Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Georgia driver's license in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo.
If you're renewing in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test. If you're renewing by mail or online, the requirements are simpler but the options are more limited.
Georgia licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before expiration, which gives you time to plan. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online within a certain window, but an in-person visit may be required if too much time has passed.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through Georgia's DDS website is the fastest option if your license is current and you don't need a new photo, and it takes about 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal is available for current licenses and costs less than in-person renewal, but takes 2 to 3 weeks and you cannot choose your photo.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license has been expired for more than a certain period, if you need a new photo, or if you have a commercial license.
- You must bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and be prepared to pass a vision test for any renewal method.
- DDS offices accept appointments online, which significantly reduces wait times compared to walk-in visits.
Renewing online through Georgia's DDS website
Online renewal is the quickest path if your license is not expired and you're willing to keep your current photo. Go to the Georgia DDS website, select the renewal option, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about any changes to your address, medical conditions, or organ donor status.
The fee for online renewal is lower than in-person renewal—currently $32 for a standard four-year license. You'll pay by credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, as long as it hasn't expired yet.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than a set period (typically 5 years), if you need to change your name, if you're explore for a commercial license, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you'll need to visit a DDS office in person.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works similarly to online renewal but requires you to print and mail a form. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires—this notice contains the form and instructions. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DDS receives your form. Your current photo will be used on your new license, so you won't have a chance to update it. The fee is the same as online renewal. This method works only if your license is current or expired by fewer than 5 years.
If you don't receive a renewal notice in the mail, you can request the form from any DDS office or read it from the Georgia DDS website. Keep a copy of what you mail and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
Renewing in person at a DDS office
In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, if you need a new photo, if you're renewing a commercial license, or if you want to change your name or address. Bring your current license (or an expired license if yours is very old), proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security number. You'll pass a vision test and have a new photo taken.
The fee for in-person renewal is higher than online or mail renewal—currently around $32 for a standard license, but additional fees may explore if you need a duplicate, a replacement, or a commercial endorsement. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices.
Book an appointment online through the Georgia DDS website before you go. Walk-in visits are accepted but often have long wait times. Appointments are usually available within a few days. Your new license will be issued on the spot, and you can drive when ready.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as a current license. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, so renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.
If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office. You'll need to bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal. The process is the same, but the longer expiration period means DDS may require additional verification.
If you've lost your license or it was stolen, you'll need to report it and request a replacement. This is handled at a DDS office and requires a police report number if the license was stolen. A replacement is faster than a full renewal and costs less.
Commercial driver's license renewal
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and medical certification if your CDL requires it. You'll pass a vision test and have a new photo taken.
The renewal fee for a CDL is higher than a standard license. If your CDL has a hazmat endorsement or other special endorsements, you may need to pass additional tests or provide additional documentation. Check the Georgia DDS website for the specific requirements for your endorsement type.
CDL renewals cannot be done by appointment in all cases—some offices require walk-in visits for commercial licenses. Call your local DDS office before you go to confirm their process for CDL renewals.
DDS office locations and appointment booking
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can renew at any office, not just the one in your county. The main office is in Atlanta, but there are satellite locations throughout the state. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the Georgia DDS website.
Book an appointment online at least a few days before you plan to visit. The appointment system shows available times and lets you choose the office and date that work for you. If you can't book online, call the office directly. Appointments typically reduce wait times from 1 to 2 hours down to 15 to 30 minutes.
Some offices are busier than others. If your local office has long wait times, consider visiting an office in a neighboring county or scheduling an appointment during off-peak hours, such as early morning or mid-week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Georgia allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your birthday. The new license will have a new expiration date one year from the renewal date, not from your original expiration date.
What if I've moved and need to update my address?
If you're renewing online or by mail, you can update your address as part of the renewal process. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). Address changes are included in all renewal methods at no extra cost.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready—you receive your new license before you leave the office. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives if you renewed online or by mail.
What if I need a new photo but don't want to go to a DDS office?
You must visit a DDS office in person to have a new photo taken. Online and mail renewal use your current photo. If getting a new photo is important to you, schedule an in-person appointment at your nearest office.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
For online and mail renewal, only you can submit the renewal. For in-person renewal, you must be present to pass the vision test and have your photo taken. No one can renew your license on your behalf.