What You Need to Do to Replace Your Georgia Learner's Permit
You can replace a Georgia learner's permit in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, or by mail if your permit was lost or stolen. The process depends on whether your permit is lost, stolen, damaged, or straightforward expired. If your permit is lost or stolen, you must report it to DDS and pay a replacement fee. If it is damaged but still readable, you may be able to renew it early. If it has expired, you will need to retake the knowledge test and pay the full permit fee again.
The fastest route is an in-person visit to your local DDS office with your replacement fee and proof of identity. You will walk out with a new permit the same day. The mail route takes longer — typically two to three weeks — and is only available if you are replacing a lost or stolen permit, not a damaged one.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost or stolen Georgia learner's permit in person at any DDS office or by mail, but a damaged permit must be replaced in person.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a lost or stolen permit, and you must bring a valid photo ID and proof of your Social Security number.
- If your permit has expired, you will need to retake the knowledge test and pay the full $20 permit fee, not just a replacement fee.
- An in-person replacement takes one day; a mail replacement takes two to three weeks and requires you to fill out Form DL 43 and mail it with your fee to DDS.
- You cannot drive legally while waiting for your replacement permit to arrive in the mail — you must have the physical permit in hand.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Permit in Person
Visit any Georgia DDS office with your photo ID, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and $20 in cash or card payment. Tell the staff member that you need to replace a lost or stolen learner's permit. They will verify your identity and issue you a new permit on the spot. You will be able to drive when ready after you leave the office.
Bring your original learner's permit if you still have it, even if it is damaged. If you cannot locate it, bring a second form of ID — a passport, school ID, or state ID card will work. The DDS office will not hold you up for a missing original permit as long as you can prove your identity another way.
If you do not know which DDS office is closest to you, use the office locator on the Georgia DDS website. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you an hour or more.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Permit by Mail
Fill out Form DL 43 (process for Duplicate License or Permit). You can read it from the Georgia DDS website or request it by phone. Write "lost" or "stolen" in the reason field. Include a copy of your photo ID and proof of your Social Security number — a photocopy of your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2 will work. Do not send originals.
Mail the completed form, your copies of ID documents, and a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash through the mail. Include a return address so DDS can send your new permit to you. Mail delivery typically takes two to three weeks from the date DDS receives your envelope.
You cannot drive legally while your replacement is in the mail. You must have the physical permit in your possession. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will need to visit a DDS office in person instead.
Replacing a Damaged Permit
A damaged permit — one that is torn, faded, or unreadable — must be replaced in person at a DDS office. You cannot mail in a damaged permit replacement. Bring the damaged permit itself, your photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and $20.
The staff member will examine your permit to confirm it is damaged beyond use. If the permit is still readable and not yet expired, they may offer to renew it early instead of issuing a replacement, which can save you the cost of retaking the knowledge test. Ask about this option when you arrive.
What Happens If Your Permit Has Expired
An expired learner's permit cannot be replaced — it must be renewed. Renewal means you will retake the knowledge test and pay the full $20 permit fee. You cannot straightforward pay a replacement fee and walk out with a new permit.
Visit a DDS office with your expired permit, photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and $20. You will take the knowledge test (the same 40-question test you took to get your first permit). If you pass, you will receive a new permit valid for five years. If you fail, you can retake it the same day for an additional $20 fee.
Georgia learner's permits are valid for five years from the date of issue. Check the expiration date on your permit before you go to the DDS office so you know whether you are replacing or renewing.
Documents You Must Bring
For any in-person replacement or renewal, bring these documents:
- A valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, school ID, or state ID card)
- Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, tax return, W-2, or 1099)
- Your damaged or expired permit, if you have it
- Payment of $20 in cash or card
If you are replacing a lost or stolen permit by mail, send photocopies of your ID and Social Security proof, not originals. Do not send cash — use a check or money order.
If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. Bring this letter along with your photo ID and $20.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume you can drive without a permit while waiting for your replacement to arrive by mail. Georgia law requires you to have your physical permit in your possession while driving. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce it, you can be cited for driving without a valid permit, even though you have applied for a replacement.
Do not send original documents by mail. Send only photocopies of your ID and Social Security proof. Original documents can be lost in the mail, and you will need them for other purposes.
Do not confuse a replacement fee with a renewal fee. If your permit has expired, you cannot pay $20 and leave — you must retake the knowledge test. If your permit is still valid but lost, stolen, or damaged, a $20 replacement fee is all you owe.
Do not wait until your permit is about to expire to replace it. If it expires while you are waiting for your replacement to arrive by mail, you will have to start over with a renewal instead, which means retaking the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement permit the same day I report it lost or stolen?
Yes, if you go to a DDS office in person. You will walk out with a new permit the same day. If you mail in your replacement request, it will take two to three weeks. You cannot drive legally during that time.
What if I lost my permit and I have a road test scheduled?
You must have a valid learner's permit in your possession to take your road test. Go to a DDS office in person and get a replacement before your test date. Bring your replacement fee and ID documents. You cannot take the road test with a permit that is lost or expired.
Do I have to retake the knowledge test to replace a lost permit?
No. You only retake the knowledge test if your permit has expired. If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged but still valid, you pay $20 and receive a new one without testing. If your permit has expired, you must retake the test and pay $20.
Can I replace my permit at a different DDS office than the one where I got my first permit?
Yes. Any Georgia DDS office can issue you a replacement permit. You do not have to return to the same location. Bring your ID, Social Security proof, and $20 to any office near you.
What if my replacement permit arrives damaged in the mail?
Contact the Georgia DDS office by phone and explain that your replacement arrived damaged. They will issue you another replacement at no additional charge. Bring the damaged permit to a DDS office in person, or mail it back with a note explaining the damage.