Get a replacement license by visiting a Georgia DDS office with proof of identity and citizenship
If you have lost your Georgia driver's license, you do not need to take the written or road test again. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will issue you a replacement license with the same class and restrictions you already had. You will need to bring proof of your identity and U.S. citizenship, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at a DDS office, though wait times vary by location.
You can replace your license in person at any DDS office across Georgia. Some offices offer online or mail-in options for certain situations, but an in-person visit is the most straightforward route if you need your license quickly.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person to get a replacement license; you cannot replace it entirely by mail or online.
- Bring a valid form of ID (passport, state ID, military ID, or birth certificate) plus proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license and covers the new card and photo; you do not retake any tests.
- Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you will not pay for extra years.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until that status is cleared with DDS.
What documents to bring to the DDS office
Bring one form of primary identification: a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, a state ID card, or an original or certified birth certificate. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official copy from the vital records office, not a photocopy. A school ID, library card, or expired license will not work as your primary ID.
You will also need proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and address on it is the fastest way to satisfy this requirement. If you have moved recently and do not have a bill in your new address yet, bring a lease or rental agreement instead.
If your name has changed since your original license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or court order—bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, DDS cannot issue a license in your new name.
Where to go and how long it takes
Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. Enter your county or city, and the site will show you all open locations, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Some offices are busier than others; offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in Atlanta or other cities.
Most DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours one or two evenings per week. A few locations offer Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because hours vary by location and some offices close for lunch.
Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the office, depending on how busy it is. You will fill out a short form, have your photo taken, pay the fee, and receive your replacement license on the spot. You can drive home with your new license the same day.
The replacement fee and payment methods
The replacement fee for a standard Georgia driver's license is $32. This fee covers the new card and your new photo; there are no additional charges. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher—check the DDS website for the current CDL replacement cost, as it varies by license class.
DDS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer. You will pay at the office when you submit your documents.
Your replacement license will expire on the same date as your original license. You will not pay extra or lose time on your license; DDS straightforward reissues it with a new card number and photo.
What happens if your license was suspended or revoked
If your Georgia license was suspended or revoked—for unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, or other violations—you cannot get a replacement until that status is cleared. DDS will tell you when ready when you arrive at the office whether your record shows a suspension or revocation.
To clear a suspension, you may need to pay outstanding fines, complete a defensive driving course, or wait out a mandatory suspension period. To clear a revocation, the process is more involved and usually requires a hearing or completion of specific requirements set by DDS. Contact DDS directly or visit their website to find out what you must do to restore your driving privileges before you can get a replacement license.
If you need your license before your office visit
Georgia does not issue temporary paper licenses or digital licenses that you can use while waiting for your replacement card. You will need to carry your replacement documents (your primary ID and proof of address) if you are stopped by police before you receive your new license. A police officer can verify your identity through these documents and check your driving record.
If you need to drive before you can visit a DDS office, ask a family member or friend to drive you, or use a rideshare service. This is the safest option legally, because driving without a license—even if you are waiting for a replacement—can result in a citation.
Replacing your license if you live out of state now
If you have moved out of Georgia and lost your Georgia license, you have two options. You can return to Georgia to visit a DDS office in person, or you can surrender your Georgia license and get a license from your new state instead. Most people choose to get a new license in their current state, since you will need a local license to register a vehicle and update your address with insurance.
If you want to keep your Georgia license for sentimental reasons or because you still own property in Georgia, you can mail a request to DDS with your documents. Call the DDS customer service line to ask about their mail-in replacement process for out-of-state residents, as policies can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
Georgia does not offer full online or mail-in replacement for a lost license. You must visit a DDS office in person to have your photo taken and receive your new card. Some DDS locations may allow you to start the process online, but you will still need to complete it in person at an office.
What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?
Bring your passport, military ID, or birth certificate as your primary ID, plus a piece of mail or utility bill for your address. If your wallet was stolen, report it to police and keep the report number in case you need it later. You do not need the police report to get a replacement license, but it helps if you need to dispute fraudulent charges.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A standard Georgia driver's license replacement costs $32. Commercial driver's licenses cost more; check the DDS website for the exact fee for your license class. You pay this fee at the office when you submit your documents.
Will my new license have a different number?
Yes. Your replacement license will have a new card number, but your driving record and license class stay the same. The new number is just for the physical card itself.
What if I cannot find my birth certificate?
Contact the Georgia Vital Records Office or the vital records office in the state where you were born. You can order a certified copy by mail or in person. This usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, bring a passport or military ID instead if you have one.