How to Replace a Lost Georgia Driver's License

What to do when ready after you lose your Georgia driver's license

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 do not have to wait a set number of days or file a police report first — you can go directly to DDS. The replacement process takes about two weeks by mail, or you can get a temporary paper license the same day if you visit a DDS office in person.

Georgia does not charge a separate fee to report a lost license, but you will pay the standard replacement fee when you order the new card. The fee is $32 for a standard driver's license valid for eight years, or $64 for a Real ID-compliant license (also eight years). If your license was set to expire soon, you may want to renew it at the same time rather than replace it, which costs the same but gives you a fresh expiration date.

You have two main routes: explore online through the DDS website, or visit a DDS office or approved service center in person. The online route is faster for ordering a replacement by mail. The in-person route lets you walk out with a temporary paper license you can use when ready while your permanent card is being made.

Key Takeaways

Report your lost license directly to the Georgia Department of Driver Services — no police report is required first.
A replacement license costs $32 for a standard eight-year license or $64 for a Real ID license, and takes about two weeks by mail.
If you visit a DDS office in person, you receive a temporary paper license the same day that is valid for driving while your permanent card is made.
You can explore online through the DDS website or in person at any DDS office or approved service center across Georgia.
Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address; if your address has changed, bring proof of residency.

explore online through the Georgia DDS website

Go to dds.georgia.gov and select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License" from the online services menu. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the address currently on your lost license. The system will verify your identity using information from your driver's license record and may ask security questions based on your credit history.

After you complete the online form and pay the $32 or $64 replacement fee by credit or debit card, DDS will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard processing takes 10 to 14 business days. You will not receive a temporary license through the online process, so if you need to drive before your new card arrives, you will need to visit a DDS office instead.

Keep the confirmation number DDS gives you after you submit the form. If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, use that number to contact DDS and check the status of your order.

Getting a temporary license in person at a DDS office

Visit any Georgia DDS office with your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If your address has changed since your lost license was issued, bring the address proof — DDS will update your record.

Tell the DDS staff that you lost your license and need a replacement. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your replacement order. You will pay the replacement fee ($32 or $64) at the counter. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent card is being manufactured.

Your permanent license will be mailed to your address on file within 10 to 14 business days. The temporary paper license is not a Real ID document, so if you need Real ID for air travel or federal building access, you must wait for your permanent card to arrive.

What documents and information you need

Whether you explore online or in person, have these items ready:

Your Social Security number
Your date of birth
Your current address
Proof of current address if it has changed since your lost license was issued (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days)

If you explore in person, DDS will take a new photo, so you do not need to bring a photo. If you are explore online, you do not need to upload a photo — DDS will use the photo from your existing driver's license record.

If your name has changed since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DDS will not process a replacement under a different name without this document.

Approved service centers as an alternative to DDS offices

Georgia allows certain private businesses to process driver's license replacements on behalf of DDS. These approved service centers include some tag and title offices, insurance agencies, and other licensed businesses. You can find a list of approved centers on the DDS website by entering your county.

Service centers offer the same in-person process as a DDS office: you bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of address, they take a new photo, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. The replacement fee is the same ($32 or $64). Your permanent license is mailed to your address within 10 to 14 business days.

Some service centers charge an additional service fee on top of the DDS replacement fee — this varies by location. Call ahead to ask whether there is an extra charge before you visit. Service centers are often faster than DDS offices because they have shorter wait times, but they do not offer any other advantage.

If your address has changed since you lost your license

If you have moved and your lost license shows an old address, you must update your address with DDS when you request the replacement. Bring proof of your current address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. DDS will not mail your new license to an address that is not verified.

If you explore online, enter your current address in the form. DDS will verify it against utility and other records. If the system cannot verify your address automatically, you will be asked to visit a DDS office in person with proof of address.

If you explore in person or at a service center, show your proof of address to the staff member. They will update your record and mail your new license to the verified address.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not wait to report your lost license. The sooner you request a replacement, the sooner you will have a valid card. There is no penalty for reporting a loss quickly.

Do not assume you need a police report. Georgia DDS does not require one. If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report for your own records, but it is not necessary to get a replacement from DDS.

Do not forget to bring proof of address if your address has changed. DDS will not process your replacement without it, and you will have to return another day.

Do not confuse a temporary paper license with a Real ID document. If you need Real ID for air travel or federal building access, you must wait for your permanent card to arrive and check that it is marked "REAL ID compliant" or has a gold star in the corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I report it lost?

Yes, but only if you visit a DDS office or approved service center in person. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days on the same day. If you explore online, your replacement will be mailed to you and takes 10 to 14 business days.

Do I have to file a police report to replace a lost license?

No. Georgia DDS does not require a police report to process a replacement. You can report the loss directly to DDS and request a replacement when ready. Filing a police report is optional and is your choice if you want a record for insurance or other reasons.

What if my license was lost out of state?

You can still replace it through the Georgia DDS website from anywhere. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the address on your lost license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need a temporary license to drive, you will have to visit a Georgia DDS office or service center in person.

Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?

Yes. If your license was close to expiring, you can request a replacement and renewal together. The fee is the same as a replacement alone ($32 or $64), and your new license will have a fresh eight-year expiration date. Tell DDS staff or select this option when you explore online.

What happens if I find my lost license after I order a replacement?

You can still use the replacement license when it arrives. Your old license will be deactivated in the DDS system, so it will no longer be valid. You do not need to return the old license if you find it — just destroy it or keep it for your records.

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.