What you need to do to replace a lost Georgia driver license

To replace a lost Georgia driver license, you must visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online. The replacement license costs $32 and takes about 30 minutes to process at the counter, though you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Georgia does not require you to report the loss to police before replacing your license, though you may want to if you are concerned about identity theft. The DDS will not automatically cancel your old license — if you find it later, both licenses remain valid until the old one expires.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DDS office in person; there is no online or mail option for a lost license replacement.
  • Bring a current government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or Real ID) plus one document proving your current Georgia address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The replacement costs $32, and you get a temporary paper license on the spot while the plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You do not need a police report, but filing one protects you if someone uses your lost license for fraud.

Documents you must bring to the DDS office

Bring two types of documents: proof of identity and proof of your current Georgia address. For identity, the DDS accepts a current U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or a Real ID-compliant driver license or ID card from another state. An expired Georgia license also works if it expired less than five years ago.

For proof of address, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Georgia street address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax return or court document). A PO box does not count as a residential address.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS will not accept a name change without this paperwork.

Finding a DDS office near you and what to expect

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. Some offices are busier than others; rural offices typically have shorter waits than those in Atlanta or other large cities. You do not need an appointment — DDS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis — but you can call ahead to ask about current wait times.

Bring your documents and arrive prepared to wait. Peak times are typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays. The office will take your photo, verify your information, and issue a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, voting, and other purposes while you wait for the plastic card.

The cost and timeline for your replacement license

A replacement Georgia driver license costs $32 and must be paid at the DDS office. The DDS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. You cannot pay online or by mail.

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after payment. The plastic license card is mailed to the address on your process and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DDS to confirm your mailing address was entered correctly. Replacement cards are occasionally lost in the mail, and the DDS can reissue one.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, consider filing a police report. A report creates an official record that protects you if someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud or open accounts in your name. You do not need the police report to replace your license at the DDS, but having one on file is useful if you later discover fraudulent activity.

After filing a police report, follow the same replacement process at the DDS. Some people also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if they are concerned about identity theft, though this is separate from the license replacement.

Replacing your license if you are out of state

If you are currently living outside Georgia or traveling and lost your license, you have two options. You can wait until you return to Georgia and visit a DDS office in person, or you can ask someone you trust to go to the DDS on your behalf with a power of attorney form. The DDS website has a form you can read, sign, and have notarized; your representative then brings the notarized form, your documents, and payment to the office.

This process is slower because of mailing and notarization delays, so most people find it easier to straightforward replace the license when they return to Georgia. Your old license remains valid for driving in other states until it expires, so you can use it for travel if you still have it.

Protecting yourself after losing your license

A lost driver license is a risk for identity theft because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and license number. If you are concerned, monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three bureaus once per year at annualcreditreport.com (the only official site for free reports).

You do not need to freeze your credit or place a fraud alert straightforward because you lost a license, but doing so adds a layer of protection if you believe the license was stolen or if you have other reasons to worry about fraud. A fraud alert is free and lasts one year; a credit freeze is also free and lasts until you remove it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for driving in all 50 states for 30 days. It is also valid for voting and other purposes that require ID. If you are traveling and need the plastic card before it arrives, you can request expedited mail at the DDS office for an additional fee, though this is not may provide to speed delivery.

What if I find my old license after I get a replacement?

Both licenses remain valid until the old one expires. You do not need to destroy the old one or notify the DDS. If you are concerned about fraud, you can destroy it yourself or bring it to a DDS office to be shredded.

Do I need a Real ID to replace my lost license?

No. A standard Georgia driver license is still available and costs the same $32. Real ID is optional and costs more if you choose to upgrade. You only need Real ID if you plan to use your license for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight after May 2025.

What if my address on the lost license is outdated?

The DDS will update your address to your current Georgia address when you explore for the replacement. Bring a document proving your new address, and the new license will show the correct address.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the DDS office?

No. The DDS will only release your license to you in person with a photo ID. If you cannot pick it up yourself, you must wait for it to arrive by mail or use the power of attorney process if you are out of state.