What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost driver's license in Georgia, 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 in Georgia. The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, and the new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the same visit.

Georgia does not issue duplicate licenses or temporary digital licenses, so the paper temporary is your only option for when ready proof while you wait. You will need to bring original documents — copies are not accepted — and you must be present in person to have your photo taken.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person with an original ID document and proof of your current Georgia address.
  • The replacement fee is $32, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Request a temporary paper license at your visit if you need to drive before the permanent license arrives.
  • DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours on certain days.
  • You do not need to report the loss to police unless you suspect the license was stolen and used fraudulently.

Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office

Georgia requires one primary identity document and one proof of residency document. Both must be originals — the DDS will not accept photocopies or digital images. The most common primary documents are a U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. A Social Security card alone is not enough; it must be paired with another form of ID.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card). A piece of mail addressed to you at your Georgia address works, but it must show your full name and current street address.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without this, the DDS will issue a license under your previous name.

Finding and Visiting a DDS Office

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. To find the office nearest you, visit the Georgia DDS website (dds.georgia.gov) and use the office locator tool, or call 678-413-8400. Some offices are busier than others; rural offices typically have shorter wait times than those in Atlanta or other major cities.

Most DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some locations in larger cities offer extended hours until 6 p.m. on certain weekdays or limited Saturday hours. Check the hours for your specific office before you go — hours vary by location and change seasonally.

You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices, but some locations now offer optional online scheduling through the DDS website. Scheduling ahead can reduce your wait time, especially during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon). Walk-ins are still accepted at all offices.

The In-Person Process and Timeline

When you arrive at the DDS office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Present your identity and residency documents to the clerk. They will verify your documents, confirm your address, and ask whether you want a temporary paper license. If you say yes, they will issue it on the spot — this is a single sheet of paper that is valid for 45 days and can be used to drive while you wait for your permanent license.

You will then be called to have your photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be used on your license for the next renewal period. The photo session takes about two minutes. After your photo is taken, you will pay the $32 replacement fee by cash, check, or card (accepted methods vary by office, so bring multiple payment options if possible).

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. This timeline assumes normal mail delivery; delays can occur during holidays or severe weather. The DDS does not send tracking information, so you cannot check the status of your license in the mail. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 to report it.

Getting a Temporary Paper License

The temporary paper license is a single printed sheet that serves as a valid Georgia driver's license for 45 days. It has no photo and is not laminated, so handle it carefully. You can use it to drive, but some rental car companies and out-of-state authorities may not accept it as proof of identity for non-driving purposes (such as boarding a plane or entering a federal building).

The temporary license is issued free when you replace your lost license — there is no separate fee. You must request it at the time of your visit; you cannot go back later and ask for one. If you did not request it and now need one, you will have to return to a DDS office and pay the $32 fee again to get a new temporary.

What Happens If Your License Was Stolen

If you believe your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you do not have to file a police report to replace it. However, if you suspect the license has been used fraudulently — for example, if someone used it to open a credit account or was stopped by police — you should file a report with the police department in the jurisdiction where the theft occurred. This creates an official record and can help protect you if the license is later used in a crime.

Bring a copy of the police report to the DDS office if you have one, but it is not required to replace your license. The DDS will replace a lost or stolen license using the same process and fee. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing photocopies or digital images of your documents instead of originals. The DDS will turn you away if your documents are not originals. A second mistake is bringing documents that do not match your current address — if you moved recently and your ID still shows your old address, bring a separate proof of residency document dated within the last 60 days.

A third mistake is not requesting the temporary paper license at your visit. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives and you did not ask for the temporary, you will have to return to the DDS office and pay another $32 fee. A fourth mistake is assuming the DDS will contact you if your license does not arrive — they will not. If two weeks pass and you have not received it, call 678-413-8400 to check on it.

Finally, do not assume your license will be mailed to a PO box or to someone else's address. The DDS will mail your license only to the residential address you provide at the time of your visit. If you are moving soon, update your address at the DDS office before you leave, or wait until after you move to replace your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID as your primary document instead. The key requirement is that you bring an original document that proves your identity and citizenship or legal residency status. Call your local DDS office if you are unsure whether a specific document will be accepted.

What if I moved and my address on file with the DDS is wrong?

Bring a proof of residency document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. The DDS will update your address during the replacement process. You do not need to update your address separately before you replace your license.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. After 45 days, it is no longer a valid form of identification for driving. Your permanent license should arrive before then, but if it does not, you will need to return to the DDS office and request another temporary.

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Georgia does not offer online or mail-in replacement for lost licenses. You must visit a DDS office in person. This is a requirement because you must have a new photo taken for your replacement license.

What if my permanent license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 within 30 days of receiving your license. They can issue a replacement at no additional charge if the error was made by the DDS. If the damage occurred after you received it, you may be charged another $32 replacement fee.