How to Replace Your Georgia Driver's License

How to replace your Georgia driver's license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Georgia driver's license through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). The fastest way is to visit a DDS office in person with your required documents — you'll walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot visit an office, you can request a replacement by mail, though this takes longer.

The process differs slightly depending on whether your license is lost, stolen, or straightforward worn out. A stolen license requires you to report it to DDS, which flags it in their system. A lost or damaged license just needs replacement documents and a fee.

Key Takeaways

Visit any Georgia DDS office with your Social Security card, proof of residency, and a valid ID to get a replacement the same day.
A stolen license must be reported to DDS before you can get a replacement, which prevents someone else from using your number.
The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license and $57 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the office or by mail.
You can mail in a replacement request if you cannot visit an office, but the process takes 2 to 3 weeks instead of one day.
Your temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.

What documents you need to bring

Georgia requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You do not need all documents in every category — one from each is enough.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you have none of these, a certified birth certificate works. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and Georgia address on it.

If your license was stolen, bring the police report number or case number if you filed one. DDS can look it up by your name and date of birth if you did not get a report number.

In-person replacement at a DDS office

Walk into any Georgia DDS office during business hours with your documents and fee. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online reservation system — check the DDS website for your local office before you go.

The staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect the $32 fee (or $57 if you want a REAL ID license). They will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent card will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before the card arrives, you can update your address at the DDS office or online, and they will remail it.

Bring the temporary license with you while you drive — it is valid proof of licensure. If you are stopped by police, show both the temporary and any other ID you have.

Mail-in replacement if you cannot visit an office

You can request a replacement by mail if you live far from a DDS office or cannot visit in person. read the process for Replacement Driver's License form from the Georgia DDS website, fill it out, and mail it with copies of your documents and a check or money order for $32 (or $57 for REAL ID).

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — it is the DDS headquarters in Atlanta. The process takes 2 to 3 weeks from the day they receive your packet. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you will be without a valid license during this time. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you should visit an office in person instead.

Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your packet gets lost, DDS will not know you sent it, and you will have to start over.

Reporting a stolen license

If your license was stolen, call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 or visit an office to report it. DDS will flag your license number in their system so that if someone tries to use it, the system alerts them that the license is invalid. This does not prevent someone from physically showing your card to a business, but it stops them from using it in the DDS database.

You do not have to file a police report to get a replacement, but if you did file one, bring the report number or case number with you. DDS can cross-reference it and may prioritize your replacement. If you did not file a report and are concerned about identity theft, contact the police non-emergency line in your city and ask how to file a report for a lost or stolen ID.

REAL ID versus standard license replacement

When you replace your license, you can choose a standard Georgia driver's license or a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard license costs $32 and works for driving and most everyday ID needs. A REAL ID license costs $57 and meets federal security standards required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings.

If you fly domestically or visit a federal courthouse, military base, or nuclear facility, you will need either a REAL ID license or a passport. If you rarely fly and do not visit federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient. You can upgrade to REAL ID later when you renew, so there is no rush to pay the extra $25 now.

Both types are replaced using the same process — you just tell the DDS staff which one you want when you visit or check the box on the mail-in form.

What happens if your replacement does not arrive

If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days of your visit, contact DDS at 678-413-8400 with your driver's license number or date of birth. They can check whether the card was mailed and to which address. If it was mailed to an old address, they can remail it to your current address.

If the card was lost in the mail, DDS will issue a replacement at no additional charge. If you need a license urgently and cannot wait for the remail, visit an office again and explain the situation — they may be able to issue another temporary license or expedite a new card, though this varies by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with my temporary license while I wait for the permanent one?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and counts as proof of licensure. Police will accept it as a valid license during traffic stops. Keep it with you while you drive.

What if I lost my license and do not have a police report?

You do not need a police report to get a replacement. straightforward visit a DDS office or mail in your request with your documents and fee. A report is optional and only speeds things up if you file one.

Do I have to get a REAL ID when I replace my license?

No. You can choose a standard license for $32 or upgrade to REAL ID for $57. Standard licenses work for driving and most ID purposes. You only need REAL ID if you fly domestically or enter federal buildings.

How long does a replacement take if I mail it in?

Mail-in replacements take 2 to 3 weeks from the day DDS receives your packet. You will not get a temporary license, so you cannot legally drive during this time. In-person replacement is faster — you get a temporary license the same day.

What if my address changed after I requested a replacement?

Contact DDS at 678-413-8400 with your driver's license number before your card arrives. They can update your address and remail the card to your new location at no charge.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.