What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged 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 have two main routes: renew it in person at a DDS office, or renew it online if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and costs $32. The online route is faster and cheaper at $20, but only works if your license hasn't expired more than two years ago and you haven't changed your name, address, or vision status since it was issued.
The key difference between a replacement and a renewal is timing. A replacement is what you get when your current license still has time left on it — you're just swapping it for a new card. A renewal happens when your license has expired or is about to expire. Georgia treats both the same way, so the process is identical either way.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a Georgia driver's license online for $20 if your license expired less than two years ago and nothing about your personal information has changed.
- In-person replacement at any DDS office costs $32, takes about 30 minutes, and works for any reason — lost, stolen, damaged, or expired.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to start either process.
- A replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can request expedited shipping for an extra fee if you need it faster.
- If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police and provide the report number to DDS when you request the replacement.
Replacing your license online through the Georgia DDS website
The online replacement process is the fastest and cheapest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record.
Online replacement only works if all of these are true: your license expired less than two years ago, you have not changed your name since it was issued, your address on file is still correct, and your vision has not changed. If any of these do not explore to you, you must go in person. The fee is $20, and you will pay by credit or debit card during the process. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Replacing your license in person at a DDS office
If you cannot use the online option, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face, visit any Georgia DDS office. Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your Social Security number), a document proving your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $32. If your license was stolen, also bring a police report or the report number.
You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost or stolen. The DDS staff will take your photo and process your replacement on the spot. The new license will be mailed to you in 7 to 10 business days. If you need it sooner, you can request expedited shipping at the office for an additional fee — this typically cuts the delivery time to 3 to 5 business days, though the exact timeframe varies.
DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon). Arriving early or visiting on a weekday afternoon often means a shorter wait.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file a police report with your local police department first. You will receive a report number or a copy of the report. Bring this to the DDS office when you explore for your replacement, or mention it when you explore online. Reporting the theft protects you in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently.
Some people also contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on their credit file, though this is not required by DDS. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can place one for free by calling any of the three bureaus.
Expedited shipping and temporary licenses
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have limited options. Georgia does not issue temporary paper licenses at DDS offices. However, if you are replacing your license in person, the DDS staff can issue you a temporary document on the spot that you can use for identification purposes — check with your local office about what they can provide.
Your best option for speed is expedited shipping. When you replace your license in person, ask the DDS staff about expedited mail options. The cost varies, but expedited delivery typically arrives in 3 to 5 business days instead of 7 to 10. Some offices may also offer options to pick up your license at the office once it arrives, rather than waiting for mail delivery — ask when you visit.
Replacing a license that is damaged or worn out
If your license is still valid but the card itself is damaged — cracked, faded, unreadable, or water-damaged — you can replace it using the same process as a lost or stolen license. You do not need to wait for it to expire. Bring your damaged license to a DDS office along with your proof of address and payment, or use the online process if your license has not expired more than two years ago.
A worn-out license that is still readable and not expired can technically still be used, but if the photo or information is hard to read, you may have trouble at airports, banks, or other places that scan licenses. Replacing it is straightforward and costs the same as any other replacement.
Finding a Georgia DDS office near you
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Georgia DDS website and using their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you nearby locations, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have different hours.
If you live far from an office or have mobility challenges, call your local DDS office to ask about options. Some offices may be able to help you by phone or mail for certain situations, though this is rare for replacements. The fastest and most reliable approach is still to visit in person or use the online option if you may have access to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement Georgia driver's license?
Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after you explore. If you request expedited shipping at a DDS office, it typically arrives in 3 to 5 business days. The exact timeframe depends on your location and the mail carrier's schedule.
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?
If you replaced your license in person, ask the DDS staff whether they can issue a temporary document you can use for identification. Georgia does not issue standard temporary driving permits for replacements. Expedited shipping is your best option if you need the actual license card quickly.
What if I moved to a different address since my license was issued?
You cannot use the online replacement option if your address has changed. You must go in person to a DDS office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The DDS staff will update your address and issue your replacement.
Do I need my old license to get a replacement?
No. If your license is lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it. If you have it and it is just damaged or worn, you can bring it, but it is not required. The DDS will process your replacement based on your identity verification and payment.
What if my replacement license arrives with an error on it?
Contact the Georgia DDS office where you applied and explain the error. They can issue a corrected replacement. If the error is minor and the license is still usable, you may choose to keep it, but DDS will usually correct it at no additional charge if you report it within a reasonable time.