Georgia Driver’s License Renewal Guide
Updated July 11, 2021
Ever heard of Joshua’s Law in Georgia? It was created in 2007 to provide more structured teen driver education courses. If you’re a potential teen driver, you need to complete 30 hours of online driving courses and 40 hours of parent/guardian training behind the wheel, before applying for your driver license. Since the law was added, teen driving fatalities have decreased by 60%. That averages out to about 181 lives a year!
Use eTags© to Quickly Complete Your DMV Service. Renewals, Title Transfers and More, All Online!
How to Renew a Driver’s License in Georgia
Georgia driver licenses are valid for up to eight years. Once your license is close to expiring, you’ll need to apply for a Georgia driver’s license renewal within 150 days prior to the date of expiration listed on your current driver’s license.
Only drivers who are currently in good standing with the Georgia Department of Driver Services are allowed to renew their drivers licenses.
The following can help walk you through how to renew a Georgia driver’s license.
Required License Renewal Documents
To successfully complete your Georgia driver’s license renewal, you’ll need have your current driver’s license along with an original or certified document verifying your identity (such as a birth certificate or US passport), your Social Security card and two documents verifying your current place of residence.
If you currently hold a Georgia driver’s license featuring the gold and white Secure ID star at the top right corner of your license, you won’t need to bring any additional documents to have your license successfully renewed.
GA Driver’s License Renewal Options
The Georgia DDS offers several ways you can renew your current driver’s license. You can perform the Georgia license renewal online through the DDS Online Services website, renew it by mail or visit one of several DDS Customer Service Center locations throughout the state. In most cases, you’ll receive your permanent drivers license by mail within 30 days of renewal.
Renewing Your License by Mail
The Georgia DDS allows residents who are temporarily out of state due to job obligations, military service or school attendance.
You can also mail in your Georgia license renewal if you’re physically unable to have it renewed in person.
You will need to download and fill out the Mail-In Renewal Application from the Georgia DDS website and submit it to the address listed within the application.
Mail-in applications are usually processed within 10 days of receipt, although Georgia DDS recommends that you submit your completed application at least 30 days before your license expires.
Renewing Your License In Person
You can also complete your Georgia license renewal by visiting your nearest DDS Customer Service Center.
For faster service, you can also fill out the driver’s license form online through the DDS Online Services website.
Renewing an Expired Driver’s License
If your current Georgia driver’s license expires before you’re able to renew it, you’ll have two years after the expiration date shown on your license to have it renewed without penalty. Despite this grace period, you won’t be over to legally drive any vehicle within the state until your Georgia license is successfully renewed.
After two years you must retake all required driving and vision exams before your license can be renewed.
Drivers over the age of 64 must take a mandatory vision exam as a part of their Georgia license renewal.
If your license expires while your driving privileges are suspended or revoked, you must first take steps to have your driving privileges reinstated before applying for a Georgia drivers license renewal.
You won’t be able to have your driver’s license renewed until your driving privileges have been restored. The Georgia DDS will have more information on the steps needed to reinstate your driving privileges.
Drivers License Renewal Fees
The Georgia Department of Driver Services charges a fee of $32 for a regular Georgia driver’s license renewal, with a $5 discount if you choose to renew your driver’s license online through the DDS Online Services website.
DDS Customer Service Centers accept all forms of payment, including checks and money orders. Online payments can be made using a major debit or credit card.