Georgia driver's licenses renew every eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office

Georgia issues driver's licenses valid for eight years from the date of issue. When your license approaches expiration, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before the expiration date. You do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew your license online through the DDS website, by mail using the renewal packet, or by visiting a DDS office in person.

The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you want to update your photo, and how quickly you need the new license. Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option for most people, but it has restrictions: you cannot use it if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license for the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia driver's licenses expire every eight years, and DDS will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration.
  • Online renewal through the DDS website is available for standard licenses and takes about one to two weeks for delivery, but you cannot use it if you have a CDL or a suspended license.
  • Mail renewal requires you to return your current license and a completed form, and processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DDS office lets you update your photo and address when ready and receive a temporary license the same day.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses require in-person renewal and proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number the first time you renew them.

Online renewal through the DDS website

The DDS website allows you to renew a standard Georgia driver's license online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you do not hold a CDL, and you are not renewing a Real ID license for the first time. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license.

After you complete the online form and pay the fee, DDS will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address or photograph, you cannot do this through online renewal—you must renew in person at a DDS office instead.

Mail renewal using the DDS renewal packet

If you received a renewal notice in the mail from DDS, it includes a renewal packet with a prepaid envelope. You can complete the form, include your current license, and mail the packet back to DDS. Do not send cash; include a check or money order for $32 payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. DDS will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you, which typically takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your packet.

Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to visit an office or use the internet, but it is slower than online renewal and you cannot update your photo or address through this method. If your address has changed, you must notify DDS separately or renew in person. Keep a copy of your mailed form for your records in case DDS does not receive the packet.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

You can renew your license at any DDS office in Georgia. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring two proofs of your new address. The renewal fee is $32.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photograph taken for the new license and can update your address at the same time. DDS will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being produced and mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within one to two weeks.

Real ID-compliant license renewal

If your current license displays a gold or star marking in the upper right corner, it is Real ID-compliant and meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access. When you renew a Real ID license, you must renew in person at a DDS office—online and mail renewal are not available for Real ID licenses.

Bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of your current Georgia address. The renewal fee is $32. DDS will verify your documents, take a new photograph, and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your new Real ID license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you may be required to take a vision test and written knowledge test at a DDS office, similar to a first-time license process. Check with your local DDS office to confirm what is required for your situation.

If your license will expire within the next 60 days and you have not received a renewal notice, you can still renew online or by mail without waiting for the notice. Do not wait until the expiration date to renew, because driving on an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have started the renewal process.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

If you hold a commercial driver's license, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current CDL, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address. You will also need to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner and provide the Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5875) to DDS. The renewal fee is $32, plus the cost of the medical examination, which varies by provider.

CDL renewal takes longer than standard license renewal because of the medical examination requirement. Schedule your medical examination before you visit DDS so you have the certificate ready. Your new CDL will be mailed to you within one to two weeks after DDS processes your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Georgia driver's licenses are only issued to Georgia residents. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state of residence. You can surrender your Georgia license to any DDS office or by mail if you prefer not to keep it.

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 you are stopped by law enforcement, you may be fined. Even if you have started the renewal process, your old license is no longer valid once the expiration date passes.

How do I check the status of my renewed license?

You can check the status of your license renewal on the DDS website using your license number and date of birth. If you renewed by mail or in person, you can also call your local DDS office to ask about processing time.

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension with DDS, which may involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or meeting other requirements. Contact DDS or your local office to learn what is required to lift the suspension.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DDS office?

Appointment policies vary by DDS office. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Check the DDS website or call your local office before you visit to confirm their current policy.