Documents and fees required for Georgia renewal

To renew your Georgia driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Georgia residency, and your current license to a DDS office. The state charges $32 for a standard four-year renewal or $64 for an eight-year renewal. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office — bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

Acceptable identity documents include your current Georgia license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a certified birth certificate. For residency proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Georgia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your current license, one form of identity, one proof of residency dated within 60 days, and the renewal fee ($32 for four years or $64 for eight years).
  • You can renew in person at any DDS office, by mail if you meet specific conditions, or online through the Georgia DDS website for certain renewals.
  • Vision tests are required in person and cannot be done by mail or online, so you must visit an office unless you're renewing by mail without a vision change.
  • Processing takes about two weeks in person; mail renewals take four to six weeks from the time DDS receives your packet.
  • Your license remains valid while your renewal is being processed, so you can continue driving legally during the wait.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

Walk into any Georgia Department of Driver Services office with your documents and fee. Bring your current license, one identity document, and one residency proof. You'll take a vision test at the counter, answer a few questions about your address and medical history, and have your photo taken. The whole process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the state mails your plastic card. The permanent license arrives in about two weeks. Check the DDS office locator on the Georgia DDS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times — some offices are significantly faster than others, especially if you go early in the morning on a weekday.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired, you have no vision correction changes, and you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving. Mail your current license, the renewal fee, and a completed DL 44 form (the renewal process) to the address listed on the Georgia DDS website. Do not include copies of your identity or residency documents unless DDS specifically requests them.

Processing takes four to six weeks from the day DDS receives your packet. Your current license remains valid during this time. If you need your license sooner, use the in-person option instead. Mail renewal is only worth the wait if you have scheduling conflicts or live far from an office.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Georgia offers online renewal for certain drivers. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no vision changes, you have no medical conditions affecting your driving, and your address hasn't changed. Log into your account on the Georgia DDS website, answer the renewal questions, and pay the fee with a debit or credit card.

Online renewal takes about one week. You'll receive a temporary paper license by email and the permanent card by mail. This option is fastest if you meet the requirements, but most drivers who have moved or whose vision has changed will need to renew in person instead.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Georgia license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires taking the written test and the road test again, not just the vision test. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it using the standard process, though you may be asked additional questions at the office.

Check your license expiration date before you go. It's printed on the front in the lower right corner. If you're within 60 days of expiration, you can renew now without penalty.

Vision test requirements and what to bring

Georgia requires a vision test for every renewal. You must be able to read 20/40 or better in at least one eye, with or without correction. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them — the test is done with your correction in place. If you've had LASIK or cataract surgery since your last license, tell the examiner.

If you fail the vision test, you cannot renew that day. You'll need to see an eye doctor, get a new prescription if needed, and return to the DDS office with proof of your current vision. Some offices accept a letter from your eye doctor stating your corrected vision meets the standard.

Processing times and temporary licenses

In-person renewals issue a temporary paper license good for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed. The plastic license arrives in about two weeks under normal circumstances, though mail delays can extend this. You can drive legally on the temporary license, and it's accepted as valid ID by police and other authorities.

If you need your license faster than two weeks, check whether your DDS office offers expedited service — some do for an additional fee. Online and mail renewals take longer (one week and four to six weeks respectively), so use in-person renewal if you're on a tight timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Georgia license if I've moved out of state?

No. You must have a current Georgia address to renew a Georgia license. If you've moved permanently, you need to get a license in your new state. If you're temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail if you meet the other requirements, or wait until you return to renew in person.

What if I've changed my name since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change along with your other documents. You'll need to renew in person; mail and online renewal won't work for name changes. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

Do I need to take the written test again to renew?

No, not for a standard renewal. You only take the vision test. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you'll need to take the written and road tests as if you're getting a new license.

What if I lost my current license?

You can't renew a lost license — you need to report it lost and get a replacement first. Go to a DDS office with your identity and residency documents. A replacement costs $20 and takes about two weeks. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it using the standard process.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must appear in person for the vision test, even if you're renewing by mail or online for other reasons. The only exception is if you have a medical condition preventing you from visiting an office — contact DDS directly to discuss alternatives.