Georgia driver's license renewal is handled by the Department of Driver Services, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation and how much time you have.
The fastest route is the online renewal system at DDS.ga.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If you meet those conditions, you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The in-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license to drive when ready while your permanent card is mailed to you.
Mail renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you meet the same conditions as online renewal. You will need to complete form DL 44 (available on the DDS website), include a check or money order, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. This method takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at DDS.ga.gov is the fastest option if your license is current and you have not changed your name or address.
- In-person renewal at any DDS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or number.
- You will receive a temporary license when ready at a DDS office but must wait 7 to 10 business days for your permanent card by mail.
- Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks and is only available if your license expired fewer than five years ago.
- An eight-year license costs $64 and a four-year license costs $32; prices are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
When you can renew online
Online renewal works only if you meet all of these conditions: your license has not expired, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions on your driving record, you have not changed your name since your last renewal, and your address on file matches your current address. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
The online system does not accept name changes, address changes, or corrections to your vision or medical information. If you need to update any of those details, you must visit a DDS office. The same applies if your license is already expired—you cannot renew it online, though you can still renew by mail if it expired fewer than five years ago.
What to bring to a DDS office
Bring three things: your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. A cell phone bill counts only if it shows your physical address, not just a mailing address.
Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of those, you can bring a document issued by a government agency that shows your number, such as a military ID or a previous driver's license. You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have another document that shows the number.
If you are renewing after a name change (marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring your current license, proof of address, proof of your Social Security number, and the document that shows your new name—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name during the renewal.
How long the process takes at each location
DDS offices vary in how busy they are. Some offices have short waits, especially if you go early in the morning or on a weekday. Others, particularly in Atlanta and other large cities, can have waits of 30 minutes to an hour during peak times. You can check wait times for your local office on the DDS website before you go.
If you want to avoid the office entirely, online renewal takes about 10 minutes from your computer. Mail renewal takes the longest—4 to 6 weeks from the time the DDS office receives your form. In-person renewal is fastest for getting a temporary license you can use when ready, though your permanent card still takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or in person. You cannot use the online system. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office—the mail option is not available, and you will need to bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by police, you can show them proof that you have applied (such as a temporary license from an in-person visit), but that does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.
Cost and payment methods
A four-year Georgia driver's license costs $32. An eight-year license costs $64. These prices are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You cannot choose a different length—the system assigns four years or eight years based on your age and driving record.
Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made out to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Some DDS offices also accept electronic payment, but not all, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a medical suspension?
No. If you have a medical suspension on your driving record, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person, and the office will review your medical status before issuing a new license. You may need to provide medical documentation or take a vision test.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number. The office will update your address during the renewal. You cannot change your address online or by mail.
How long is my temporary license good for?
Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary is a backup in case the permanent is delayed. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DDS office where you renewed.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or on your expiration date.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DDS office to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This usually requires paying a reinstatement fee and meeting other requirements before you can renew.