Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Georgia driver's license in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, or online through the Georgia DDS website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it is only open to people whose licenses are not expired by more than five years, who have no medical conditions on file, and who have not changed their name or address since their last renewal.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you changed your name or address, you have medical restrictions, or you want to renew in person, you must visit a DDS office. Bring your current license (or expired license if current one is lost), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for address proof.
Georgia licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, and you should plan to renew before your license expires — an expired license cannot be used for identification or voting, and some employers will not accept it.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes minutes and costs less, but only works if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have not changed your name or address.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you changed your name, or you have medical restrictions on file.
- Bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days to any DDS office.
- Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
- The fee for renewal is lower online than in person, and in-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
Renewing online through the Georgia DDS website
To renew online, go to the Georgia DDS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DDS records and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact information.
You will also need to upload or confirm a photo. If your current license photo is less than eight years old and you are satisfied with it, you can keep it. If you want a new photo, you can upload one from your computer — it must be a clear, straight-on headshot taken against a plain background, and it must be a JPEG or PNG file smaller than 5 MB.
Once you submit your renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number as a temporary license if you need to drive before the physical card arrives.
Renewing in person at a DDS office
Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website and check its hours before you go — some offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations allow you to schedule one online, which can reduce your wait time.
Bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address. If you are renewing because your address changed, bring documents showing both your old and new addresses. If you changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
At the office, tell the staff member you are renewing. They will verify your information, take a new photo if you do not have one on file or if your current photo is more than eight years old, and process your renewal. The fee is paid at this time. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
What happens if your license is expired
An expired license cannot be used for identification at banks, airports, or government offices. You also cannot vote with an expired license in Georgia. However, you can still renew it — there is no time limit on renewal, though the process may take longer if your license has been expired for several years.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office. The staff will verify your identity using other documents and may ask additional questions about your driving history or any changes since your last renewal.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee depends on the type of license and how you renew. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal. The exact fee varies, so check the Georgia DDS website for current pricing before you renew.
At a DDS office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. Online, you can pay with a debit or credit card. You will receive a receipt showing your confirmation number and the expected delivery date of your new license.
If you need a REAL ID-compliant license
Georgia REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant and you want one, you must renew in person at a DDS office — online renewal does not produce a REAL ID license.
To get a REAL ID license, bring the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal, plus one additional document proving your current address if your license address is outdated. The fee for a REAL ID license is higher than a standard license.
Common problems and what to do
If the DDS website says you are not may be able to access for online renewal but you believe you are, try again in a few hours — the system sometimes has temporary delays. If the problem persists, call the Georgia DDS customer service line or visit a DDS office in person.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact DDS with your confirmation number. If your license was lost in the mail, DDS can reissue it. If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address on the DDS website and have the license reissued to your new address, though this may delay delivery by a few more days.
If you are renewing in person and the office tells you that you need additional documents, ask what documents they need and whether you can bring them back the same day or if you need to schedule another visit. Some offices will hold your process while you gather missing documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?
No. Georgia only renews licenses for people who live in Georgia. If you have moved out of state, you must get a license from your new state. If you still live in Georgia but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online if you meet the other requirements, or you can wait until you return to renew in person.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You cannot renew online without your license number. You must visit a DDS office in person. Bring your proof of Social Security number and address, and tell the staff that your license is lost. They will issue a replacement and renew it in the same transaction.
How long does in-person renewal take?
Most DDS offices complete a renewal in 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are usually less busy on weekday mornings and more crowded on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. Scheduling an appointment online can reduce your wait time significantly.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Yes. Unpaid traffic tickets do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact DDS or the court that issued the ticket to find out how to clear the suspension.
What if my name changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person and bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online renewal does not allow name changes. At the DDS office, the staff will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.