Georgia driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person
Georgia lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Driver Services office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have, whether your license is still valid, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online through the Georgia DDS website if their license hasn't expired and they don't need a new photo. If your license is already expired or you want a new photo, you'll need to go in person or use the mail option.
The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You'll need your current Georgia driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. The new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. If you're not may be able to access to renew online, the in-person route at a DDS office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia allows online renewal through the DDS website if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo, and the new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license has expired, you want a new photo, or you need to update your address or name.
- Mail renewal is available but slower than online or in-person; you'll need to send your current license and a completed form to the DDS office.
- Georgia driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the license type you choose at renewal.
- You can check your renewal status and find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website before you go in person.
Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current
Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website works only if your license hasn't expired and you don't need a new photo. You'll start at the DDS homepage, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm or update your address. You can't change your name or request a new photo online—those changes require an in-person visit.
Payment is by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. Once you complete the transaction, you'll receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, you want a new photo, you need to change your name or address, or you're renewing a commercial driver's license. 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 the last 60 days). If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website and check the office hours before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. You can book an appointment online through the DDS website to skip the line. The in-person visit takes 30 minutes to an hour on average, though wait times are longer during lunch hours and late afternoon. You'll have your photo taken and can choose between a four-year and eight-year license. The fee is the same as online renewal: $32 for four years or $64 for eight years. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal: slowest but available option
You can renew by mail if you prefer not to go online or visit an office in person. Request a renewal form by calling the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 or by visiting a DDS office. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $32 (four-year license) or $64 (eight-year license). Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes longer than the other options because the DDS must receive your form, process it, and mail your new license back to you. Plan for 3 to 4 weeks total. You can't request a new photo or make changes to your name through the mail; those require an in-person visit. If your license has already expired, mail renewal is still an option, but you should not drive until your new license arrives.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Time to Receive New License | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current Georgia driver's license number, valid email, payment method | 7–10 business days | $32 or $64 |
| In Person | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address (if address changed), name change document (if applicable) | 7–10 business days | $32 or $64 |
| Current license, completed renewal form, check or money order | 3–4 weeks | $32 or $64 |
Four-year vs. eight-year license: which to choose at renewal
Georgia offers both a four-year and an eight-year driver's license. The four-year license costs $32 and the eight-year license costs $64. The only real difference is how long you can drive before renewing again. If you're under 21, Georgia issues a four-year license regardless of which you choose. If you're 21 or older, you can pick either option at renewal.
The eight-year license makes sense if you plan to stay in Georgia for at least eight years and don't expect major changes to your appearance or address. The four-year license is cheaper and means you'll renew sooner, which some people prefer if they think they might move or want a new photo. There's no penalty for choosing either one—it's purely a matter of cost and convenience.
Checking your renewal status and finding a DDS office
You can check whether your license is ready to renew and find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website. The site has a license status tool where you enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also use the office locator to find hours, phone numbers, and whether appointments are available. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking online before you visit can save you time.
If you renew online or by mail, you can track your new license through the DDS website once it's been processed. The system will tell you when your license has been mailed and give you an estimated delivery date. If your new license doesn't arrive within 10 business days of your online renewal or 4 weeks of mailing your form, contact the DDS office to check on the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia driver's license if it's already expired?
Yes, but you must renew in person or by mail. Online renewal is only for licenses that are still valid. If your license expired more than a few months ago, you may need to take a new written test or vision test at the DDS office, so call ahead to confirm what you'll need to bring.
How long can I drive on my old license while waiting for the new one?
You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. If you renewed online or in person, your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed by mail and your license has already expired, do not drive until your new license arrives.
What if I need to change my name or address during renewal?
You can update your address online or in person. To change your name, you must go in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS will not process a name change by mail or online.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Georgia driver's license?
Not necessarily. Online renewal uses your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DDS office. In-person renewal always includes a new photo unless you specifically request to keep your old one.
What happens if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Contact the Georgia DDS office when ready. You can request a replacement license in person or by phone. If you renewed online or by mail, the DDS can cancel that renewal and issue a replacement instead. Bring your Social Security card and proof of address to the office.