How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Georgia driver's license in person at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office across the state, or online through the Georgia DDS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is the most straightforward: bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.

Online renewal is faster but only works if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions flagged on your record, and your address hasn't changed. You'll log into your DDS account, pay the renewal fee, and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must go in person.

Key Takeaways

Georgia lets you renew online if your license is current and your address hasn't changed, but you must renew in person if your license is expired or your name or address has changed.
In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, and wait times vary by location and time of day—calling ahead or checking the DDS website can show you current wait times.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or you can get it the same day at a DDS office if you renew in person.

How long your renewed license is valid

A standard Georgia driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will be valid for eight years from the renewal date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it—Georgia does not require you to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to pass the written knowledge test and the road test again, and you must do this in person at a DDS office. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal, plus any glasses or contacts you use while driving.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year Georgia driver's license is $32. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at a DDS office. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Some DDS offices also accept money orders.

If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and varies depending on the endorsements you hold. Check the DDS website or call your local office for the exact amount before you go in.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license was lost or stolen rather than straightforward expired, you'll need to report it to DDS before you can renew. You can report it online through the DDS website or in person at any DDS office. Once reported, you can proceed with renewal using the same documents and fees as a standard renewal.

Reporting the loss protects you because it flags the old license as invalid in the system. If you don't report it and someone uses your license number fraudulently, you'll have documentation that you reported it missing, which can help if there are questions later.

Renewing by mail or through a third party

Georgia does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either online or in person. However, if you are unable to visit a DDS office yourself, you can authorize someone else to submit your renewal paperwork on your behalf—but only if you renew in person at a DDS office with that person present. You cannot mail in documents or have someone else complete the process without you there.

If you are out of state or unable to travel to Georgia, your only option is online renewal, provided your license is current and your address hasn't changed. If you don't meet those conditions, you'll need to return to Georgia in person or wait until you can travel back.

Finding your nearest DDS office and checking wait times

The Georgia DDS website has a location finder that shows all DDS offices, their hours, and current wait times. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.

You can also call your local DDS office directly to ask about current wait times before you go. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time. Check the DDS website to see if your nearest office offers appointments.

What happens if your license expires while you're waiting

If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you cannot legally drive. However, if you have submitted an online renewal request or are waiting for your new license to arrive by mail, you can print a temporary renewal receipt from the DDS website and carry it with you. This receipt is not a valid license for driving, but it shows law enforcement that you have a pending renewal if you are stopped.

If you renewed in person and received a temporary paper license at the DDS office, that temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Keep the temporary license with you at all times while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I've moved to a different address?

No. Online renewal only works if your address hasn't changed. If you've moved, you must renew in person at a DDS office and bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days that you can use to drive when ready. If you renewed online, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives by mail. For urgent situations, renew in person at a DDS office instead.

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

For online renewal, your photo from your current license is reused. For in-person renewal, DDS takes a new photo. If you prefer a new photo for an online renewal, you must renew in person instead.

What if my Social Security card is lost?

You can bring any document showing your Social Security number instead of the card itself—a tax return, W-2, or Social Security statement will work. Call your local DDS office if you're unsure whether your document will be accepted.

Can I renew if my license was suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with DDS before you can renew. Contact DDS directly to find out what steps are required to clear your record before attempting to renew.

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.