A Georgia drivers license renewal is required for noncommercial motorists every eight years. In general, this process allows the Department of Driver Services (DDS) to ensure that state motorists have up-to-date information on their driving credentials. Despite the fact that a GA DMV license renewal is typically confused with the driving license replacement procedure, it is important to note that they are very different services.

You can apply for a duplicate license at any time, but you are only required to do so if your credential is lost or significantly damaged. On the other hand, renewing a driver’s license can only be completed during its renewal period, and is a required procedure for all motorists to preserve their driving privileges. To learn more about how to renew a license in Georgia, read the sections below.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Georgia

As a general rule, you must be at least 16 years of age in order to renew a driver’s license in Georgia, as that is the minimum age for a state motorist to obtain a driving credential. Furthermore, only residents with valid licenses are able to request a renewal. Additional restrictions, tests and fees may apply in the event that you are renewing an expired credential.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Georgia

You are not allowed to get a drivers license renewal in Georgia if your credential is outside of its renewal period. Moreover, if your license has been misplaced or damaged, it must be replaced instead. Furthermore, you will not be able to renew your GA driving license if it has been suspended, revoked or canceled altogether.

How early can you renew your drivers license in Georgia?

You can renew your license in Georgia as early as 150 days before it is set to expire. More specifically, in order to maintain your driving privileges, you should renew your credential at least 30 days ahead of time, as this is how long it typically takes for the DDS to deliver a renewed license. If your address has changed since your last GA DMV license renewal procedure, you may have to wait an additional 21 days for the Department of Driver Services to process your request.

In Georgia, there is no grace period for an expired drivers license. Thus, your driving privileges will be on hold until you submit a driver’s license renewal request. With that said, you will be able to renew a license that has been expired for less than two years. On the other hand, if your credential has been expired for over two years, you will need to apply for a new license.

Georgia DMV License Renewal Options

Overall, motorists are able to renew a driver’s license in Georgia online or in person at a local DDS branch. However, if you have a documented reason for not being able to use one of these methods, the state Department of Driver Services will also offer renewals by mail.

How to Renew Your Drivers License Online

In order to renew a Georgia driver’s license online, the credential needs to be SECURE ID-compliant. If this is your case, you will be able to set up an account with the state DDS and request an online renewal. During this procedure, you will be asked to submit personal information such as your name, address and driving license number.

On the other hand, be mindful that you will not be able to renew your driving license online if you are 65 years of age or older. In any case, if you choose to renew online, you will need to pay the applicable DDS fees with a debit or credit card.

How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person

Many state motorists wonder where to renew a Georgia drivers license in person, as the online method is not available to all applicants. In general, it is important to note that certain DDS offices do not offer renewal procedures. Moreover, many locations are closed on Mondays, with some opening on Saturdays instead.

During your in-person visit to a Department of Driver Services office, you will be required to fill out the proper drivers license renewal form, where you must provide details about yourself and your driving credential. Then, you will be required to pay for the applicable DDS fees through one of the following acceptable payment methods:

• Credit or debit card
• Cash
• Money Order
• Check

How to Renew Your Driving License by Mail

If you are a military service member, medically debilitated or currently out of state, you may be wondering how to renew a GA driving license by mail. First, you will need to complete the “DDS Mail-in” form, which requires you to provide information such as your name, driver’s license number and address.

The form will also require you to submit identity information such as your eye color, hair color and height. Then, this Georgia drivers license renewal form will need to be notarized. Along with the application form, you will need to send documentation that verifies why you are unable to renew your license in person. This documentation can be:

• A letter from a commanding officer.
• A letter from school showing that you or your dependent is currently enrolled in an out-of-state institution.
• A letter from your boss proving that you or a family member is currently employed out of state.
• A letter from a doctor verifying that you are medically unable to visit a DDS branch in person.
• If you are 60 years of age or older, you will also need to submit a completed vision report.

Nonetheless, in order to renew your drivers license by mail, you will need to pay for the applicable fees by providing a money order, a check or your credit card number. Then, you must send this complete application package to the following mailing address:

DDS Special Issuance
2206 Eastview Parkway
Conyers, GA 30013

Military & Out of State Renewal in Georgia

A DDS license renewal in Georgia is different for military service members and their relatives. For instance, servicemen and women are allowed to mail in a renewal request, which is not an available method to most state motorists. In addition, military service members qualify for a six-month grace period, during which they can use an expired drivers license to drive on state roads.

You will only be able to renew your drivers license while out of state if you have a documented reason why you cannot visit Georgia before your credential expires. If you are going to be out the state when your license expires and you do not have a documented reason for it, make sure to request a DDS license renewal during the 150-day timeframe prior to the document’s expiration date.

Georgia REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

In general, there are additional GA DDS license requirements for motorists who wish to obtain a REAL ID-compliant credential. In Georgia, these credentials are referred to as SECURE ID licenses. In order to request a SECURE ID while renewing your driving license, you will need to submit the following:

• Two documents verifying your state residence, such as utility bills, bank correspondence and/or credit card statements.
• One document proving your identity, such as your current driver’s license or a certificate of birth.
• One document showing your Social Security Number (SSN), such as a W-2 form or a Social Security card.

Georgia Drivers License Renewal Fees

How much is it to renew a drivers license in Georgia? Consider the following costs when renewing your driving credential:

• The driving license renewal fee in Georgia is $32.
• The renewal fee is reduced to $27 if you opt for the online method.

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