paper license is valid when ready and can be used for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail and need your license sooner, you will have to visit a DDS office in person to request an expedited replacement, though this may involve an additional fee.

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.