What to do if your Georgia driver's license is lost
If your Georgia driver's license is lost, you need to report it to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and request a replacement. You can do this in person at a DDS office, by mail, or online through the Georgia DDS website. The fastest route is usually online or in person, which takes about 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail. You will need to pay a replacement fee (currently $32 for a standard license) and show proof of your identity and Georgia residency.
Reporting the loss is important even if you plan to replace it, because it prevents someone else from using your license number fraudulently. Once you report it lost, the old license becomes invalid when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Report your lost license to Georgia DDS online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office to prevent fraud and get a replacement.
- You will need to show proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of Georgia residency (such as a utility bill or lease).
- A replacement license costs $32 and typically arrives within 10 business days if you explore online or in person.
- If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a DDS office.
- Reporting the loss does not affect your driving record or insurance rates unless the license was suspended or revoked.
How to report the loss and request a replacement online
The Georgia DDS website allows you to report a lost license and order a replacement without visiting an office. Go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License," and follow the prompts. You will need to enter your driver's license number (if you remember it), date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need to upload or photograph proof of identity and proof of residency.
After you submit your request online, you will receive a confirmation number. The replacement license will be mailed to the address on file. If your address has changed, update it before you submit the request, or call DDS to change it afterward. Online replacement is available 24/7 and does not require an appointment.
Replacing your license in person at a DDS office
You can also replace a lost license by visiting a Georgia DDS office in person. Bring your proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or state ID) and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DDS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.
When you arrive, tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost license. They will take your photo, verify your information, and process the replacement on the spot. You will pay the $32 fee and receive a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 10 business days. If you need to drive when ready, ask for a temporary paper license before you leave the office.
Replacing your license by mail
You can mail a replacement request to the Georgia DDS if you prefer not to go online or visit an office. read the "process for Replacement Driver's License" form from the Georgia DDS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency. Include a check or money order for $32 payable to "Georgia DDS."
Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes longer than online or in-person — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the date DDS receives your packet, plus mailing time in both directions. This method is slower but works if you cannot visit an office or use the online system.
Getting a temporary license while you wait
If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, you can get a temporary paper license at any DDS office. The temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent replacement is being printed and mailed. You do not need to make a separate request — just ask the DDS staff member for a temporary license when you report the loss in person.
The temporary license is printed on the spot and given to you when ready. It is not a plastic card like your regular license, but it is a valid form of identification for driving. If your replacement arrives before the 45 days are up, the temporary license becomes invalid and you should destroy it.
What documents you need to bring
Georgia DDS requires two types of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. Acceptable proof of identity includes a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the residency document.
If you do not have these documents, DDS has a list of alternative documents that may be accepted. Call your local DDS office or check the website before you visit to confirm what you can bring. If you are explore online, you will upload images of these documents, so make sure they are clear and readable.
How a lost license affects your insurance and driving record
Losing your driver's license does not affect your driving record or your auto insurance rates. Your driving record is maintained by Georgia DDS separately from your physical license, and it includes your traffic violations, accidents, and suspensions — not whether your license card is lost. Your insurance company has your driver's license number on file, but they do not check whether the card itself is lost.
However, if your license was suspended or revoked before it was lost, that status remains in effect. You cannot legally drive until the suspension or revocation is lifted, even with a replacement license. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, check your status on the Georgia DDS website or call DDS before you explore for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary paper license?
Yes. A temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally in Georgia and most other states. Keep it with you while driving, just as you would a regular license. If a police officer stops you, the temporary license is acceptable proof that you are licensed to drive.
What if I lost my license and it was suspended?
You cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted, even with a replacement license. Contact Georgia DDS to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to restore it. This may involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A replacement Georgia driver's license costs $32. This fee is the same whether you explore online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by process method — online applications accept credit or debit cards, while mail applications require a check or money order.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. When your replacement license arrives in the mail, it will be addressed to you. You must sign for it or pick it up yourself. Georgia DDS does not release licenses to other people, even family members or spouses.
What if I find my old license after I report it lost?
Once you report your license lost, it is deactivated and cannot be used for driving or identification, even if you find it. Destroy the old license and use your replacement when it arrives. Do not attempt to use the old license, as it is no longer valid.