How to replace your Georgia driver's license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Georgia driver's license through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You have two main routes: renew it in person at a DDS office, or order a replacement online through the Georgia DDS website if your license is still valid and you only need a duplicate due to loss or damage.

The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at a DDS office and costs $32 for a standard replacement. The online route is faster — you can order within minutes — but it only works if your current license hasn't expired and you're replacing it because it's lost, stolen, or damaged, not because you need to update information like your address or name.

Both routes result in a physical card mailed to your address on file. You cannot pick up a replacement license in person at a DDS office; all replacements are mailed.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia DDS handles all driver's license replacements, and you can start the process online or in person at any DDS office.
  • Online replacement costs $32 and takes a few minutes to order, but only works if your license is still valid and you're replacing it for loss, theft, or damage.
  • In-person replacement at a DDS office also costs $32 and is required if your license has expired or if you need to change your address or name at the same time.
  • All replacement licenses are mailed to your address on file; there is no in-person pickup option.
  • Mailing typically takes 7 to 10 business days after DDS processes your order.

Replacing your license online through Georgia DDS

The online replacement process is the fastest option if your license is still valid. Go to the Georgia DDS website and select "Replace License" under the online services menu. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start.

During the online process, you'll confirm your personal information, select the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), and pay the $32 fee using a credit or debit card. Once you submit, DDS will mail your replacement license to the address currently on file with them. If your address has changed since you got your current license, you must go in person instead — the online system cannot update your address.

After you order online, you should receive your replacement license within 7 to 10 business days. DDS does not send tracking information or a confirmation email for online orders, so mark your calendar and contact DDS if you haven't received it after two weeks.

Replacing your license in person at a DDS office

Visit any Georgia DDS office with your current license (if you have it), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Georgia residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

If your license was stolen and you don't have it, bring a police report or case number instead. If your license is damaged but still readable, bring it with you; DDS staff will inspect it to confirm it qualifies for replacement. The in-person process takes about 30 minutes, and the replacement fee is $32, paid by cash, check, or card depending on the office.

Choose the in-person route if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or name at the same time, or if you're uncomfortable ordering online. You'll also need to go in person if you've lost your license and don't have a police report — DDS staff can help you document the loss.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen, file a police report with your local police department or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. You don't need to wait for the report to be filed before you start the replacement process, but having a report number or case number speeds things up at a DDS office.

When you replace your license in person, bring the police report or case number with you. DDS will note in their system that the original license was stolen, which protects you if someone tries to use your old license for fraud. If you're ordering online, you cannot note that the license was stolen; you can only select "lost" or "damaged." For a stolen license, go in person so DDS can flag it properly.

Fees and payment methods

A replacement Georgia driver's license costs $32, whether you order online or in person. Online orders accept credit and debit cards only. In-person offices accept cash, check, and card, though payment methods vary slightly by location — call ahead if you want to confirm what your local office takes.

There are no additional fees for expedited mailing or rush processing. All replacements are mailed at standard speed, which is 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license faster, you cannot speed up the mail time, but you can request a temporary paper license at a DDS office to use while you wait for the card to arrive.

Getting a temporary paper license while you wait

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask for a temporary paper license when you visit a DDS office in person. The temporary license is valid for 45 days and costs an additional $5. You can print it when ready after your visit, and it's recognized by law enforcement and insurance companies as a valid form of identification while driving.

The temporary license is not available through online orders — you must go to a DDS office to get one. If you ordered your replacement online and now need to drive before it arrives, visit any DDS office, bring your proof of residency, and request the temporary license.

Finding a Georgia DDS office near you

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. Use the office locator on the Georgia DDS website to find the one closest to you, see its hours, and check whether it requires an appointment. Some offices operate by appointment only, while others take walk-ins. Hours vary by location, with most open Monday through Friday during business hours and some offering limited Saturday hours.

Call ahead before you go, especially if you're traveling more than 30 minutes. This confirms the office is open, tells you how long the wait is, and lets you know if you need an appointment. During busy times — typically mid-month and before holidays — wait times can reach an hour or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in Georgia?

Mailing takes 7 to 10 business days after DDS processes your order, whether you ordered online or in person. If you ordered online, add a day or two for processing before mailing begins. If you need to drive sooner, visit a DDS office and request a temporary paper license for $5, valid for 45 days.

Can I replace my license if it's expired?

No, you cannot use the online replacement system if your license has expired. You must go in person to a DDS office. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. DDS will treat this as a renewal rather than a replacement, but the process and fee are the same.

What if I need to change my address when I replace my license?

You must go in person to a DDS office to change your address. The online replacement system cannot update address information. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number.

Can I pick up my replacement license at a DDS office instead of having it mailed?

No. All replacement licenses are mailed to the address on file. There is no in-person pickup option. If you need your license urgently, get a temporary paper license at a DDS office while you wait for the card to arrive by mail.

What if my replacement license doesn't arrive after two weeks?

Contact the Georgia DDS customer service line or visit a DDS office in person. Bring proof of your identity and the date you ordered. DDS can check the status of your replacement and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. There is no charge to reissue a lost replacement.