Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Georgia driver's license in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, or online through the Georgia DDS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years, and if you have no medical conditions listed on your current license.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you are renewing online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also pay the renewal fee online using a debit or credit card.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are current and not suspended, which takes about 10 minutes and avoids a trip to a DDS office.
- In-person renewal at any DDS office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the process, whether you renew online or in person.
- Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so you will need to renew again eight years after your current license was issued.
Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current
To renew online, go to the Georgia DDS website and select the online renewal option. You will enter your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DDS records. If everything matches, you will see a summary of your current license information and be asked to confirm it is still correct — your address, height, eye color, and any medical conditions.
Once you confirm your information, you will pay the renewal fee online. Georgia charges $32 for an eight-year renewal license. After payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license to drive until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. It is also not available if your current license has medical restrictions or conditions noted on it — for example, if you are required to wear corrective lenses or have a hearing impairment accommodation. In those cases, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
To renew in person, visit any Georgia DDS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Georgia DDS website.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The DDS staff will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The fee is $32 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, some DDS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.
When your license expires and renewal important date
Your Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it online if it expired fewer than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia, so renew as soon as you notice your license is expired or about to expire.
Georgia does not send renewal reminders by mail, so it is your responsibility to track your expiration date. You can check your expiration date on the front of your license or log into your DDS account online to see when your license expires.
What happens after you submit your renewal
After you renew online or in person, the Georgia DDS processes your renewal and mails your new license to the address on file. The process takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your renewal. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving.
If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. If you renewed online, you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Georgia DDS to check the status. You can call the DDS customer service line or visit a DDS office in person. Have your renewal confirmation number ready if you renewed online.
Renewing with a name change or updated information
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must provide a certified copy of the document that shows the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official document. You can renew online only if your name has not changed; if it has, you must renew in person and bring the name change document.
If other information on your license needs to be updated — your address, height, or medical conditions — you can update it during renewal. For address changes, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. For medical condition changes, you may need to provide a form signed by your doctor; ask the DDS office what documentation they need before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the Georgia DDS to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or other requirements depending on the reason for the suspension.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must replace it before you can renew it. Go to a DDS office and request a replacement license. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The replacement fee is separate from the renewal fee. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it at any time before it expires.
How much does it cost to renew a Georgia driver's license?
The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license, whether you renew online or in person. If you renew in person and want expedited service, there may be an additional fee, but this varies by DDS office. Online renewal has no additional fees beyond the $32 renewal fee.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DDS office?
Most Georgia DDS offices accept walk-ins, but some locations require appointments, especially for certain services. Check the Georgia DDS website for your local office to see if appointments are required or recommended. You can often schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting in line.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
You can update your address during renewal. If you renew online, the system will ask you to confirm your current address. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.