You can renew your Georgia driver's license online if your license is not expired by more than two years and you meet a few other conditions
Georgia's online renewal system lets you skip the trip to the DDS office for a standard renewal. You'll renew through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and receive your new license by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The online process takes about 10 minutes.
Not every license can be renewed online. If your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you need to change your name, address, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal, you must visit a DDS office in person. The same applies if your license expired more than two years ago.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your Georgia driver's license expired within the last two years and has no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on your record.
- You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to complete the online renewal.
- The renewal fee is paid during the online transaction, and your new license arrives by mail in approximately 7 to 10 business days.
- If you need to change your address, name, or other information, or if your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the Georgia DDS website to renew:
- Your current Georgia driver's license number
- Your Social Security number
- A valid credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover)
You do not need to print anything or upload documents for a standard online renewal. The system will verify your information against state records.
Steps to renew your license online
Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and look for the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm that you are may be able to access for online renewal.
Review the information on screen. If your address, name, or other details are incorrect, stop here — you cannot change them online and will need to visit a DDS office instead. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. Enter your credit or debit card information and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Do not expect it when ready; standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online
Online renewal is not an option if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled for any reason. You must visit a DDS office in person to resolve the issue before you can renew. The same applies if you have unpaid traffic fines, child support obligations, or other holds on your driving record.
If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will not accept your renewal. You will need to visit a DDS office and may be required to take a new written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been since your license was valid.
Address changes, name changes, and corrections to other personal information also require an in-person visit. If you need to update any of these details, do not attempt the online renewal — go directly to your nearest DDS office.
What happens after you renew online
Once your payment is processed, your renewal is submitted to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. You will receive a confirmation email with your transaction number. Keep this for your records.
Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address currently on file with the DDS. If you have moved recently and updated your address with the DDS, your license will go to the new address. If you have not updated your address yet, the license will go to your old address, and you will need to contact the DDS to have it reissued to the correct location.
While you wait for your new license, you can drive legally using your current license. There is no grace period once your license expires, so if your current license has already expired, you are driving without a valid license and could be cited. If your current license is still valid, you have time to receive the new one before it expires.
Fees and payment
The renewal fee for a Georgia driver's license varies depending on the length of the renewal period. A standard four-year renewal costs one amount, while an eight-year renewal costs more. The exact fee will be shown on the Georgia DDS website before you enter your payment information, so you will know the total cost before you complete the transaction.
Only credit and debit cards are accepted for online payment. The DDS does not accept checks, money orders, or cash through the online system. If you prefer to pay by another method, you must renew in person at a DDS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail in approximately 7 to 10 business days. This is standard mail delivery time and does not include weekends or holidays. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Georgia DDS to check the status of your renewal.
Can I renew my license online if I have a suspended license?
No. If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DDS office in person to address the suspension and resolve any outstanding issues before you can renew your license.
What if I entered the wrong information during my online renewal?
Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services as soon as possible. Depending on what was entered incorrectly, you may be able to correct it before your license is printed, or you may need to request a replacement once the license arrives. Call the DDS customer service line or visit an office in person to report the error.
Can I change my address during an online renewal?
No. The online renewal system does not allow address changes. If you have moved, you must update your address in person at a DDS office or through a separate address change transaction before you renew your license online.
What if my license expired more than two years ago?
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must visit a DDS office in person. Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may need to retake the written test and vision test before you can renew.