What you need to do to get a replacement Georgia driver's license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged 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 a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you explore. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Georgia does not issue replacements online or by mail, and you cannot use a third-party service. You must go to a DDS office yourself — a parent, spouse, or friend cannot do it for you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person with a valid ID document and proof you live in Georgia.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license and $57 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license the same day and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to DDS at the same time you explore for replacement.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as DDS will verify it during the replacement process.

Documents you need to bring to the DDS office

You need one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Georgia. Your identity document must be current and issued by a government agency — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. A birth certificate alone is not enough.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Georgia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You cannot use a PO box as your address.

You will also need your Social Security number. If you don't have a Social Security card with you, bring a document that shows it — a W-2, tax return, or benefits statement. DDS verifies your number against Social Security Administration records before issuing your replacement license.

Where to go and how to find your nearest DDS office

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the official Georgia DDS website at dds.ga.gov.

Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment. Check the office's page on the DDS website to see whether appointments are required. If they are, you can book one online through the same website. Walk-in wait times vary; offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in Atlanta or other cities.

Some DDS offices are open only certain days of the week or have limited hours. Check before you go, especially if you are traveling from out of county.

The replacement fee and payment methods

A standard Georgia driver's license replacement costs $32. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead, the fee is $57. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in May 2025.

DDS accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they take, so bring more than one option if you can. If you pay by check, write it to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

The fee covers the replacement card only. If you also need to renew your license because it has expired or will expire soon, you pay an additional $32 for a standard renewal or $57 for REAL ID renewal.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you can report it to DDS when you explore for replacement. Tell the DDS employee that your license was stolen and provide the date you discovered it missing. DDS will flag your old license number in their system so it cannot be used fraudulently.

You do not need to file a police report first, though you can if you want to. DDS's internal flag is usually enough to prevent someone else from using your number. If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the license itself, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting any one of them.

Your temporary license and when your permanent card arrives

When you finish at the DDS office, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license works for driving, voting, and most other purposes while you wait for your permanent card. Write your temporary license number on the back of your old license or keep the temporary in your wallet.

Your permanent plastic license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times can vary depending on where you live and postal service delays. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact DDS to report it.

Your temporary license expires 45 days after it is issued. Your permanent card is valid for eight years from the date it is issued (or until your birthday eight years later, depending on your age at issuance).

If you need a REAL ID license instead of a standard license

A REAL ID license costs $25 more than a standard replacement ($57 instead of $32) and requires one additional document: proof of your Social Security number or your Social Security card itself. You already need to bring proof of your number anyway, so the main difference is the higher fee.

REAL ID licenses are required for federal building access and domestic air travel. If you travel by air or visit federal buildings, getting REAL ID now means you won't have to replace your license again in a few years. If you rarely fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient for now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, DDS will not issue a replacement. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation — usually by paying fines, completing a required course, or waiting out the suspension period. Once it is cleared, you can then explore for replacement. Contact DDS to find out why your license is suspended before you visit an office.

What if I don't have proof of residency in Georgia?

You must have a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Georgia address. If you recently moved and don't have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address, or bring a bank statement and a piece of mail from any government agency. DDS is flexible with what counts as residency proof as long as it shows your current address.

Do I need to bring my old license to get a replacement?

No. If your license is lost or stolen, you obviously cannot bring it. If you have it but it is damaged, you can bring it to show the damage, but it is not required. DDS will issue your replacement based on your identity and residency documents alone.

How long does the replacement process take at the DDS office?

The process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes from the time you check in until you receive your temporary license. This includes verifying your documents, taking your photo, and processing the fee. Busier offices may take longer. If you schedule an appointment, your wait time is usually shorter than if you walk in.

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Georgia requires you to appear in person at a DDS office. You cannot mail in a replacement request or use an online service. You must visit an office with your documents and have a new photo taken.