How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Georgia driver's license at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, online through the DDS website, or by mail. The fastest route is usually online if you're renewing before your license expires, because you'll have your new license within days. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DDS office.

Before you go or explore, gather these documents: 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 marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

You do not need a new photo if you're renewing online or by mail and your license hasn't expired yet. If you're renewing in person or your license is expired, you'll have a new photo taken at the DDS office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes a few days and works only if your license hasn't expired yet; you'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license is expired, and you should bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
Mail renewal is available but slower than online or in-person; send your documents to the address on the DDS website and expect processing to take several weeks.
Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so mark your renewal date on a calendar to avoid driving on an expired license.

Renewing online before your license expires

Visit the Georgia DDS website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and address. If anything has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online and must go to a DDS office instead.

The fee for online renewal is $32 for an eight-year license. You'll pay by debit or credit card during the process. Once you submit, the DDS will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes about five to seven business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which cuts down wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait an hour or more depending on the office and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings.

Bring your documents to the office: your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. A DDS employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $32 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, debit, or credit card. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license by mail within five to seven business days.

If your address has changed, tell the DDS employee before they process your renewal so the new license is mailed to the correct address. If you discover the error after you leave, contact the DDS office where you renewed to request a correction.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired and you have not had any changes to your name, address, or other personal information. read the renewal form from the Georgia DDS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with a copy of your current license and proof of your address to the address listed on the form.

Include a check or money order for $32 payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address on the form and keep a copy for your records. Processing by mail typically takes three to four weeks from the time the DDS receives your packet. During that time, you can continue driving on your current license.

What happens if your license has already expired

Once your Georgia driver's license expires, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DDS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but that does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as you notice your license is expired or about to expire.

License validity and when to renew

A Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. Your license will show both the issue date and the expiration date on the front. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which gives you time to complete the process before it becomes invalid.

The DDS recommends renewing at least two weeks before your expiration date to avoid driving on an expired license. If you wait until after your license expires, you will have to renew in person and cannot use the online or mail options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your license has not expired. If your license is expired, you must renew in person at a Georgia DDS office or at a DDS office in the state where you currently live, if Georgia has a reciprocal agreement with that state. Contact the DDS to confirm whether your current state accepts Georgia renewals.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DDS office and bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order documenting the name change. The DDS will issue a new license with your updated name.

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, in person, or by mail. You pay by cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card depending on the renewal method you choose.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Georgia does not automatically suspend your license for unpaid traffic tickets, but some courts may request a suspension if you ignore a ticket or fail to appear in court. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the court matter before the DDS will renew it. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out your status.

What if I lose my license before it expires?

If your license is lost or stolen, you need a replacement, not a renewal. A replacement costs $20 and requires an in-person visit to a DDS office with proof of your identity and address. You can then renew the replacement license when it expires, following the standard renewal process.

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.