Georgia driver's license renewal basics
Georgia allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people under 65 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your Georgia license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or five years if you are 65 or older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, and you should plan ahead because processing times vary by method. Online renewal is the fastest route and costs less than renewing in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for an eight-year license, with no office visit required.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $32, but you must include your current license and a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a DDS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are 65 or older, or if you need to update your address or photo.
- You cannot renew online if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), a hazmat endorsement, or a medical condition that requires DDS review.
- Scammers pose as the Georgia DDS on social media and email — the real DDS will never ask for payment through wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency.
Online renewal through the Georgia DDS website
Online renewal is available at dds.georgia.gov and is the fastest and cheapest option for most drivers. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file, and you can update your address during this step if needed.
The renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if you hold a CDL, if you have a hazmat endorsement, if you are renewing a motorcycle endorsement, or if you have a medical condition flagged in the DDS system that requires in-person review.
Mail renewal and what to send
To renew by mail, you must send your current Georgia driver's license, a check or money order for $32 made out to "Georgia DDS," and the renewal form DL 44. You can read form DL 44 from the Georgia DDS website or request it by calling the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — the address changes depending on which DDS office region serves your county.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DDS receives your packet. Do not send cash. If you need to update your address, write your new address clearly on the outside of the envelope and include it in the form. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update it before you mail your renewal if you have moved recently.
In-person renewal at a DDS office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are 65 or older, if you hold a CDL or hazmat endorsement, or if you need to update your photo. You will also need to renew in person if you have a medical condition that requires DDS review or if you are changing your name or gender marker.
Bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are 65 or older, you may also need to provide a vision test result from an eye care provider. Visit dds.georgia.gov to find the office nearest you and to check current wait times. Many offices now allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
In-person renewal costs $32 for an eight-year license (or $20 for a five-year license if you are 65 or older). You will receive your new license on the spot, though it may take a few days for the photo to be added to the state system.
Address changes and photo updates
You can update your address during online or mail renewal without paying an extra fee. If you are renewing in person, you can update your address at the same time. If you want to update your photo but your license is not yet expired, you must visit a DDS office in person — you cannot update your photo through online or mail renewal.
If you have moved and want to update your address before your license expires, you can do so at any DDS office or by mail using form DL 43 (Address Change). This is separate from license renewal and costs nothing. Keeping your address current is important because the DDS will mail your renewal notice to the address on file, and you may miss the renewal important date if your address is wrong.
What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a current license. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Georgia, even if you have submitted a renewal process.
If your license expires within the next month, start your renewal now. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 days for delivery, and mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. If you need your license before the new one arrives, you can request a temporary license at a DDS office, which is valid for 30 days and costs $5.
Scam alerts and safety information
Scammers frequently impersonate the Georgia DDS on Facebook, Instagram, email, and text message. They may claim your license is about to expire or that you owe a fee, and they will direct you to a fake website that looks like the real DDS site. The real Georgia DDS website is dds.georgia.gov only — check the URL carefully before entering any personal information.
The real DDS will never ask you to pay through wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or any method other than debit or credit card on their official website. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the DDS and asks for payment in an unusual way, hang up or do not click the link. You can verify whether a message is real by calling the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. Do not call a number provided in the suspicious message — look up the number yourself.
Be cautious of third-party renewal services that charge extra fees to renew your license for you. These services are not affiliated with the Georgia DDS and may not process your renewal correctly. The DDS does not endorse any private renewal service. You can renew directly through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at no extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Georgia license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you live outside Georgia and need to renew in person, you can visit any Georgia DDS office, though you may want to call ahead to confirm they can process out-of-state renewals. Some offices have limited services for non-residents.
What happens if I renew online but my payment is declined?
The online system will notify you when ready if your payment fails. You can try again with a different card, or you can renew by mail or in person instead. Your license will not be renewed until payment is received and processed.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you are renewing in person at a DDS office. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from file. If you want a new photo, you must visit a DDS office in person, which costs $32 for a renewal or $20 if you are 65 or older.
How long is my license valid after I renew it?
Your new license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal if you are under 65, or five years if you are 65 or older. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at a DDS office and bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.