Renewing Your License in Georgia

Determine the Status of Your License

In order to drive on Georgia's roads, you must have a valid driver's license. So, it's important to know when your license expires. You may renew your license up to 150 days before its expiration date.

Check Your Renewal Notice

As of July 2012, the Department of Driver Services (DDS) will begin issuing Secure ID Driver's Licenses in compliance with the Real ID Act. If you're renewing for the first time you must must visit your local DDS office with the following identification:

• Proof of identity

• Proof of Social Security number

• Two proofs of residency

• Change of name documents, if applicable

You will also need payment to cover the driver license renewal fee.

NOTE: Drivers 64 or older must pass a vision exam.

Renew Online

While it's convenient to renew online, you may only do so if you:

• Own a Secure ID compliant driver's license (it must have a gold star printed in the upper right corner).

• Are a U.S. citizen.

• Are a Georgia resident.

• Are 64 years old or younger.

• Have your RIN from your renewal form.

• Have been issued a Social Security number.

• Have your current license with you.

• Have a valid major credit card (Visa, Discover, MasterCard, American Express).

If you meet all those requirements, complete the renewal process by visiting the secure site and following the instructions provided. You should receive your new license within seven to 10 days, or two to three weeks if you also filed an address change.

Renew In Person

Visit your local DDS office with:

• Proof of identity

• Social Security number

• Two proofs of residency

• Change of name documents, if applicable

• Proper payment to cover renewal fee.

By Mail for Out-of-State Residents

Some drivers who are temporarily living outside of the state may be eligible to renew by mail, including:

• Active military personnel (also includes spouses and dependent children)

• Full-time college students

You must make a request in writing and submit the following information:

• Statement of citizenship with full signature of licensee (I am/am not a US citizen...)

• Georgia driver's license number

• Date of birth

• Social Security number

• Current out-of-state mailing address (this can be a P.O. box)

• Your Georgia resident address, which can be a P.O. box but a physical address is still required for DDS records

• If you're a student, submit a letter from the Registrar’s Office on school letterhead stating that you're currently enrolled as a full-time student

• If you're in the military, submit a confirmation letter on military letterhead; it must be signed by your Commanding Officer and confirm that you're currently in active duty, living outside of Georgia

• Check or money order to cover license renewal fee

Send documents and payment to:

• Department of Driver Services

• Driver Services Special Issuance

• P. O. Box 80447

• Conyers, GA 30013-8447

Expired License

While you're not permitted to drive on an expired license, you may renew your license up to two years after it expires without having to repeat the licensing process. To renew a recently expired license, follow the same procedures as those with current licenses.

You may purchase a copy of your driving record to check your license status if you are not sure.

Suspended License

License suspensions can be difficult and confusing. You may always buy a copy of your driving record to verify your license status. Keep in mind that your insurance premiums will likely rise, too. So, it's a smart idea to look for the most affordable rates by browsing through our Insurance Center.

Learn how to have your license reinstated and find out the costs involved by reading our Suspended License page.

Lost License

Those who need to obtain a replacement license should consult our Replacing a Lost License page for instructions on how to accomplish this necessary task.

Update Your Driving Skills

Keeping your driving skills honed and your understanding of newly passed driving laws up-to-date are part of your responsibility as a licensed driver. By taking a traffic school course you could become a safer driver, and could possibly lower your insurance premiums in the process.

Call your insurance provider to see if you qualify, or search for a carrier through our Insurance Center that offers the discount.

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