How to replace your Georgia driver license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Georgia driver license in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your new plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus — a stolen license can be used for identity theft. Georgia DDS does not require a police report to issue a replacement, but having one on file protects you if someone uses your license number fraudulently.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person; Georgia does not offer mail-in or online replacement for lost or stolen licenses.
  • Bring a valid photo ID, proof of your current Georgia address, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.
  • Your new plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; the temporary license is valid during that time.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report and consider a fraud alert with credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.

What documents you need to bring

Georgia requires two forms of identification to replace your license. Your primary ID must be a valid photo ID — a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or another state's driver license all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.

You also need proof of your current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The address on this document must match the address you want on your new license.

Bring your Social Security number or ITIN — you will need to provide it during the process. If you have your current license, bring it as well, even if it is damaged. If it was stolen, you do not need to bring anything; just tell the DDS staff that it was stolen.

Finding a DDS office and scheduling your visit

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your city or county. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times is worth doing.

Georgia DDS does not require you to schedule an appointment for a license replacement — you can walk in during business hours. However, many offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the DDS website. Scheduling ahead can cut your wait time significantly, especially at busy locations. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.

Office hours vary by location. Most DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended evening or Saturday hours. Check the website for your specific office before you go.

The replacement fee and payment methods

A standard driver license replacement costs $32 in Georgia. If you are replacing a license that was damaged rather than lost or stolen, the fee is the same. This fee covers the new plastic license card and the temporary paper license you receive on the spot.

DDS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may also accept checks, but cash or card is safest. If you are replacing a stolen license, the fee is not waived — you still pay the full $32.

What happens at the DDS office

When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A DDS staff member will review your documents, verify your identity, and confirm your address. They will ask you to confirm the information that will appear on your new license — your name, address, and any restrictions or endorsements from your previous license.

You will have your photo taken for the new license unless you have a recent photo on file from a previous renewal. The staff member will then process your replacement and collect your fee. You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot — this is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your new plastic card arrives.

Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask the DDS staff if expedited mail is available; some offices offer it for an additional fee.

If your license was stolen and you are concerned about fraud

A stolen license can be used to open accounts, rent apartments, or commit other fraud in your name. While Georgia DDS will issue you a replacement quickly, you should take additional steps to protect yourself. File a police report with your local police department and keep a copy of the report number — this documents the theft and helps if someone uses your license fraudulently.

Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and place a fraud alert on your credit file. This is free and tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You can place an alert by calling one bureau; they will notify the other two. If you believe your identity has already been stolen, you can also place a credit freeze, which blocks access to your credit file entirely until you lift it.

Monitor your credit report for accounts you did not open. You can get a free credit report from each bureau once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you spot fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and to the creditor that opened the fraudulent account.

Replacing a damaged license

If your license is damaged — water-damaged, torn, faded, or otherwise unreadable — you can replace it the same way as a lost or stolen license. Bring the damaged license with you if you have it; the DDS staff will take it and destroy it. If you cannot find it, just tell them it is damaged and lost.

The fee is the same: $32. The process is identical, and you will receive a temporary paper license and a new plastic card by mail. There is no need to explain what happened to the license — DDS staff see damaged licenses regularly and will not question you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must appear in person at a DDS office to explore for a replacement license. Georgia does not allow someone else to explore on your behalf. However, once your new license is mailed to you, anyone at your address can receive it.

What if I moved and my address changed since I lost my license?

Bring proof of your new address to the DDS office. Your new license will show your current address. If you have not updated your address yet, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving until your new plastic license arrives by mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Once your plastic card arrives, the paper license is no longer valid. Keep the paper license with you while you drive.

What if my new license does not arrive after 10 days?

Contact the DDS office where you applied. They can check the status of your license and remail it if needed. Keep your temporary paper license with you until the plastic card arrives. If there is a significant delay, the DDS office may issue a replacement temporary license.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No. Georgia DDS will replace your license without a police report. However, filing a report protects you if someone uses your license fraudulently. The report creates an official record and helps if you need to dispute fraudulent accounts later.