Renewing Your Georgia DDS Drivers License

Applying for your Georgia drivers license can be a lengthy process. First you must pass your written test to determine your eligibility for a provisional permit, and then you must pass the driving test, to show you will be safe on the road unsupervised. The whole process from beginning to end can take months, depending on how much behind-the-wheel practice you need. Fortunately, once you have earned your license, renewing is a pretty straightforward and simple process. In fact, you can do it entirely online or by mail.

When to Renew Your Drivers License

Georgia drivers licenses are good for 8 years from the time they are issued. When your license reaches 150 days before its upcoming expiration, you can start the Georgia license renewal process so you won’t actually have to wait for it to expire. If you are not actively using your license and allow its expiration date to pass, you will have up to two years to renew it without starting the application process all over again. This time limit is implemented to make sure you haven’t forgotten how to drive from lack of practice. If it has been more than two years since your license expired you must visit the DDS and pass road signs, road rules, and road skills tests, and a vision exam.

Renewing Your Georgia Drivers License Online

Only certain licenses are eligible for being renewed online. They are called Secure ID licenses, and are marked by a gold star at the top right corner of the license. You also must be under 65, and not currently have your license suspended. Visit the Georgia DDS Website to create an account, where you will be asked to provide your social security number, birth date, drivers license number and issuance date.

Renewing Your Georgia Drivers License by Mail

Renewing by mail is reserved for people who are temporarily out of state for military leave, employment, or other legitimate reasons. You can mail in a Georgia Renewal Package to:

DDS Special Issuance
2206 East View Parkway
Conyers, Georgia 30013

You will be asked for all the information regarding your license and social security number, and will be charged a renewal fee. You can only renew for five years using the mail-in process.

Renewing Your Georgia Drivers License in Person

If you are the kind of person who prefers to get things done in person, you can go into the DDS at any time to renew your license. Just bring proof of identity (such as birth certificate or passport), proof of social security number (such as SSN card or W-2 form), and two documents showing Georgia residency (such as utility bills or bank statements). You will have your photo taken, and have to pay for a five- or eight-year renewal when you turn in your completed application. If everything is okay, you will be given a temporary license to drive home with and use until your new license arrives in the mail.