You can renew your Georgia driver's license online if your license is not expired by more than five years and you meet a few other requirements
Georgia's online renewal system lets you skip the visit to your local DDS office for a standard renewal. You'll need a valid email address, your current driver's license number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online system. If your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license, or if you have certain medical conditions on your record, you'll need to renew in person at a DDS office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you don't need to change your address or medical information.
- You'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card during the online process, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- The Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov is where you start the renewal, and you'll need your current license number and a valid email address.
- If you can't renew online, you must visit a DDS office in person with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
Who can renew online and who must go to an office
You can renew online if your license is not expired and you're renewing before it expires, or if it expired within the last five years. You also cannot have any address changes, name changes, or updates to medical conditions that need to be recorded on your license. If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must visit a DDS office in person.
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address or name, if you have a medical condition that requires DDS review, or if you're a new resident of Georgia. Likewise, if you've had any suspensions, revocations, or restrictions on your license, you'll need to visit an office to have those reviewed before renewal.
Steps to renew online through the Georgia DDS website
Start at dds.georgia.gov and look for the "Renew Your License" or "Online Services" section. You'll create or log into your DDS account using your email address. Have your current driver's license in front of you—you'll need the license number and the date of birth printed on it.
Once you're logged in, select the option to renew your driver's license. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and address. Review everything carefully, because you cannot change your address during online renewal. If your address is wrong, you'll need to stop and renew in person instead.
Next, you'll answer questions about your vision, medical history, and whether you've had any traffic violations or license suspensions since your last renewal. Answer honestly—the DDS uses this information to determine whether you're safe to drive. Then you'll pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Georgia's renewal fee is currently $32 for a four-year license, though this amount can change. Your receipt will show a confirmation number; save this for your records.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
After you complete the online renewal, the DDS processes your process and mails your new license to the address on file. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time as long as it hasn't expired.
If the DDS needs more information from you—for example, if your answers to medical questions require clarification—they will contact you by email or phone using the contact information you provided. Check your email regularly during the processing period. If you don't hear back within two weeks, you can call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 to check the status of your renewal.
When you need to renew in person at a DDS office
If you don't meet the requirements for online renewal, you'll need to visit a DDS Customer Service Center in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a 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 you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You can find your nearest DDS office and check wait times on the Georgia DDS website. Many offices now use an online appointment system, so you can schedule a time rather than walk in. Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies; the DDS will not accept photocopies. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you're called, and you'll receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent one is mailed.
Fees and what your new license covers
Georgia's current renewal fee for a four-year driver's license is $32 when you renew online or in person. This fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. You pay by credit or debit card during online renewal, or by cash, check, or card at a DDS office. The fee does not include any additional endorsements or restrictions that may explore to your license.
Your renewed license is valid for four years from the date of issue. It carries the same class and endorsements as your previous license—for example, if you had a motorcycle endorsement, it will appear on your new license. If you need to add or remove an endorsement, you cannot do that during renewal; you'll need to visit a DDS office to make that change separately.
Troubleshooting common online renewal problems
If you try to renew online and the system tells you that you're not may be able to access, the most common reason is that your license has been expired for more than five years. The system also blocks renewal if you have an address on file that doesn't match your current address, or if there are medical or legal holds on your record. In any of these cases, you must renew in person.
If you get an error message during payment, make sure your credit or debit card is valid and has not expired. Some cards are declined if the billing address doesn't match the address on your license. If you continue to have trouble, try a different card or call the DDS at 678-413-8400 to renew over the phone instead. If you've already paid but didn't receive a confirmation number, do not pay again—call the DDS to confirm that your payment went through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it's already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired within the last five years. If it's been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DDS office. You'll need to bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If you don't receive it after two weeks, contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 to check the status.
What if I need to change my address during renewal?
You cannot change your address during online renewal. If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days, along with your current license and proof of your Social Security number.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No, commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DDS office. You'll need to bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and any medical certification documents if required for your class of license.
What should I do if my online renewal payment was declined?
Try again with a different credit or debit card, or call the DDS at 678-413-8400 to renew over the phone. Make sure your card hasn't expired and that your billing address matches the address on your license. Do not attempt to pay multiple times, as this can cause duplicate charges.