Documents and information you'll need before you go
To renew your Georgia driver's license, you need your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Georgia's Department of Driver Services accepts renewals in person at any DDS office, by mail, or online through the Georgia DDS website — but which route you can use depends on whether your license is still valid and how long it's been since you last renewed.
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If it expired more than two years ago, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information on the license itself, you must go in person.
Bring your current Georgia driver's license (or state ID) and one document proving where you live — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will work. You'll also need to provide your Social Security number, either on the process form or verbally at the office.
Key Takeaways
- If your license expired within the last two years, you can renew online or by mail without visiting a DDS office.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office with your current license and proof of residency.
- Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement showing your current address.
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest option if you're may be able to access, with no wait time at an office.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks, while in-person renewal is completed the same day.
Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website
Online renewal is available only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not changed your address, name, or other information since your last renewal. Go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity.
The fee is paid by credit or debit card during the process. Georgia charges $32 for a four-year renewal or $64 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within seven to ten business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is also available if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not changed your address or name. Request a renewal form from the Georgia DDS website or call 678-413-8400. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it with a copy of your proof of residency to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DDS receives your envelope. Keep track of when you mail it so you know when to expect your new license. If you need your license sooner, renewing in person is faster.
Renewing in person at a DDS office
Visit any DDS office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept appointments through the Georgia DDS website — checking ahead can reduce your wait time. Bring the documents listed above and be ready to have your photo taken.
The renewal is completed the same day. You'll pay the fee in cash, by check, or by card, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. If your license has been expired for more than two years, in-person renewal is your only option.
What to do if your address or name has changed
If you've moved or changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DDS office, even if your license expired less than two years ago. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and your Social Security number. If you changed your name, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The office will update your information and issue a new license on the spot. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.
Fees and payment methods
A four-year renewal costs $32, and an eight-year renewal costs $64. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit or credit card, depending on whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. If you renew online or by mail, you must pay by card or money order — cash and checks are accepted only at DDS offices.
Some DDS offices accept payment plans if you cannot pay the full fee at once, but this is not available for online or mail renewal. Ask at your local office if you need to set up a payment arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on an expired Georgia license while I wait for my renewal?
Yes, if you have a temporary paper license issued at a DDS office or a receipt showing you've submitted a mail or online renewal. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive on your expired license until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew by mail or online if you don't have your current license. Go to a DDS office and request a replacement license instead of a renewal. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. A replacement costs $20 and is issued the same day.
How long does a renewed Georgia license last?
You choose either a four-year or eight-year renewal when you explore. An eight-year license costs more but lasts longer, so you won't need to renew again for eight years.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
Renew in person at a DDS office instead. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and can use it to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a DDS office?
Appointments are not required at most Georgia DDS offices, but some locations accept them through the Georgia DDS website. Checking ahead can reduce your wait time, especially during busy hours.