Get a replacement license by visiting a Georgia DDS office in person with proof of identity and residency

If your Georgia driver's license is lost, you'll need to visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person to request a replacement. Georgia does not issue replacements by mail or online. You'll pay a replacement fee (currently $32 for a standard license), show documents proving who you are and where you live, and have a new photo taken. Most people complete the process in one visit, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

Your replacement license will have a new number and expiration date. If your original license hasn't expired yet, you can still use it for identification purposes until your replacement arrives — the state doesn't invalidate the old one. Your new license will be mailed to your Georgia address within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person; there is no online or mail-in replacement option for a lost license.
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) plus one document showing your current Georgia address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard driver's license, and you'll have a new photo taken at the office.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your old license for ID until then.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DDS office.

Documents you need to bring to the DDS office

Bring your original or certified copy of your birth certificate or a valid government-issued photo ID. A U.S. passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a certified birth certificate instead — you'll need to order this from the Georgia Vital Records office if you don't have a copy.

You also need proof of your current Georgia address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license or ID card showing your old address does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or your Social Security card. You'll need it to complete the process. If you've changed your name since your original license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Finding a DDS office near you and what to expect

Visit the Georgia DDS website and use the office locator tool to find the nearest location. You can search by city or zip code. Most cities have multiple offices, and some are less busy than others — calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you an hour. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location, so check before you go.

When you arrive, you'll check in at the front desk and take a number. You'll fill out Form DL 44 (process for a Driver's License or Learner's Permit) while you wait. The form asks for your name, address, Social Security number, and other basic information. Staff will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your payment. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

Getting a temporary paper license if you need to drive right away

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the DDS staff for a temporary paper license before you leave the office. This is a printed document that serves as a valid license for up to 45 days while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail. You'll need to carry it with you whenever you drive.

The temporary license is free and is issued on the spot. It has the same expiration date as your permanent replacement license will have. If your permanent license arrives before the 45 days are up, the temporary becomes invalid — you'll use your new permanent license instead.

What happens if your license has been stolen or used fraudulently

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, or if you suspect someone is using it fraudulently, tell the DDS staff when you explore for your replacement. They will flag your old license number in the system so it cannot be used. You should also file a police report with your local law enforcement agency and keep a copy of the report number for your records.

If someone has used your license to get traffic tickets or other citations in your name, contact the court that issued the citation and explain that the license was stolen. Bring your police report and your new license as proof. Courts can dismiss citations issued under a stolen license, but you'll need to show documentation of the theft.

Renewing versus replacing: which one do you need

A replacement is what you get when your current license is lost, stolen, or damaged but has not expired. You keep the same expiration date as your original license. A renewal is what you do when your license is about to expire or has already expired. Renewals can be done online, by mail, or in person, and you get a new expiration date.

If your lost license has already expired, you'll need to renew rather than replace. Renewals have a different fee and process. Check your old license to see the expiration date — if it's in the past, you'll renew instead of replace. If it's still valid, you're replacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Georgia requires you to visit a DDS office in person for a replacement. You must show your documents and have a new photo taken. Online and mail-in options are available only for renewals, not replacements.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you visit the DDS office. You can request a temporary paper license at the office if you need to drive before it arrives.

Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was stolen?

Yes. The $32 replacement fee applies whether your license was lost or stolen. Georgia does not waive the fee for theft. However, you should still file a police report and provide that information to DDS.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Georgia Vital Records office online or by mail. It takes about two weeks. In the meantime, you cannot get a replacement license — you must have one of the required identity documents.

Can I use my old license while I wait for my replacement?

Yes. Your old license remains valid for identification purposes until your replacement arrives. You can drive with it and use it as ID. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid for driving.