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Renewing Your License
Enter your Zip Code below to get a Free Quote. We suggest getting quotes from both companies to ensure you get the best rate. There is no obligation to purchase.Top 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.
Of course, you'll need to be covered by auto liability insurance, too. Visit our Insurance Center to search for carriers.
Valid License
Class A, B, C (standard), and M (motorcycle) licenses need to be renewed either every five or 10 years, depending on the situation.
If you're a commercial driver, see our Renewing Your CDL article to learn about your renewal process.
You may renew:
- Online
- By mail
- In person
If you need to check the status of your license at any time, you may always order a copy of your driving record.
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.
Top Check Your Renewal Notice
If you're eligible to renew by mail or online, you should receive a renewal application from the Department of Driver Services (DDS) about two months before your license expires. The form contains your resident identification number (RIN), which is needed for online renewals.
If you don't receive the application, you must renew in person.
Top Renew Online
While it's convenient to renew online, you may only do so if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen.
- Are at least 18 years old.
- 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.
If you meet all those requirements, complete the renewal process by visiting the secure site and following the instructions provided. You should receive your license in about a month.
Five-year renewals cost $20, while 10-year renewals are $35.
Top Renew by Mail
Just follow the instructions on the application form to renew by mail. Be sure to include your payment information. Five-year renewals cost $20, while 10-year renewals are $35.
You should get your license in the mail in about 30 days.
Out-of-State Renewals
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.
- Missionaries.
- U.S. government contractors.
Call (678) 413-8400 for details.
Top Renew in Person
Be sure to take your driver's license with you when you go to a customer service center to renew your license. If you're 64 years of age or older, you must pass a vision test, too.
Five-year renewals cost $20, while 10-year renewals are $35.
Top 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.
Related Questions from DMV Answers
Where can I get an application for a temporary license plate?
Probably because of the amount of paperwork that’s required (copies of title/registration documents, proof of identification, proof of residency, proof of vehicle identification number, fees, etc.), most states require owners to apply for temporary license plates (or temporary permits or temporary registrations, as some states call them) in person at the DMV or other state motor vehicle licensing agency. If this is the case for you, sweep through your state’s Web site and look to see if an temporary license plate application form is available online before heading out; it could save you some time.No matter what state you live in, when you purchase a new or used vehicle from a dealership your salesperson will start most of the registration-related paperwork for you and issue you a temporary license plate or equivalent; therefore, the grid doesn’t reflect the dealership option.Check your state in the grid below.
Read more >>How can I check the wait time at the DMV?
Do all you can to lessen the ordeal of waiting in line at the DMV. Check to see which DMV locations allow you to check the wait time and hours online. Many states now offer customer traffic monitoring systems which can be checked online prior to arriving at the DMV. These systems generally monitor appointment and nonappointment wait times. When first introduced, this technology was calculated to cut wait times by an average of 30 minutes. Unfortunately, not all branches in states that utilize this technology will be equipped with such monitoring. If you cannot check the wait time at your DMV location online, try to shorten your wait time by calling the branch to check on wait times or by making an appointment, if possible. Prevent a second trip to the DMV by taking the correct paperwork. Also keep in mind that many DMVs offer extensive online services such as registration renewal, drivers license renewal, and change of address.
Read more >>How much do personalized license plates cost?
Personalized license plates, otherwise known as vanity, courtesy, custom, or prestige license plates, have become very popular in the United States as automobile owners seek individuality. Every state offers personalized license plates for an additional fee. Getting vanity plates is fun. It makes a personal statement about the owner of the vehicle. Another benefit is that your personalized plates make your vehicle very easy to identify when parked in a crowded lot. Coming up with a unique license plate can be somewhat difficult. It’s time to give your creative side a workout. Make sure that your message isn’t offensive or something that will send the wrong message to other drivers. For safety reasons, you may want to avoid using your first name on your license plate. Try to think of a message that involves your hobbies, your position at work, a nickname or a fun fact about you. In most states, you can visit the Department of Motor Vehicles Web site and enter your choic...
Read more >>What does it cost for renewing expired license?
The first thing you need to do is visit your state's DMV Web site and look under the section for drivers license. You should then find the information you need under license renewal. Each state has different procedures on how to renew an expired license. Some may allow you to renew license online. Others may require visiting a DMV office in person. Your state may charge you a late fee in addition to the normal license renewal cost. Wisconsin, for example, charges a $5 late fee.The sooner you address this issue, the better. If you get caught driving on an expired license, you will be ticketed and have points added to your record. And some states have additional renewing expired license requirements. Virginia, for instance, requires any driver whose license has been expired for longer than one year to re-take all three licensing tests (vision screening, two-part knowledge exam and road test).
Read more >>How can I make an online appointment at the DMV?
Find a list of DMV locations near you online. If your DMV has the capability of making an online appointment, there will be a link to online appointments on the DMV homepage. Making an online appointment saves a lot of time waiting in line, so research your DMV and set up a time to come in, if possible. The appointment capabilities vary from state to state. California allows its customers to make online appointments for all office visits and road tests. Florida has an online appointment service for written, road tests, commercial tests, and drivers license renewals; you can even request an interpreter or sign language here. Not every state DMV offers online appointments for every service; road test appointments are the most common. New York allows you to schedule road tests online, but not other appointments. Other DMVs do not have online appointment services at all. Massachusetts has online services, but not online appointment makers; the state allows you to complete po...
Read more >>
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