To renew your driver’s license in Cobb County, use the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You can start up to 150 days before your license expires. Renewing online or through the DDS 2 GO app costs $27; renewing in person or at a self-service kiosk costs $32 for an eight-year license.1Georgia.gov. Renew a Georgia Driver’s License Which method you can use depends mostly on whether your current license is already REAL ID-compliant.
Pick Your Renewal Method
Georgia offers four channels. Not all are open to every driver.
Online or DDS 2 GO App
If your current license has a gold or black star in the upper-right corner, it is REAL ID-compliant and you can renew online through DDS Online Services or the DDS 2 GO mobile app.2Georgia Department of Driver Services. How Do I Renew License or ID This is the cheapest option at $27. Drivers who have never visited a DDS center for their current license are not eligible for online renewal.
Self-Service Kiosks
DDS self-service kiosks are placed inside select Kroger and Publix stores. Cobb County locations include the Brownsville Commons Kroger in Powder Springs, and the DDS website has a full map.3Department of Driver Services. Find a Store Kiosk Kiosks handle a renewal without an appointment and without waiting at a DDS office.
In Person in Marietta
Cobb County’s DDS Customer Service Center is at 1605 County Services Parkway in Marietta.4Georgia Department of Driver Services. Marietta Appointments aren’t required for a renewal; you can walk in during business hours.5Georgia Department of Driver Services. Appointments You can also use any DDS center in the state. An in-person visit is required if you are renewing for the first time, upgrading to a REAL ID, or 64 or older and need a vision screening.
By Mail
Mail-in renewal is limited to military members stationed out of state and their dependents, students attending school out of state, people temporarily working out of state, and anyone physically unable to visit a center.1Georgia.gov. Renew a Georgia Driver’s License If that’s you, submit your package at least 60 days before the expiration date. Processing typically takes about 30 days after DDS receives a complete application.2Georgia Department of Driver Services. How Do I Renew License or ID
Documents for a REAL ID Upgrade
Federal REAL ID enforcement took effect on May 7, 2025, and a REAL ID-compliant Georgia license (identified by the gold or black star) is now required to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings.6Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID7Georgia Department of Driver Services. Gold or Black Star Indicates Compliance There is no extra fee for the REAL ID version. If your current license doesn’t have the star, your renewal visit is the natural time to upgrade. Skipping it won’t affect your ability to drive, but it will leave you without a federally accepted ID for air travel.
To upgrade, bring documents in three categories to the Customer Service Center:8Georgia Department of Driver Services. Georgia REAL ID Information
- One identity document: an original or certified birth certificate (with raised seal, from the state’s Bureau of Vital Statistics), a valid U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Permanent Resident Card (I-551).
- Social Security number: usually verified electronically. If the system can’t confirm yours, bring your Social Security card or a W-2 or 1099 showing your full number.
- Two Georgia residency documents from different sources or accounts, dated within the last six months and showing your name and street address: a utility bill, bank statement, mortgage document, or similar item.
Before your visit, complete the DS-23 License/ID/Permit application online through DDS Online Services or the DDS 2 GO app.9Georgia Department of Driver Services. DDS Forms Every entry should match your physical documents exactly. If you already hold a REAL ID-compliant license, you won’t need to re-present these documents to renew online or at a kiosk.1Georgia.gov. Renew a Georgia Driver’s License
Timing and What Happens if You Wait
You can start the renewal up to 150 days before the expiration date printed on your license.1Georgia.gov. Renew a Georgia Driver’s License A Georgia license expires on your birthday in the eighth year after it was issued, and you must renew on or before that date.10Justia Law. Georgia Code 40-5-32 – Expiration and Renewal of Licenses Your record also has to be in good standing, with no active suspensions or revocations, before DDS will process the renewal.
Driving on an expired license can bring a traffic citation. If the license has been expired for more than two years, Georgia essentially treats it as a new application, and you’ll have to retake and pass the knowledge exam, the vision screening, and the road skills test before DDS issues a new one.11Georgia Secretary of State. Subject 375-3-1 General Provisions
Vision Screening if You’re 64 or Older
Georgia requires drivers 64 and older to pass a vision screening at every renewal.12Georgia Department of Driver Services. Drivers 64 and Over The minimum standard for a non-commercial license is 20/60 in at least one eye (with or without corrective lenses) and a field of vision of at least 140 degrees. The screening is available at any Customer Service Center, which is why in-person renewal is required at this age.
If you don’t pass at the center, DDS will ask a licensed eye care practitioner to complete a Vision Report Form (DDS-MR-274) and submit it to the department.13Georgia Department of Driver Services. Medical and Vision Information A restriction such as “corrective lenses required” may be added to your license.
Payment and What Arrives Next
The standard renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license, discounted to $27 for online or DDS 2 GO renewals.14Georgia Department of Driver Services. Fees and Terms Online payments accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. In-person payments at a Customer Service Center also accept cash, checks, and money orders. All payments are non-refundable once processed.
Once your renewal is approved, DDS issues an interim paper license you can use right away. You can download and print it from your DDS Online Services account.12Georgia Department of Driver Services. Drivers 64 and Over The permanent plastic card is manufactured separately and mailed to the address on file; allow up to 45 days for delivery.2Georgia Department of Driver Services. How Do I Renew License or ID If 45 days pass without a card, contact DDS to check the status or request a replacement.