Georgia driver's licenses renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation
You can renew your Georgia driver's license without visiting a location if you meet certain conditions. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) allows online renewal for most people, mail renewal for some, and in-person renewal at any DDS office. Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo.
If your license expires soon or has been expired for fewer than five years, you have options. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose — online renewal is fastest, while mail and in-person both have their own timelines.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website works if your license is not expired or expired less than five years, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works for the same situations as online renewal.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need a new photo or address change.
- You will need your current or expired license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification to renew in person.
- Georgia licenses are valid for eight years, and DDS sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.
Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website
The fastest way to renew is online at the Georgia DDS website (dds.ga.gov). You can renew online if your license is not expired or has been expired for fewer than five years, and you do not need a new photo. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you can complete it from home.
To renew online, you will need your current or expired driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. Georgia charges $32 for an eight-year renewal. Once you submit your process online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you have moved since your license was issued, you can update your address during online renewal. However, if you need a new photo — because your appearance has changed significantly or you straightforward want a new one — you must renew in person instead.
Mail renewal for licenses not yet expired or expired less than five years
You can also renew by mail if your license is not expired or expired fewer than five years. Mail renewal uses the same fee ($32 for eight years) and takes about two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your process. This method works well if you prefer not to use the internet or if you are out of state.
To renew by mail, request a renewal process from the Georgia DDS website or call 678-413-8400. Fill out the form, include your current or expired license, and mail it to the address provided on the process. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. DDS will mail your new license to the address you provide on the form.
Mail renewal does not allow you to update your photo or make certain address changes. If you need either of those, you must renew in person at a DDS office.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address. In-person renewal also applies if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with restrictions that need updating.
Visit any DDS office in Georgia during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices use an online reservation system to manage wait times. Check the DDS website to find your nearest office and see if reservations are available.
Bring your current or expired driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days), and a valid form of identification. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The renewal fee is $32 for eight years, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
What to bring and what documents you need
For in-person renewal, bring your current or expired Georgia driver's license. If you do not have it, bring a valid form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. You will also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address.
If you are changing your name, bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves the change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. If you are changing your address, you can do this at the office without extra documents — just provide your new address.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license or a license with medical restrictions, bring any required medical certificates or documentation from your doctor. The DDS website lists specific requirements for these situations.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Georgia charges $32 for an eight-year driver's license renewal. This is the standard fee for all renewal methods — online, mail, and in person. No additional fees explore unless you are requesting a duplicate license or making changes beyond a straightforward renewal.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. In-person renewal at a DDS office accepts cash, check, or card. If you are paying by check or money order, make it payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
Timeline: how long each renewal method takes
Online renewal is the fastest option. Once you submit your process, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You should receive it within two weeks in most cases.
Mail renewal takes longer because DDS must receive your process, process it, and mail your new license back to you. The entire process typically takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your process. Add a few extra days if your mail takes time to reach the DDS office.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is when ready for the process process — you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid for 30 days.
What happens if your license is already expired
You can still drive on an expired license while your renewal is being processed, as long as you have submitted your renewal process and it has been received by DDS. Keep a copy of your submitted process or confirmation number with you while driving.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to a DDS office in person. The office will process your renewal the same day, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is expired, show the officer your temporary paper license or your renewal confirmation. Most officers will accept this as proof that you have a valid renewal in progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia driver's license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. Online renewal is faster and works the same way as it does for Georgia residents — you will receive your new license by mail at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at a DDS office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, a new photo is not required. Your old photo will be used unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DDS office. A new photo is also required if your license expired more than five years ago.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
If you lost your license, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must visit a DDS office in person. Bring a valid form of identification such as a passport or military ID. The office will issue you a duplicate license with a new number, and you will receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
How long is a Georgia driver's license valid?
Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. DDS sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, so watch for mail from the department. You can renew up to six months before your license expires.