You can renew your Georgia license online if you meet basic requirements

Georgia's online renewal system lets you renew your driver's license without visiting a DDS office, as long as your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed. The process takes about 10 minutes on the Georgia DDS website, costs $32 for an eight-year renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address, if you wear corrective lenses and now don't (or vice versa), or if you have any active medical holds or suspensions. In those cases, you must visit a DDS office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years and nothing about your vision or medical status has changed.
  • You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the transaction.
  • The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the time you submit your process online.
  • Your new physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your expired license until the new one arrives.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must schedule an appointment at a DDS office through the Georgia DDS website.

Check your may be able to access before you start

Before opening the renewal form, confirm that your license meets three conditions. First, it must have expired no more than two years ago—if it expired in 2022 or earlier, you cannot use the online system. Second, nothing about your vision or medical status can have changed since your last renewal. Third, you cannot have any active suspensions, medical holds, or restrictions on your record.

If you are unsure whether you have a suspension or hold, call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 before starting the online renewal. A staff member can tell you in a few minutes whether your record is clear. This step saves you from submitting an process that will be rejected.

What you need to have ready

Gather these items before you log into the renewal system: your current Georgia driver's license (you will need the license number), a valid email address where you can receive confirmation, and a debit or credit card for the $32 renewal fee. You do not need to upload documents or take a new photo—the system uses the photo and information from your existing license.

Make sure the email address you use is one you check regularly. Georgia DDS sends your confirmation and tracking information to that address, and you may need it if there are questions about your renewal.

The step-by-step renewal process

Go to the Georgia DDS website (dds.georgia.gov) and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Renew Your License" and choose the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record. The system will show you the information currently on file—your name, address, vision status, and any restrictions.

Review this information carefully. If anything is wrong (your address, for example), you cannot fix it online and must visit a DDS office instead. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen. Enter your debit or credit card information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number by email when ready. Save this number—you may need it to track your new license or if you contact DDS with questions.

What happens after you submit

Your new license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your expired license during this time—Georgia law allows you to drive on an expired license while your renewal is in process, as long as you have submitted the renewal process. Keep your confirmation email or confirmation number with you in case you are stopped by police.

If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your order and reissue if necessary. If your license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, you can request a replacement at a DDS office.

When you must visit a DDS office instead

You cannot use online renewal if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address, if your vision has changed (you now wear glasses when you didn't before, or no longer need them), or if you have any medical suspensions or restrictions. You also cannot renew online if you want to change your name or if your license was suspended for any reason.

For any of these situations, visit the Georgia DDS website and use the appointment scheduler to book a time at your nearest office. Most offices have appointments available within one to three weeks. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and any documents related to your specific situation (medical clearance, name change documents, and so on).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is suspended?

No. Any active suspension, medical hold, or restriction prevents online renewal. You must visit a DDS office in person and resolve the suspension before you can renew. Call 678-413-8400 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are needed to clear it.

What if I moved and need to update my address?

You cannot change your address through online renewal. You must visit a DDS office and bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Schedule an appointment on the Georgia DDS website rather than showing up without one, as wait times vary by location.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of submitting your process. You can drive on your expired license during this time. If you have not received it after 10 business days, contact DDS with your confirmation number to check the status.

Can I renew online if my license expired more than two years ago?

No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must visit a DDS office in person. The office will treat it as a new process rather than a renewal, and you may need to retake the written test and vision test.

Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DDS office.