How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Renewing your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Georgia driver's license through three routes: online at the DDS website if you meet certain conditions, by mail if your license is not expired or expired less than two years, or in person at a DDS office. The fastest is online renewal, which takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DDS office is when ready but requires an appointment, which you book through the same DDS website.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, how long it has been expired, and whether you have had any name changes or address changes since your last renewal. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal—you must go in person and may need to retake the written test.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at dds.georgia.gov takes about 10 business days and works only if your license is not expired or expired less than two years, you have no name changes, and you have a valid payment method.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires a completed DL 44 form, your current license, and a check or money order sent to the DDS address in Atlanta.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is when ready but requires an appointment booked through the DDS website, and you will need your current license and proof of residency.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written knowledge test.
Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to six months before expiration or up to two years after expiration by mail or online.

Online renewal through the DDS website

Go to dds.georgia.gov and select the renewal option. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against DDS records and ask you to confirm your address. If your address has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online—you must renew by mail or in person.

Online renewal works only if your license is not expired or expired less than two years ago. If you have had a legal name change since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. The fee is the same as in-person renewal. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within about 10 business days.

Mail renewal with the DL 44 form

read or request the DL 44 form from dds.georgia.gov. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license and a check or money order to the DDS mailing address in Atlanta. The form itself lists the current renewal fee. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your envelope. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired or expired less than two years. If your address has changed, write the new address clearly on the form. If you have had a legal name change, include a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, or other legal record). Your new license will be mailed to the address you list on the form.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

Book an appointment at dds.georgia.gov by selecting your county and preferred date and time. Bring your current Georgia driver's license and one document that proves your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address has changed, bring the proof document for your new address.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. You may also be required to retake the written knowledge test. Bring your Social Security number or card. The renewal is processed on the spot, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed. Your permanent license arrives within about 10 business days.

What happens if your license expired more than two years ago

You cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DDS office in person. When you arrive, bring your current (expired) license, proof of your address, and your Social Security number. The DDS examiner may require you to retake the written knowledge test, depending on how long the license has been expired and your driving record.

If a test is required, you will take it at the office during your appointment. You do not need to study beforehand if you have held a valid Georgia license before—the test covers basic traffic laws and road signs. If you pass, your renewal is completed when ready and you receive a temporary paper license. Your permanent license is mailed within 10 business days.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If your address has changed, you must report it during renewal. For online renewal, the system will not allow you to proceed if your address differs from DDS records—you must use mail or in-person renewal instead. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the DL 44 form and include proof of the new address. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address to your appointment.

If you have had a legal name change since your last renewal (through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means), you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. Include a certified copy of the legal document that shows the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official record. The DDS will update your name in their system and issue a new license with the correct name.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Georgia driver's license renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard eight-year renewal costs one amount; a four-year renewal costs less. The DDS website lists the current fee. You can pay by debit or credit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.

If you are renewing by mail, make the check or money order payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Write your driver's license number on the check. Do not send cash through the mail. If you are renewing online and your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and you can try a different card or choose mail renewal instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if it expired while I was out of state?

Yes. Georgia allows renewal by mail or online up to two years after expiration, regardless of where you were living. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test. Bring proof of your current Georgia address when you go in.

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

Online renewal takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal is when ready—you get a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days. Business days do not include weekends or state holidays.

What if I do not have proof of my current address?

For in-person renewal, you need one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill. If you do not have one, contact the DDS office before your appointment to ask what other documents they accept. Online and mail renewal do not require address proof unless your address has changed.

Do I need to take a new photo for license renewal?

For online and mail renewal, your existing photo is used. For in-person renewal, a new photo is taken at the DDS office during your appointment. If you prefer not to have a new photo taken, you can renew by mail or online instead.

What if my name has changed but I do not have the legal document with me?

You cannot complete renewal without it. For online renewal, the system will reject you if your name does not match DDS records. For mail or in-person renewal, bring the certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document. DDS will not process the renewal without proof of the name change.

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.