Renewing a Georgia Driver's License

A Georgia Class C license is good for 8 years for drivers ages 18 to 59 — one of the longest cycles in the country. Drivers 60 and older renew every 5 years and take a vision test at every renewal. The DDS sends a renewal notice 150 days before expiration to the address on file.

How to renew

Online

The fastest channel. Sign in to DDS Online Services with your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The system mails the new card in 5-10 business days. Online is restricted to alternating cycles — every other renewal must be in person to retake the photo and update the residency check. Online renewal is also blocked for drivers needing a REAL ID upgrade or with any active DDS hold.

DDS kiosk

DDS operates self-service kiosks at participating Kroger and Publix grocery stores across Georgia. The kiosk takes your photo, prints a temporary license on the spot, and mails the permanent card in 5-10 business days. Same alternating-cycle rule as online: every other renewal must be at a CSC.

By mail

Available only to active-duty military members and their dependents, and Georgia residents currently outside the U.S. Submit Form DDS-29 with the renewal fee and an extension is granted while overseas.

In person

Drivers requiring a REAL ID upgrade, drivers in their alternating in-person cycle, drivers 60+, or drivers with name changes must visit a DDS Customer Service Center. Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of Georgia residency dated within the last 6 months.

Renewal fees

• Standard 8-year Class C, ages 18-59: $32.
• 5-year Class C, ages 60+: $20.
• Veterans renewal: $20 (8-year card with veteran designation).
• Late renewal fee (after expiration but within 2 years): $5 added.
• Renewal beyond 2 years past expiration: full re-application required, including knowledge and road tests.

Vision standards

Drivers 60 and older take a vision test at every renewal regardless of channel — kiosks include a vision module, online renewal asks the driver to certify a recent eye exam, and CSC visits include an in-person screening. Drivers under 60 don't routinely retest vision unless flagged by a previous record. Georgia requires at least 20/60 vision in the better eye with corrective lenses; below that, a "daylight only" or other restriction may be added.

What if you've moved?

You're required to update your address with DDS within 60 days of moving. The renewal channel that works depends on whether you're also doing an address change — see our address change page. Online renewal does allow an address update at the same time, unlike many other states.

Renewing after a suspension

A driver whose license was suspended in the prior cycle cannot renew through DDS Online Services. They must first complete reinstatement, which depending on the offense may include the Risk Reduction Course, an SR-22 filing, payment of the reinstatement fee ($210 for non-DUI, $210-$410 for DUI-related), and completion of any waiting period. See the suspended license page for the full process.

The REAL ID upgrade

Georgia issues REAL ID-compliant licenses by default. If your current Georgia license does not have a star in the upper right corner, you'll need to upgrade in person at a CSC with the full document set (identity, SSN, two residency documents). Without a REAL ID, your Georgia license will not be accepted at TSA checkpoints starting May 7, 2025, and you'll need a passport for domestic flights.

For comparison with other states, see the national license guide.