Georgia driver's licenses renew every eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation
Your Georgia driver's license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the card. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
The method you use depends on whether you need a new photo, whether your address or name has changed, and whether you have any outstanding violations or suspensions. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you need a new photo or have had a major life change, you will need to go in person.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia licenses expire on your birthday every eight years, and you can renew starting one year before expiration.
- Online renewal through the DDS website works if your license is not suspended, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice from DDS, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives it.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or have any active suspensions or violations.
- The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license, and you must provide proof of residency if your address has changed.
Renewing online through the DDS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Georgia DDS website and select the renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DDS records.
Online renewal works only if your license is not suspended or revoked, your address has not changed since your last renewal, you do not need a new photo, and you have no outstanding traffic violations or court orders. If any of these do not explore to you, the system will tell you that you must renew in person or by mail instead.
If you are approved for online renewal, you will pay the $32 fee by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
Mail renewal uses the notice DDS sends you about 60 days before expiration. The notice includes a form, instructions, and an envelope. You do not need to fill out any additional paperwork—just sign the back of the notice, include a check or money order for $32 payable to "Georgia DDS," and mail it back in the envelope provided.
Do not send cash. Include only what the notice asks for; extra documents can delay processing. Mail the envelope to the address printed on the notice. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your envelope, not from the time you mail it. Your new license will be sent to the address on file.
Mail renewal works only if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo. If you have moved, changed your name, or need a new photo for any reason, you must renew in person at a DDS office.
Renewing in person at a DDS office
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, your address or name has changed, you need a new photo, or you have outstanding violations or court orders. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your address or name on the license itself.
Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $32 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your address has changed, bring the proof of residency document showing your new address.
Visit a DDS office during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the DDS website before you go. Your new license will be issued on the spot, and you can drive when ready. The physical card is valid as soon as you receive it.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving on an expired Georgia license is against the law, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. However, if you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process by mail or in person, an officer may use discretion.
If your license has expired and you have not yet renewed, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. There is no penalty fee for renewing after expiration, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives or is issued. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, you can request a temporary driving permit at a DDS office.
Renewing a suspended or revoked license
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DDS office in person. Before you renew, you must resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation—this might mean paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or satisfying a court order.
Contact DDS before you visit an office to confirm what you need to bring and what steps you must take to clear the suspension or revocation. Some suspensions are automatic once a fine is paid or a course is completed; others require a formal reinstatement process. The DDS website has a section where you can check your driving record and see any active suspensions or violations.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If your address has changed, you must provide proof of residency—a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued document showing your new address and dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency in Georgia.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. You cannot change your name online or by mail; you must do it in person at a DDS office. The office will verify the document and issue a new license with your updated name on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail using your renewal notice, or you can renew online if you meet the requirements. You do not have to be in Georgia to renew. If you need to change your address to an out-of-state address, you must renew in person at a Georgia DDS office or contact DDS to update your address before renewing by mail or online.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or in person without the notice. For online renewal, use your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you want to renew by mail, contact DDS to request a duplicate notice, or visit an office to renew in person instead.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery after DDS processes your request. Mail processing itself takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your envelope. In-person renewal is when ready—you receive your new license as soon as you complete the transaction at the office.
Do I have to renew my license in person if I have a commercial driver's license?
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have different renewal rules than regular licenses. You must renew a CDL in person at a DDS office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and payment. Some CDL renewals require a medical examination; check with DDS to see if yours does.
What if my license was suspended for unpaid child support or taxes?
You cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the agency that issued the suspension—the Georgia Department of Human Services for child support or the Georgia Department of Revenue for taxes—to find out what you need to do to clear it. Once the suspension is removed, you can renew using any method that applies to your situation.