How to Renew Your Georgia Driver's License

The fastest way to renew your Georgia license

You can renew your Georgia driver's license online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Online renewal is the quickest option and takes about 10 minutes if you meet the requirements — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must be between 18 and 64 years old, and your address must not have changed since your last renewal. If you do not meet those conditions, you will need to renew in person.

The in-person process takes 30 to 45 minutes at most DDS locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website works only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not moved since your last renewal.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the DDS receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions.
In-person renewal at a DDS office requires your current license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number.
Your new license will be mailed to you after any renewal method; you cannot pick it up the same day at most locations.

Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website

Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and choose whether to keep your current photo or upload a new one. If you upload a new photo, it must meet the DDS photo standards: taken within the last 30 days, show your full face, have a plain background, and be at least 200 pixels wide and 240 pixels tall.

After you submit your information, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The fee for a four-year renewal is $32; an eight-year renewal costs $64. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number — save this in case you need to check the status of your renewal.

Renewing by mail

Request a mail renewal process by calling the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 or by visiting a DDS office in person. You can also read the process form from the DDS website. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $32 for four years or $64 for eight years — made payable to "Georgia DDS."

Mail your completed process, fee, and current license to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DDS receives your process, then another 5 to 7 business days for mailing. Your new license will arrive at your address on file. If your address has changed, you must renew in person instead, because the DDS needs to verify your new address with an official document.

Renewing in person at a DDS office

Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need an appointment at most DDS locations, but you can schedule one online to skip the walk-in line.

At the office, you will be asked to confirm your information and choose a new photo or keep your current one. If you take a new photo, the DDS will take it for you. You will pay the renewal fee at the counter — $32 for four years or $64 for eight years, cash or card accepted. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a receipt showing your temporary driving privileges while you wait for the physical card.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Georgia license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DDS office, a written test, a driving test, and a new photo. The process takes longer and costs more than a renewal. You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name and date of birth (a birth certificate, passport, or state ID).

Schedule an appointment online at the Georgia DDS website to reduce wait time. Bring all required documents to your appointment. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. The driving test is conducted by a DDS examiner and lasts about 20 minutes. If you pass both tests, you will pay the fee for a new license and receive a receipt with temporary driving privileges while your physical license is mailed to you.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your current address, your Social Security number, and a valid medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. The medical certificate must be dated within the last 12 months. If your medical certificate has expired, you will need to visit a medical examiner before you can renew your CDL.

At the DDS office, you will confirm your information and take a new photo. You will not retake the written or driving test unless your CDL has been expired for more than one year or suspended. The renewal fee for a CDL is $32 for four years or $64 for eight years. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Common mistakes that delay your renewal

The most common mistake is sending your current license by mail without keeping a copy of the license number. If your process gets lost, you will not be able to track it without that number. Write down your license number before you mail anything. Another frequent error is forgetting to include the fee or sending a personal check when the DDS only accepts money orders for mail renewals — check the current requirements on the DDS website before you mail your process, because these rules can change.

If you are renewing in person, bring the exact documents the DDS requires. A utility bill must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days — an old bill or one with only a partial address will be rejected. If your address changed, do not try to renew online; the system will reject your process. If you upload a new photo for online renewal, make sure it meets the size and background requirements or your renewal will be delayed while the DDS asks you to resubmit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired Georgia license while I wait for my renewal?

If you renewed in person, you received a receipt with temporary driving privileges that are valid until your new license arrives. If you renewed online or by mail, you can continue driving with your current license for 30 days after the expiration date. After that, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

What if I moved to a different state after my last renewal?

You cannot renew your Georgia license if you no longer live in Georgia. You will need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency for their renewal or process process.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

The DDS processes renewals within 7 to 10 business days, then mails your license. Standard mail delivery takes another 5 to 7 business days, so expect your new license 12 to 17 business days after you submit your process. If you renewed in person, the timeline is the same — the office does not mail licenses the same day.

Can I renew my license if my Social Security number is different from my last renewal?

You will need to renew in person and bring documentation of your Social Security number change. Contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 before your visit to confirm what documents they need.

What if my renewal process was rejected?

The DDS will mail you a notice explaining why your process was rejected. Common reasons include a missing or incorrect fee, an expired medical certificate (for CDLs), or an address that does not match your proof of residency. Follow the instructions in the rejection notice to resubmit your process or visit a DDS office in person.

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.