Renewals FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about renewing your license in Georgia.

1. When can I renew my Georgia driver's license/ID card?

You can renew your driver's license or ID card up to 150 days before the expiration date and no later than 2 years after the expiration date.

Yes, you may be able to renew your license using Online Services or by using the DDS 2 GO Mobile App. View Renew License or ID for more information and to see if you qualify.

1 document showing your identity such as a birth certificate, passport, U.S. Citizenship, or proof of lawful status in the United States
Your full Social Security Number must be provided on the required License/ID/Permit Form.
2 documents with your residential address listed

For a complete list of required documents for US Citizens as well as Non-US Citizens, please view the Real ID Documents.

If your driver's license is suspended in Georgia or any other state your driver's license will not be renewed. Your privilege to have a driver's license must be restored first. You can apply for an ID card during a driver's license suspension.

A new photo is mandatory if you are unable to renew your Georgia driver's license online. When visiting a Customer Service Center a new photo is required to renew your license.

Yes, your P.O. Box can be used as your mailing address. Please note a verifiable Residential Address must be provided for our records.
The P.O. Box can be printed on a regular license/id and mailed to the P.O. Box . It's important that you request your P.O. Box be printed on your regular license/id. The Residential address is the default address.
A P.O. Box cannot be printed on a CDL but your card can be mailed to the P.O. Box you provide. The Residential Address will print on your CDL document.
For a complete list of documents proving your residential address, please view the Real ID Documents.

Customers will have their permanent Georgia driver's license/ID card mailed to them before the interim's expiration date. You must meet all eligibility and verification requirements. The new driver's license/ID card will be received within 45 days of receiving the interim document.

When you receive the permanent Georgia driver's license or ID card, the interim (temporary) driver's license/ID card is no longer valid. We recommend the interim document be destroyed. If you choose to keep it as documentation in case your permanent card is lost or stolen, please keep in a secure place to safeguard your personal information.

No, the spouse/dependent must physically reside with the person while on active duty in order to utilize the military renewal process

No, mailed renewals will not allow any changes to personal information on the Georgia driver's license (name, address, etc.). This update can only be made at a Customer Service Center.

No, the license is required to appear in person to renew their Georgia driver's license. If your license is a Secure ID (star in the top right corner) License, you may be able to renew using Online Services.

No, you must update on your 21st birthday or after, in order to have the "under 21" removed. At that time, you may be able to upgrade using Online Services.

DDS does not offer any refunds for any unused portion of a license term.

Customers should return to a Customer Service Center with appropriate documentation and request another interim card. See the Fees and Terms page for more information on License/ID/Permit card fees and terms. View Real ID Documents for a list of acceptable documents to bring.

Please contact us immediately so we can replace the card at no charge to you

You should receive your permanent DL/ID card within 45 days of receiving your temporary. However, please contact us if you have not received it after 45 days at 678-413-8400.

Full-time student attending school out-of-state outside of Georgia
A U.S. citizen working overseas or military personnel on active duty
Senior Drivers over the age of 64
Spouses and dependents of military personnel holding a GA licenses or ID. You must be living with the military personnel who is on duty in a foreign domain or in a state other than Georgia.

View Mail-In Renewals for the required packet and instructions.

To check on the delivery status of a permanent Georgia driver's license/ID card, call the Department of Driver Services (DDS) Contact Center at 678-413-8400.

Call the Department of Driver Services (DDS) customer contact center at 678-413-8400 to speak with a representative who can assist you. You can also visit any Customer Service Center to check the status of your permanent license.

The residential address is required for our records and is the default address printed on the license/ID. You can however request that your mailing address be printed on your license/id even if the address is a P.O. Box. The P.O Box however cannot be printed on a CDL License. Only the Residential address will be printed on a CDL. But a CDL license can be mailed to a P.O. Box.