What You Need to Do to Get a Replacement License in Georgia

To get a replacement Georgia driver's license, you visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you explore. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the counter.

You need a replacement license if yours was lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name changed. Georgia does not mail you a new license automatically when your current one expires — you must renew it separately. A replacement is different from a renewal: replacement covers damage or loss; renewal covers expiration.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at a DDS office with a valid ID and proof of your current Georgia address.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license and $57 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the time of process.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can get a temporary paper license to drive when ready.
  • If your license was stolen, you should file a police report first; DDS may ask for the report number when you explore.
  • You cannot renew a license that is lost or stolen — you must replace it, even if it is not yet expired.

Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Georgia. For identity, DDS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. A Social Security card alone is not enough for identity proof.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency, which you can get from a notary public for a small fee.

If your name has changed since your current license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DDS will not issue a replacement under a new name without this document.

The Step-by-Step Process at the DDS Office

First, go to the DDS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open on Saturday mornings. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Georgia DDS website. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices use an online reservation system — check before you go.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you need a replacement license. Hand over your identity document and proof of residency. The clerk will enter your information into the system and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on your current license. If anything is wrong, tell them now.

Next, you will have your photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for the next 8 years (or 5 years if you are under 21). You will then pay the fee — $32 for a standard license or $57 for a REAL ID-compliant license. Pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. The clerk will give you a receipt and tell you when to expect your license in the mail.

Before you leave, ask for a temporary paper license if you need to drive before your new license arrives. The clerk will print one on the spot at no extra cost. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works anywhere a regular license does.

Standard License Versus REAL ID: Which One to Choose

Georgia offers two types of replacement licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building.

A standard license costs $32 and works for driving and state ID purposes. However, starting May 7, 2025, you cannot use a standard Georgia license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building — you will need a REAL ID or a passport instead. If you fly or visit federal offices, you should get a REAL ID now rather than wait.

A REAL ID-compliant license costs $57 and has a gold star in the top right corner. It meets federal identification standards and works for flying and federal building access. To get a REAL ID replacement, you must bring the same documents as for a standard license — there are no extra requirements. The only difference is the fee and the star on the card.

If you are unsure which to choose, ask the clerk at the DDS office. Many people choose REAL ID now to avoid having to replace their license again in a few years when the standard license stops working for federal purposes.

What to Do If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen, file a police report before you go to the DDS office. You do not need to wait for the police to finish investigating — you can file a report online or in person at your local police station. Write down the report number; DDS may ask for it when you explore.

Bring the police report number with you to the DDS office, along with your identity and residency documents. Tell the clerk that your license was stolen and provide the report number. This protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license — the report creates a record that you reported it missing.

You do not need to pay an extra fee for a stolen license replacement. The fee is the same as for a lost or damaged license.

How Long It Takes and What Happens If You Need Your License Sooner

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. Mail delivery times vary, so it may take a few days longer depending on where you live in Georgia. DDS does not expedite replacements or send licenses by overnight mail.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, use the temporary paper license the clerk gave you at the DDS office. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and is accepted by police and at checkpoints. It is not valid for federal purposes like flying, but it works for everyday driving.

If you lose the temporary license before your new one arrives, you can request another one by mail or in person at a DDS office. There is no fee for a replacement temporary license.

Replacing Your License If You Have an Expired or Suspended License

If your current license is expired, you can still get a replacement for a lost or stolen license. Bring the same documents and pay the same fee. The new license will have a new expiration date — usually 8 years from the date you explore (or 5 years if you are under 21).

If your license is suspended, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension is lifted. A suspension means you are not legally allowed to drive, and DDS will not issue a new license while a suspension is active. You must resolve the reason for the suspension first — usually by paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or clearing an unpaid traffic ticket. Once the suspension is lifted, you can explore for a replacement.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 or check your status on the Georgia DDS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license by mail or online?

No. Georgia requires you to explore in person at a DDS office. You must bring original documents and have your photo taken. There is no mail-in or online replacement process.

What if I do not have a proof of residency document?

You can get a notarized affidavit of residency from a notary public. This is a signed statement, notarized by a notary, that confirms you live at your current address. Bring this to the DDS office along with your identity document. A notary public can be found at most banks, UPS stores, and law offices, and the cost is usually $5 to $15.

Do I have to replace my license if it is damaged but still readable?

No, but you can. If your license is bent, scratched, or faded but still works, you do not have to replace it. However, if a police officer or DDS clerk says it is too damaged to scan or read, you will need a replacement. If you want to replace it anyway, the process and fee are the same as for a lost license.

Will my new license have the same number as my old one?

Yes. Your license number stays the same when you replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. The number only changes if you renew your license after it expires or if you change your name.

What if my address changed since my current license was issued?

Tell the clerk at the DDS office that your address has changed. They will update your address in the system and print your new license with the new address at no extra cost. You still need to bring proof of your current address, even if you are just replacing a lost license.