Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Georgia driver's license in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Georgia DDS website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in hand.

Before you go anywhere, gather your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will also need a valid payment method — Georgia accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.

The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you renew. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DDS office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your process and costs the same as in-person renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a DDS office usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need a new photo.
  • You must bring your current license and proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease) to any in-person appointment.
  • If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks; an in-person renewal gives you a temporary license to use when ready.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes. You will pay the renewal fee with a credit card or debit card at the end. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. During that time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to drive.

Online renewal does not work if your license is expired, if you need to change your address, or if you want a new photo. If any of those explore to you, use the mail or in-person route instead.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. read the DL 44 form from the Georgia DDS website or request one by calling the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and the license term you want (four or eight years).

Include your current driver's license, a copy of your proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to "Georgia DDS." Mail everything to the address listed on the form — this is usually the DDS office in Atlanta, but confirm the current mailing address on the website before you send anything.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your envelope. There is no way to track your process by mail, so if you do not receive your new license within four weeks, call DDS customer service. Your current license remains valid while you wait, so you can continue to drive.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address or other information on your license. You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices, but you can schedule one online to skip the walk-in line. Go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Schedule an Appointment," and choose a date and time that works for you.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The DDS staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

You will pay the renewal fee in cash, by card, or by check at the office. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. Use the temporary license to drive until the permanent one arrives.

What to do if your license is expired or lost

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DDS office in person. Bring the same documents as you would for a regular in-person renewal: proof of residency, your Social Security number, and any identification you have. If you have lost your license entirely, you can still renew in person — the DDS staff will look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

If your license expired within the last five years, you can still renew online or by mail using the steps above. Your expired license is still valid for identification purposes during the renewal process.

Finding a DDS office near you and checking wait times

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. Use the office locator on the Georgia DDS website to find the one closest to you, along with its hours and phone number. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer wait times, especially on Fridays and during lunch hours.

If you want to avoid waiting, schedule an appointment online. The website shows available time slots at each office. If no appointments are available at your preferred location, try an office in a nearby county — you can renew at any DDS office in the state, not just the one in your county.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is forgetting to bring proof of residency. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement must be dated within the last 60 days. A credit card bill or bank statement does not count. If you show up without it, you will have to go home and come back.

Another mistake is trying to renew online or by mail when you are not may be able to access. If your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address, you must go in person. Trying to renew online when you are not may be able to access will waste time and you will have to start over with the in-person process.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date. Renewing early gives you time to receive your new license by mail before the old one expires, so you never have a gap.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you no longer live in Georgia, you cannot renew a Georgia license. You will need to get a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you are moving soon but still live in Georgia, renew your Georgia license before you move and update your address with your new state's DMV after you arrive.

What if I need my license renewed before the mail arrives?

Go to a DDS office in person. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days before you leave, so you can drive when ready. If you cannot get to an office, your current license remains valid until it expires, even if you have already submitted an online or mail renewal.

Do I have to get a new photo when I renew?

Not if you renew online or by mail — your current photo will stay on your license. If you renew in person, DDS will take a new photo automatically. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you will have to renew in person instead.

How long is a renewed Georgia license valid?

You choose when you renew: either four years or eight years. The eight-year license costs twice as much but lasts longer, so it is cheaper per year. Most people choose the four-year option for flexibility.

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

You can still renew in person at any DDS office. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The DDS staff will look up your record and issue a new license with a new photo. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail in two to three weeks.