What you need to do to restore a suspended Georgia license
A suspended license in Georgia means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege, but you can get it back by meeting specific requirements. The steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another reason. Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) will not restore your license until you've addressed the underlying cause and paid any reinstatement fees.
The process typically involves finding out the exact reason for suspension, resolving that issue (paying fines, completing a course, serving a waiting period), and then submitting a reinstatement request with the required fee to DDS. You cannot legally drive until your license is restored, even if you believe the suspension was unfair — you'll need to challenge it through the court system separately if you want to dispute it.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services or check your online DDS account to learn the specific reason your license was suspended.
- Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue — paying court fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period — before you can request reinstatement.
- You must pay a reinstatement fee (typically $210 for a standard suspension) along with your reinstatement request to DDS.
- After DDS approves your reinstatement, you may need to visit a DDS office in person to get a new license card, depending on the type of suspension.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. Georgia suspends licenses for many reasons, and each has different requirements to restore it. The fastest way to find out is to check your DDS account online at dds.georgia.gov — you'll need your driver's license number and date of birth to log in. Your account will show the suspension reason and any actions you need to take.
If you don't have online access or prefer to speak with someone, call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. Have your license number and Social Security number ready. They can tell you the suspension reason, what you owe, and exactly what steps you need to complete. Some suspensions are straightforward (unpaid fines); others require court action or completion of a program before reinstatement is even possible.
Common suspension reasons and how to resolve each one
Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: If you were suspended for failing to pay a fine or court fee, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine — the court clerk can tell you the exact balance. Once you've paid, ask the court to notify DDS of the payment. Some courts do this automatically; others require you to request it. Keep your payment receipt as proof.
Failure to appear in court: If you missed a court date, you may need to appear before a judge to resolve the case before DDS will restore your license. Contact the court listed on your ticket or suspension notice to reschedule. Once the case is resolved (guilty plea, acquittal, or dismissal), the court will notify DDS, but confirm this happened before submitting your reinstatement request.
DUI or drug-related conviction: A DUI suspension typically includes a mandatory waiting period (often 120 days for a first offense, longer for repeat offenses) and may require completion of a DUI risk reduction program. You cannot request reinstatement until the waiting period has passed and the program is finished. Some programs must be completed before the waiting period ends; others can be done during it. Check your suspension notice or call DDS to confirm the exact timeline.
Points accumulation: If you accumulated too many points on your driving record, Georgia automatically suspends your license. The suspension lasts a set period (typically 30 days for a first suspension, longer for repeat suspensions). You cannot shorten this waiting period, but you can request reinstatement once it ends. Some people take a defensive driving course during the waiting period to reduce points and avoid future suspensions.
Child support non-payment: Georgia suspends licenses for people who fall behind on child support. You must contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or the court handling your child support case to bring your account current or arrange a payment plan. Once the issue is resolved, the court notifies DDS, but confirm the notification was sent before submitting your reinstatement request.
Submit your reinstatement request to DDS
Once you've resolved the underlying issue, you're ready to request reinstatement. You can do this online through your DDS account, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. The online method is fastest — log into your account at dds.georgia.gov, navigate to your suspension, and follow the prompts to request reinstatement. You'll pay the reinstatement fee (usually $210) by credit or debit card.
If you prefer to mail your request, send a letter to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, proof that you've resolved the issue (court receipt, program completion certificate, etc.), and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee payable to "Georgia DDS." Keep copies of everything you send.
Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days after DDS receives your request. You can check the status of your reinstatement request online or by calling customer service. Once approved, you'll receive a notice in the mail. Some suspensions require you to visit a DDS office to receive a new physical license card; others allow you to drive on the approval notice while your card is mailed to you.
What to do if your reinstatement request is denied
DDS may deny your reinstatement request if you haven't fully resolved the underlying issue, if you haven't waited long enough (for mandatory waiting periods), or if there's a problem with your documentation. If this happens, you'll receive a letter explaining the reason. Read it carefully — it will tell you exactly what's still needed.
Contact DDS customer service to clarify what's missing. Sometimes it's a straightforward fix, like needing an updated court receipt or program completion letter. Other times, you may need to take additional action — for example, if a court didn't notify DDS of your payment, you may need to submit proof yourself. Once you've addressed the issue, you can resubmit your reinstatement request.
Visiting a DDS office for your new license card
After your reinstatement is approved, you may need to visit a DDS office to receive your new physical license card. This is required for some suspension types but not others — your approval notice will tell you whether a visit is necessary. If you do need to go in person, bring your approval notice, a valid form of ID, and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
You can find your nearest DDS office and check hours at dds.georgia.gov. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments — check ahead. The visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll pay a $32 fee for the new license card (in addition to the reinstatement fee you already paid). Once you leave with your new card, you're legally able to drive again.
Preventing future suspensions
Once your license is restored, take steps to avoid another suspension. Pay traffic fines and court costs on time, appear for all court dates, and keep your driving record clean by following traffic laws. If you're close to accumulating too many points, consider taking a defensive driving course — Georgia allows you to reduce up to 7 points every 5 years by completing an approved course.
If you receive a ticket or court notice, deal with it when ready rather than ignoring it. A small fine paid quickly is far less disruptive than a suspended license. If you're struggling with child support or other obligations that led to suspension, contact the relevant agency to discuss payment plans or other options before your license is affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until DDS approves your reinstatement and your license is restored. Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Georgia and can result in arrest, additional fines, and jail time. Wait for your approval notice before getting behind the wheel.
How much does it cost to reinstate a suspended license in Georgia?
The reinstatement fee is typically $210, though some suspension types may have different fees. You may also owe the original traffic fine, court costs, or program fees depending on why your license was suspended. Check your DDS account or call customer service for the exact total amount you owe.
What if I can't afford to pay the reinstatement fee and fines right now?
Contact the court that issued your fine to ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay in installments. Once you've arranged a plan and made at least one payment, some courts will notify DDS to lift the suspension temporarily while you pay the rest. Call the court clerk to ask what options are available.
Do I need a new license photo when I reinstate my suspended license?
Usually yes — most reinstatements require a new license card with an updated photo. However, some suspensions may allow you to keep your existing card. Your approval notice will specify whether you need to visit a DDS office for a new photo and card. If you do, the $32 card fee is separate from the $210 reinstatement fee.
How long does it take to get my license back after I submit my reinstatement request?
DDS typically processes reinstatement requests within 5 to 10 business days. If you submitted everything correctly and resolved the underlying issue, you should receive an approval notice by mail within two weeks. If you need a new physical card, allow an additional week or two for it to arrive by mail, or pick it up in person at a DDS office.