What to bring when you renew in Georgia

To renew your Georgia driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If your current license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a driver's license office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) accepts mail and online renewals for standard licenses that are not expired beyond five years. Online renewal is the fastest route — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes if you have a valid email address and a credit or debit card for the fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online or by mail if your license expired less than five years ago; in-person renewal is required if it expired longer ago.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
  • The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license or $20 for a five-year license, paid by credit or debit card online or by check or money order by mail.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person renewal at a DDS office takes about 30 to 60 minutes depending on wait times, and you receive a temporary license when ready.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Go to dds.georgia.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start. The system will ask you to upload a photo — you can use a recent photo from your phone or computer, and it must show your face clearly against a plain background.

After you submit your information and photo, you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license is mailed to the address on file, and it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

read the DL 44 form from the Georgia DDS website or request one by calling 678-413-8400. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — currently the Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013.

Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DDS receives your envelope. You will not have a temporary license during this time, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives. Keep a copy of your mailed form for your records.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

Visit any Georgia DDS driver's license office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will fill out a form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and more crowded on Fridays and after 3 p.m. You receive a temporary license when ready that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents that count as proof of residency

Georgia accepts a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government-issued mail as proof that you live at the address on your license. The document must show your name and current address, and it cannot be more than 60 days old. A utility bill in your name is the easiest option.

If you recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring two documents — one showing your old address and one showing your new address — to prove the move was recent. A lease agreement and a utility bill work well together for this purpose.

Documents that count as proof of Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a birth certificate. The document must show your full name and complete Social Security number. If you do not have any of these documents, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number — you can request one by visiting your local Social Security office or calling 1-800-772-1213.

Do not bring a photocopy of your Social Security card. The DDS requires the original card or one of the other documents listed above.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year license costs $32. A five-year license costs $20. These are the only two options for standard renewals. If you are renewing online, you pay by credit or debit card. If you are renewing by mail, you pay by check or money order. If you are renewing in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Some DDS offices charge an additional $5 fee for credit or debit card payments made in person, though this varies by location. Ask before you pay if you want to avoid the surcharge.

When to renew before your license expires

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you are about to travel or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, so renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license — you get the full eight or five years from the date you renew.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew using the same process as long as it expired less than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test — call the DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm what is required in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have changed my name?

Yes, but you must renew in person and bring proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. Visit a DDS office with your current license, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and the name-change document.

What if my address has changed since my current license was issued?

You can update your address during online or mail renewal without visiting an office. Online renewal will ask you to confirm or change your address before you submit. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the DL 44 form. In-person renewal also updates your address automatically.

Do I need a new photo for renewal, or can I keep the one from my current license?

Online renewal requires you to upload a new photo. Mail and in-person renewal also require a new photo. Georgia does not allow you to keep the photo from your previous license. Your new photo must be recent and show your face clearly.

What happens if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through the standard process. Contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.

How long is my temporary license valid if I renew in person?

Your temporary license is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license covers the wait time. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DDS to check the status.