Get a replacement license at your local Georgia DDS office with your ID and a completed form

If you've lost your Georgia driver's license, you can get a replacement at any Driver Services office run by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You'll need to bring proof of identity, fill out a form, pay a fee, and take a new photo. The whole process usually takes less than an hour, and you'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day while your plastic card arrives by mail in about two weeks.

You don't need to retake the written or road test — a replacement is not a retest. The state straightforward issues you a new card with the same license number and the same restrictions or endorsements you already had.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a valid ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of your current address to any DDS office.
  • Fill out form DL 44 (process for a Driver's License or Learner's Permit) and pay the replacement fee, which varies depending on how long your current license is valid.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic replacement card by mail within two weeks.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until you resolve the suspension or revocation status.

What documents you need to bring

Georgia requires one form of primary identification that shows your name and date of birth. A U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or state ID card all work. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

You also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will do. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you've recently moved and don't have a document yet, bring your lease or a signed statement from your landlord.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized — you'll need it to complete the process. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring your immigration documents instead.

The replacement fee and what it depends on

The fee for a replacement license depends on how much time is left on your current license. If your license expires within the next year, the replacement fee is lower than if it expires further out. Georgia charges between $20 and $32 for most replacements, but the exact amount depends on your expiration date.

You can pay by cash, check, or card at the DDS office. Some offices accept all three; a few accept only cash or check, so call ahead if you want to be sure.

How to find your nearest DDS office and make an appointment

Visit the Georgia DDS website and use their office locator tool to find the Driver Services office closest to you. The site lists hours, address, and phone number for each location. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days.

You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week. If you want to avoid a long wait, call the office ahead of time — staff can tell you how busy they are and may be able to schedule you for a specific time. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling through the DDS website.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your Georgia license was suspended or revoked before you lost it, you cannot get a replacement until you clear the suspension or revocation. The DDS office will check your record when you explore, and if a hold is on your account, they'll tell you what you need to do to remove it.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. Each reason has a different process to clear it. The DDS office can direct you to the right agency, but you'll need to resolve the issue before you can pick up your replacement license.

Getting a replacement if you're out of state

If you've moved out of Georgia or are living temporarily out of state, you have two options. You can return to Georgia in person to visit a DDS office and get your replacement the same day, or you can contact the DDS by mail or phone to ask about mailing in your process.

Georgia does not currently offer online replacement requests for lost licenses, and mail-in replacements are not standard. Your best option is to visit an office in person when you're next in Georgia, or contact the DDS directly at 678-413-8400 to ask what options are available for your situation.

What to do if you find your lost license later

If you find your original license after you've gotten a replacement, you don't need to do anything. The old license is no longer valid, and you should destroy it to prevent someone else from using it. You can cut it up or shred it.

If someone else finds your lost license and tries to use it, that's identity theft or fraud, not your problem — but report it to the DDS anyway so they can flag your record. Call 678-413-8400 or visit a local office to report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license on the same day?

Yes. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready after you complete your process and pay the fee. This temporary license is valid for driving right away. Your plastic replacement card arrives by mail in about two weeks, but you can drive legally with the paper version until it arrives.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID as your primary identification instead. If you don't have any of these, contact the DDS office before you visit — they can tell you what other documents might work in your situation.

Do I have to take a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes. The DDS office takes a new photo when you explore for your replacement. You cannot use your old photo. Wear something you're comfortable with — the photo will be on your license for several years.

How long does it take to get the plastic card in the mail?

Georgia typically mails replacement licenses within two weeks of your visit to the DDS office. Mail delivery times vary, so it may take a few extra days to reach you. If you haven't received it after three weeks, contact the DDS office where you applied.

What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?

Bring your passport or birth certificate and proof of address, just as you would for any replacement. If your wallet was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police and contact your bank and credit card companies to watch for fraud, but that's separate from getting your license replaced.