What you need to do to replace your Georgia driver's license

If your Georgia driver's license is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out, you can get a replacement through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You do not have to retake the written or road test — you are straightforward getting a new card with the same license number and information. The process takes about 10 business days by mail, or you can walk out the same day if you visit a DDS office in person.

The fastest route is to go to a DDS office with your proof of identity and pay the replacement fee. If you cannot get to an office, you can mail in your request, but you will wait longer and cannot drive until your new license arrives. Either way, you will need to know why you need the replacement — lost, stolen, or damaged — because the form asks for it.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia DDS charges a replacement fee (the amount varies depending on how many years remain on your current license) and does not refund it if you find your original license later.
  • You must show proof of identity at a DDS office or include a copy with your mailed request; a passport, birth certificate, or military ID all work.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to DDS at the same time you request the replacement, and you do not need a police report.
  • A replacement license has the same number and expiration date as your original, so your driving record and license class do not change.
  • You can renew and replace at the same time if your license is expiring soon, but this costs more and requires a new photo.

Visiting a DDS office for a same-day replacement

Walking into a DDS office is the fastest way to get a replacement license. Bring your proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or state ID), your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, and proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease. You will also need to pay the replacement fee at the counter.

DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, though hours vary by location. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Georgia DDS website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the morning or mid-week often means a shorter wait. You will get your new license the same day, usually within an hour or two.

If you do not have all your documents with you, do not go to the office yet. Missing even one required document means you will have to come back, and DDS will not issue a temporary license while you wait for a replacement.

Mailing in your replacement request

If you cannot reach a DDS office, you can mail your replacement request to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. You will need to fill out the replacement form (available on the DDS website), include a copy of your proof of identity, and send it with a check or money order for the replacement fee. Do not send cash.

Mail your request to the address listed on the form — it is the DDS headquarters in Atlanta. Processing takes about 10 business days after DDS receives your envelope, so add time for mail delivery both ways. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file with DDS, which is usually your home address from your current license.

While you are waiting for your replacement license to arrive, you cannot legally drive. If you need to drive before it arrives, you will have to visit a DDS office in person instead.

Replacement fees and what they depend on

Georgia DDS charges a replacement fee based on how many years are left on your current license. A license with more years remaining costs more to replace than one expiring soon. The fee is non-refundable, even if you find your original license after you have already paid for the replacement.

If your license is expiring within the next year or two, you may want to renew it at the same time you replace it. This costs more upfront because you are paying for both a replacement and a renewal, and you will need a new photo. However, you will not have to go back to DDS again in a few months. Ask the DDS staff which option makes sense for your situation when you visit or call.

Reporting a stolen license to DDS

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you can report it to DDS when you request your replacement. You do not need a police report — DDS will note the theft in their system so that if someone tries to use your old license, it will be flagged as invalid. Tell the DDS staff or write "stolen" on your replacement form so they know to flag it.

Reporting a stolen license does not change the replacement process or the fee. It straightforward protects you by making sure your old license number cannot be used by someone else. If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the license itself, you may want to contact the three major credit bureaus separately, but that is outside DDS's role.

What stays the same on your replacement license

Your replacement license will have the same license number, the same expiration date, and the same license class (Class D, Class C, etc.) as your original. Your driving record does not change, and you do not lose any endorsements or restrictions you had before. The only thing that changes is the physical card itself — it will be brand new with a new issue date.

If you have a REAL ID-compliant license, your replacement will also be REAL ID-compliant. If your original was not REAL ID, your replacement will not be either. REAL ID status does not change during a replacement; it only changes during a renewal.

Temporary driving while you wait

Georgia does not issue temporary paper licenses or temporary digital licenses while you wait for your replacement to arrive. If you visit a DDS office in person, you leave with your new license the same day. If you mail in your request, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives in the mail.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and you mailed in your request, your only option is to visit a DDS office in person to get it the same day. Plan ahead if you know you will need to drive soon after requesting a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot get a replacement license while your driving privileges are suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DDS or the court. Once your driving privileges are restored, you can then request a replacement.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still request a replacement from Georgia DDS by mail or by visiting a DDS office. You do not need to be in Georgia to request it. If you are out of state and need to drive before your replacement arrives, you may want to contact your current state's DMV about a temporary license or learner's permit while you wait.

Do I need a new photo for a replacement license?

No. A replacement uses your existing photo from your current license. You only get a new photo if you renew your license at the same time. If you want a new photo on your replacement for any reason, you would have to renew instead, which costs more.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

A replacement keeps your current name on file. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you need to update it with DDS. This requires a renewal or a name-change transaction, not just a replacement. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your other documents when you visit a DDS office.

Can I replace my license online?

No. Georgia DDS does not offer online replacement requests. You must either visit a DDS office in person or mail in your request with the required documents and fee.