Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions
You can renew your Georgia driver's license through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website without visiting an office, but only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs $32, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license has been expired longer than two years, or if you need to update your address, vision correction, or other information, you must renew in person at a DDS office. The same applies if your medical status changed or if you want to add or remove any restrictions or endorsements on your license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your Georgia license expired within the last two years and you have no medical holds or restriction changes.
- The renewal fee is $32 and you pay by credit or debit card on the DDS website.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person from an online renewal.
- If your address, vision correction, or medical information changed, you must renew in person at a DDS office instead.
- You will need your current Georgia driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the online process.
Who can renew online and who must go to an office
Online renewal is available only to drivers whose Georgia license expired within the last two years. If your license has been expired for more than two years, the DDS system will not let you complete the online transaction and you must visit a DDS office in person.
You also cannot renew online if your medical status changed — for example, if you developed a condition that requires vision correction, or if you had a medical suspension lifted. The same applies if your address changed and you need to update it on your license, or if you want to change your name. Any of these changes require an in-person visit so a DDS examiner can verify the information and, in some cases, conduct a vision test.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for online renewal, you can call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 before you start the process.
Steps to renew your license online
Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website at dds.georgia.gov. Look for the "Online Services" section and select "Renew Your License." You will be asked to enter your current Georgia driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your identity.
Review the information on your license — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If everything is correct, you can proceed. The system will ask you to confirm that your vision is still adequate to drive safely and that you have no new medical conditions that would affect your ability to drive. Answer these questions honestly; false answers can result in your license being suspended.
Once you confirm your information, you will be taken to a payment screen. The renewal fee is $32. You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records.
What happens after you pay
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license or a paper receipt to show police if you are stopped — your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so carry it with you.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your order and, if needed, reissue it.
When you must renew in person at a DDS office
Visit a DDS office if your license expired more than two years ago, if your address changed, if you need to update your name, or if your medical status or vision correction needs changed. You will also need to renew in person if you want to add or remove a restriction or endorsement — for example, if you want to add a motorcycle endorsement or remove a corrective lens restriction.
Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are over 64, you may be required to take a vision test.
DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the DDS website.
What to do if your online renewal is denied
If you start the online renewal process and the system tells you that you do not meet the requirements, you will see a message explaining why — usually because your license is expired by more than two years, or because there is a medical hold on your record. The system will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment or visit a DDS office without an appointment.
If the denial message is unclear, or if you believe the system made an error, call the DDS at 678-413-8400. They can review your record and tell you exactly what you need to do to renew. If there is a medical hold, you may need to provide a doctor's statement or clearance before you can renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. The online system only works for licenses expired within the last two years. If your license has been expired longer, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed to your address on file and typically arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can still use it to drive or show as ID.
What if my address changed — can I update it during online renewal?
No. Address changes require an in-person visit to a DDS office so the examiner can verify your new address with proof (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). You cannot update your address through the online renewal system.
Do I get a temporary license after I renew online?
No temporary license is issued for online renewals. Your current license stays valid until your new one arrives by mail. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, carry your old license with you.
What payment methods does the online renewal system take?
The DDS website takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The renewal fee is $32. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after payment, which you should save.