What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Georgia driver's license, you must visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online. The replacement process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready; your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you should also report the theft to local police and request a report number. While not required by DDS, having a police report protects you if someone uses your stolen license number for fraud. Bring this report number with you to DDS if you have it.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a DDS office with a valid ID document and proof of your current Georgia address.
- The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license or $57 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you must pay at the time of your visit.
- You will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready and your permanent plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first; the report number is helpful but not required for DDS.
- Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized, as DDS will ask for it during the replacement process.
Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office
Georgia requires two categories of documents: one form of primary identification and one form of proof of residency. You cannot use the same document for both.
For primary identification, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a military ID, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), or a valid foreign passport with an I-94 arrival/departure record. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, bring your valid visa and I-94 record instead.
For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners or renters insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of residency in Georgia.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to state the number from memory.
DDS Office Locations and Hours
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. The easiest way to find the office nearest you is to visit the Georgia DDS website and use their office locator tool, or call 678-413-8400. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours.
Arrive early if possible. DDS offices do not take appointments for license replacement, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times can be 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Avoid mid-morning and lunch hours if you can.
If you cannot reach a local office by phone, you can submit a question through the Georgia DDS website contact form, though responses may take several business days.
The Replacement Fee and Payment Methods
The cost of a replacement license depends on the type you choose. A standard Georgia driver's license costs $32. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $57. REAL ID licenses meet federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings; a standard license does not.
You must pay the fee at the DDS office at the time of your visit. Georgia DDS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted. If you cannot pay the fee, you cannot complete the replacement that day.
There are no discounts or fee reductions for lost or stolen licenses. The fee is the same whether you are replacing a damaged card or one that was taken from you.
What Happens After You Pay
After you pay the fee, the DDS staff member will take your photograph and fingerprints at the office. You will be given a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent plastic card.
Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provide at the DDS office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit. If you do not receive your license within 14 business days, contact DDS to check the status.
Keep your temporary paper license in your vehicle at all times while you are waiting for the plastic card. Law enforcement will accept it as proof of a valid license during traffic stops.
If Your License Was Damaged Rather Than Lost or Stolen
If your license is still in your possession but damaged—cracked, faded, or unreadable—you can still replace it using the same process. Bring the damaged card with you to the DDS office. You do not need a police report for a damaged license.
The DDS staff will inspect the damage and may ask you to explain what happened. As long as the damage makes the license unreadable or unsafe to use, they will process the replacement. The fee and timeline are the same as for a lost or stolen license.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common reason a replacement visit fails is bringing the wrong documents. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days—an old utility bill or insurance policy will not work. Primary identification must be valid and unexpired (with the exception of a birth certificate, which does not expire). A document that is expired or undated will be rejected.
Do not assume you can use a secondary ID like a student ID, library card, or work badge as primary identification. Georgia DDS has a specific list of acceptable documents, and items not on that list will not be accepted, even if they seem official.
Another mistake is not bringing your Social Security number. If you cannot provide it and do not have your card, DDS may not be able to process your replacement that day. Write down your number before you go, or bring your Social Security card.
Finally, do not expect to receive your permanent license when ready. The temporary paper license is your only document to use for 7 to 10 days. Plan your driving accordingly, and do not schedule a road trip the day after your replacement visit if you need the plastic card for identification at your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it expired while it was lost?
Yes. A lost or stolen license can be replaced regardless of its expiration date. You will receive a new license with a new expiration date based on your age and the type of license. The replacement fee is the same.
What if I don't have a proof of residency document dated within the last 60 days?
You will need to obtain one before visiting DDS. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement all work. If you have just moved and have not received a bill at your new address, ask your utility company for a letter confirming your service address, or bring a signed lease with a move-in date.
Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?
No, a police report is not required by DDS. However, filing a report protects you if someone uses your stolen license number fraudulently. If you have a report number, bring it with you, but DDS will process your replacement without it.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the DDS office?
No. Your license will be mailed to the address you provide at the DDS office. You cannot pick it up in person or have someone else collect it. If you need to change the mailing address after your visit, contact DDS as soon as possible.
What if my temporary paper license gets damaged or lost before my plastic card arrives?
Contact DDS when ready at 678-413-8400. They can issue a second temporary license, though you may be charged an additional fee. To avoid this, keep your temporary license in a safe place and do not carry it loose in your wallet where it can tear.