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 days left on the card. Georgia offers three ways to renew: online through the DDS website if you meet certain conditions, by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, or in person at any Department of Driver Services office. The fastest route is usually online, which takes minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

Before you start, check your license expiration date. It appears on the front of your card. If your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew by mail or online—you must go to a DDS office in person and may need to resolve the underlying issue first.

Key Takeaways

Georgia driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.
Online renewal through the DDS website is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your name or address.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works only if your license is valid and you have not had a change in medical status or vision requirements.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your photo, address, or name.
The renewal fee varies depending on your age and the type of license, but online renewal typically costs less than renewing in person.

Online renewal through the DDS website

Online renewal is the simplest path if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current Georgia driver's license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, your vision and medical status have not changed, and you are between 18 and 64 years old. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Go to the Georgia DDS website and select the online renewal option. You will answer questions about your current information, review the terms, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The fee for a standard eight-year license is $32 for drivers 18 to 64. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within seven to ten business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if you are 65 or older, if your address or name has changed, or if you have medical conditions that may affect your driving. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal for valid licenses

If you cannot renew online but your license is still valid, you can renew by mail. read the DL 44 form from the Georgia DDS website or request one by phone at 678-413-8400. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash—include a check or money order.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your packet. Your new license will be sent to the address on your process. You can drive on your current license during this time. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you are no longer legally permitted to drive, so plan ahead and mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date.

Mail renewal is not an option if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. It is also not available if you need to change your address, name, or photo, or if you are 65 or older. Those situations require an in-person visit to a DDS office.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to update your photo, address, or name, if you are 65 or older, or if you have medical or vision concerns. Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website and check its hours. Some offices require you to schedule an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring all required documents and your payment method. The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is $32 for drivers 18 to 64; drivers 65 and older pay $16 for a four-year license. You will have your photo taken and receive your new license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office.

Wait times at DDS offices vary widely. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter lines than afternoons or weekends. If you have a suspended or revoked license, the office staff will explain what you must do to restore it before you can renew.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires and you have not yet received your new one, you cannot legally drive. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if you have already submitted your renewal. If you are stopped by police, show them your renewal receipt or proof that you mailed your process if you renewed by mail, or your confirmation email if you renewed online. This may help, but it does not may provide you will not be cited.

If your license expires and you have not started the renewal process, you must renew in person at a DDS office before you can drive again. You cannot drive to the office on an expired license. Plan your renewal so your new license arrives before the expiration date, or schedule an in-person appointment well in advance.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on your age and the type of license. A standard eight-year license for drivers 18 to 64 costs $32 online or by mail, and $32 in person. Drivers 65 and older renew for four years at a cost of $16. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) have different fees; check the DDS website for current rates.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order—do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some DDS offices also accept electronic payment methods; call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test; call your local DDS office to confirm what is required.

What if I have changed my name since my last license was issued?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. Bring all required documents to a DDS office.

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

Your new license will be mailed within seven to ten business days after you complete your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a DDS office.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended?

No. You cannot renew online, by mail, or in person until your suspension is lifted. Contact the Georgia DDS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you must do to restore your driving privileges. Once the suspension is resolved, you can renew through any of the three methods.

What if I move out of Georgia after I renew?

Your Georgia license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. However, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state's law. You do not need to notify Georgia DDS of your move unless you want to update your address on file for future correspondence.

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.