What to bring to renew your Georgia license

To renew your Georgia driver's license in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration.

If your name has changed since your last license, you will also need to bring a document showing the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Georgia does not require a new photo or vision test for standard renewals unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you are over 64 years old.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your current license, proof of residency from the last 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number to renew in person.
  • You can renew online through the Georgia DDS website if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or address changes.
  • In-person renewals at a DDS office take about 30 minutes, while online renewals are completed when ready.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and will need a new photo and vision test.

Renewing online versus in person

Georgia allows online renewal through the DDS website if your license is not expired, you have no outstanding violations or suspensions, and your address has not changed. Online renewal costs $32 and takes a few minutes — your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office or bring documents.

If you cannot renew online, you must go to a DDS office in person. Bring the documents listed above, arrive during business hours, and expect to wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the renewal fee at the counter. In-person renewal also results in a license mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you are over 64 years old, if you have had a suspension or revocation, or if you have changed your address since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your name, gender marker, or organ donor status.

When your license expires and renewal windows

Georgia driver's licenses expire on your birthday eight years after they are issued. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date, so you have a full year to complete the process without your license becoming invalid.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it, but you lose the option to renew online. Expired licenses can be renewed in person at any DDS office, though you may face longer wait times. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need a new photo and vision test, which means you cannot use the standard renewal process — you will need to explore as if getting a license for the first time.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal in Georgia costs $32 if you renew online or in person. If you are 65 or older, renewal costs $16. Payment methods vary by location: online renewals accept credit and debit cards, while in-person offices accept cash, check, and card.

Some DDS offices charge an additional $5 fee if you need a replacement license printed on the spot instead of waiting for mail delivery. Ask when you arrive whether this option is available at your location.

Finding a DDS office and making an appointment

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the nearest office and its hours on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. Some offices operate by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins. During busy times, wait times can exceed an hour even with an appointment.

To make an appointment, visit the DDS website or call the office directly. Many offices allow you to schedule online up to 30 days in advance. Walk-in service is available at most locations, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Georgia DDS or the court that issued it. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulation of points from violations.

Contact the DDS directly to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license through the normal process. This may require an in-person visit even if you would normally be may be able to access for online renewal.

Renewing a license with a name change

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring the legal document proving the change along with your other renewal documents. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or a court order for a name change. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

Name changes require an in-person renewal — you cannot complete this online. You will also need a new photo taken at the DDS office. The renewal fee remains the same, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. However, if you have submitted a renewal process before the expiration date, some officers may allow you to show proof of the pending renewal. It is safer to renew before your expiration date to avoid this situation.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You will need to get a replacement license first before you can renew. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number to a DDS office, and they will issue a replacement. Once you have it, you can renew when ready if you wish, though you do not have to.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal. Some DDS offices offer same-day printing for an additional fee, but this is not available at all locations. Check with your local office about this option.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online?

No. Online renewals use your photo from your current license. You only need a new photo if you renew in person and your license has been expired for more than five years, if you are over 64, or if you are updating your name or gender marker.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You must renew in person if your address has changed. Bring your new proof of residency along with your other documents. You cannot renew online when your address is different from what is on your current license.