How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

Georgia driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Georgia driver's license through three routes: online at the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DDS office. The online method is fastest and costs $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you have no medical conditions, no address changes, and no name changes since your last license. In-person renewal at a DDS office takes a few hours but is necessary if you need to update your photo, address, or name, or if you have medical restrictions.

Your license is valid until the expiration date printed on the front. You can renew it up to one year before that date. Georgia does not send renewal reminders by mail, so check your license now to see when it expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DDS website costs $32 and takes about 10 minutes if you have a valid credit or debit card and a current Georgia address on file.
Mail renewal is free but only works if your address, name, and medical status have not changed since your last license was issued.
In-person renewal at a DDS office requires a current ID, proof of residency, and a Social Security number, and takes one to three hours depending on wait times.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and you should not wait until the expiration date because an expired license cannot be used for identification.
If you need a REAL ID-compliant license for air travel or federal building access, you must renew in person and bring an original or certified birth certificate.

Online renewal through the DDS website

Go to dds.georgia.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will verify your identity and confirm your address. If everything matches your DDS record, you can complete the renewal in about 10 minutes.

After you pay the $32 fee, the DDS will mail your new license to the address on file. It typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date, so you can use it for identification while you wait. Online renewal works only if you have not changed your address, name, or medical status since your last license was issued.

Mail renewal when your information has not changed

If your address, name, and medical restrictions are the same as they were on your last license, you can renew by mail without paying a fee. Call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to request a renewal form, or visit a DDS office in person to pick one up. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it to the address printed on the form along with your current license.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the DDS receives your form. Your current license stays valid during this time. This method is useful if you prefer not to go online or visit an office, but it is slower than online renewal and only works if nothing about your identity or medical status has changed.

In-person renewal at a DDS office

Visit any DDS office in Georgia with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring your original or certified birth certificate if you are renewing as a REAL ID-compliant license for air travel or federal building access.

You will take a new photo and answer questions about your medical history and driving record. The DDS will issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office. In-person renewal costs $32 for an eight-year license. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings.

You must renew in person if you have changed your address, name, or medical status since your last license; if you need to update your photo; or if you are renewing a REAL ID license for the first time.

What to do if your license has already expired

An expired Georgia driver's license cannot be used for identification, but you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to take a written test and a driving test in addition to the renewal process. Call the DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm whether a test is required before you visit an office.

If you have an expired license and need to drive legally, you can renew online or by mail when ready. Do not drive with an expired license; it is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for renewal

A REAL ID-compliant license is required for air travel within the United States and for entry to federal buildings. Georgia began issuing REAL ID licenses in 2009. If your current license shows a gold star in the top right corner, it is already REAL ID-compliant and will remain so when you renew.

If your license does not have a gold star, you can upgrade to REAL ID during renewal by renewing in person and bringing your original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address. The cost is the same as a standard renewal: $32. If you renew online or by mail, your new license will not be REAL ID-compliant.

DDS office locations and hours

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. Find the office nearest you and its hours at dds.georgia.gov under "Locations." Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially during holidays.

Bring all required documents with you. If you are missing any document, the office will turn you away and you will need to return another day. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have a current Georgia address to renew a Georgia license. If you have moved, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still live in Georgia but changed your address, you can renew in person at a DDS office with proof of your new address.

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

You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license number. Visit a DDS office in person with your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The office will issue a replacement license and charge you $32. Bring all required documents to avoid a second trip.

How much does it cost to renew a Georgia driver's license?

Online and in-person renewal cost $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal is free. REAL ID upgrade during renewal costs the same as standard renewal. If you renew in person and need a duplicate license issued on the spot, there may be an additional fee; ask the office when you arrive.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DDS office so the office can review your medical history and any restrictions. You cannot renew online or by mail if your medical status has changed. Bring documentation of your condition if the DDS requests it during your visit.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired Georgia license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. You can renew online or by mail before your license expires to avoid this. If your license has already expired, renew it when ready before driving.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.