Georgia driver's licenses renew every eight years, and you can do it online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation

Georgia's renewal process depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had any address changes, and whether you want to renew early. Most people can renew online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website without visiting an office. If you're renewing in person, you'll go to your local DDS office, bring your current license and proof of residency, and pay the renewal fee. The entire process takes between 7 and 10 business days if you renew by mail, or you walk out the same day if you renew in person.

Your renewal important date appears on your license as an expiration date. Georgia does not send renewal reminders in the mail, so you need to track this date yourself. Renewing early is allowed — you can renew up to one year before your license expires — which can be useful if you're planning travel or know you'll be busy closer to the expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your may be able to access and preference.
  • Online renewal through the DDS website is the fastest option for most people and takes about 7 to 10 business days to receive your new license by mail.
  • In-person renewal at a DDS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee, and you receive your license the same day.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and Georgia does not send renewal reminders, so you must track your expiration date yourself.
  • If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot use online or mail renewal and must visit a DDS office in person.

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website

The Georgia Department of Driver Services website (dds.ga.gov) is the fastest way to renew if you meet the requirements. You'll need your current Georgia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to verify your address and confirm that your license information hasn't changed. If everything matches their records, you can complete the renewal in about 10 minutes.

After you submit your payment, the DDS mails your new license to the address on file. This takes 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a confirmation email with a transaction number. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally during this time.

You cannot renew online if your license is expired by more than two years, if you've had a name change that wasn't updated with the DDS, if your address has changed and you haven't notified them, or if your license is suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

Walk-in renewal at a local DDS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You'll receive your new license the same day. Bring your current Georgia driver's license, one document showing your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and the renewal fee. The fee for an eight-year license renewal is $32 as of 2024, though you should confirm the current amount on the DDS website since fees can change.

DDS offices are located in most Georgia counties. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on dds.ga.gov. Some offices have longer wait times during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning often means a shorter wait. You do not need an appointment for standard license renewal, though some offices offer appointment scheduling if you prefer.

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your current license and address proof.

Mail renewal through the DDS

You can renew by mail if you meet the same requirements as online renewal. Request a renewal process by calling the DDS at 678-413-8400 or by visiting a DDS office in person. Fill out the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to "Georgia DDS," and mail everything to the address provided on the process.

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person — typically 10 to 14 business days from the time the DDS receives your envelope. Your old license remains valid during this time. Mail renewal is useful if you don't have internet access or prefer not to use a credit card online, but it's slower than the other two options.

What to do if your license is expired or suspended

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DDS office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it's been expired. The DDS website lists the specific requirements based on how many years have passed since expiration.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DDS directly at 678-413-8400 to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a child support or traffic court issue.

Renewing early and planning ahead

Georgia allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you know you'll be busy closer to your expiration date. Early renewal doesn't change your expiration date — your new license will still expire eight years from the date you originally received your previous license, not eight years from the renewal date.

If you're planning to move out of state or change your name, handle those changes before you renew. If you move and then renew, your new license will have your new address. If you change your name and then renew, your new license will have your new name. Doing these things in the wrong order can create delays or require you to renew again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Georgia driver's license last?

Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before it expires.

What if I've moved since my last license was issued?

If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're renewing online or by mail, update your address with the DDS before you start the renewal process, or you'll need to renew in person instead.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support debt?

No. The DDS will not renew your license if you have an unpaid child support obligation or certain outstanding traffic court judgments. Contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out what needs to be resolved before you can renew.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Georgia and can result in a traffic citation. If your license expires while you're waiting for your renewal to arrive by mail or online, your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you won't be driving illegally during that time.

Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, the DDS uses your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DDS will take a new photo at the office. You cannot request to keep your old photo if you renew in person.