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. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online. You will need to bring specific documents, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with the police or sheriff's office in the county where the theft occurred. This creates an official record and protects you if someone uses your license number fraudulently. Bring a copy of that report to the DDS office if you have one, though it is not required to process the replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license and $57 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you must pay in cash, debit card, or credit card at the office.
  • Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and works for driving; your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have documentation in case someone misuses your license number.
  • You can check wait times and book an appointment online through the Georgia DDS website, though walk-ins are also accepted.

Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office

Bring one valid form of identification that shows your current legal name. This can be a passport, military ID, state ID card, or another government-issued ID. If you do not have a valid ID, you can bring two documents that together prove your identity — for example, a Social Security card plus a birth certificate, or a utility bill plus a bank statement with your name on it.

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. The name on the address document must match the name on your ID. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a card, but you must know the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If your license was stolen, bring a copy of the police report. This is helpful but not required. If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card itself if you still have it.

Replacement Fees and Payment Methods

A standard Georgia driver's license replacement costs $32. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025), the fee is $57. You must pay at the DDS office using cash, debit card, or credit card. No checks are accepted.

The fee covers the replacement license only. If you also need to update your address, change your name, or add an endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement), those changes may have separate fees. Ask the DDS staff what applies to your situation before you pay.

If you cannot afford the fee, contact your local DDS office to ask about hardship waivers. These are rare and require documentation of financial hardship, but some offices have discretion to reduce or waive fees in specific cases.

How to Find a DDS Office and Schedule an Appointment

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. The site shows real-time wait times for each location, updated throughout the day.

You can book an appointment online through the same website. Appointments are free and typically reduce your wait time to 15 to 20 minutes. If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, most offices accept walk-ins, but you may wait 45 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and location. Mornings on weekdays are usually less busy than afternoons.

Some DDS offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days. Check the hours for your location before you go. If your nearest office has a long wait, you can visit any other DDS office in Georgia — your license will still be mailed to your address on file.

What Happens at the DDS Office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff your documents. A DDS employee will verify your identity, check your address, and confirm your Social Security number against state records. They will ask you to confirm your current address or update it if you have moved.

Next, you will have your photo taken. Wear clear glasses if you normally do; sunglasses are not allowed. The photo must show your face clearly and be taken straight on. You cannot smile with your teeth showing, but a neutral expression or closed-mouth smile is fine.

After your photo is taken, you will pay the replacement fee. The DDS staff will give you a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for driving and is accepted as ID at banks, stores, and other places. It remains valid until your permanent card arrives.

Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it after 10 business days, contact the DDS office where you applied and provide your case number (printed on your temporary license).

Replacing a REAL ID License vs. a Standard License

A standard Georgia driver's license costs $32 and works for driving and most ID purposes. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $57 and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building (such as a courthouse or federal office) after May 7, 2025. If you already have a REAL ID license and are just replacing it because it was lost or damaged, the replacement is still $57.

To get a REAL ID license, you must bring the same documents as for a standard replacement, plus one additional document that proves your legal name and date of birth. This can be a birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate if your name changed. The DDS staff will tell you if you need this extra document based on what you bring.

If you are unsure whether you need REAL ID now, ask the DDS staff. They can tell you whether your current situation requires it. Most people do not need it until they travel by air or visit a federal building.

If Your License Was Stolen

File a police report with the police department or sheriff's office in the county where the theft occurred. You can do this in person or, in some counties, online through the police department's website. The report creates an official record and protects you if someone uses your license number to commit fraud or get credit in your name.

Bring a copy of the police report to the DDS office if you have one. The DDS staff will note in their system that your license was stolen, which adds a flag to your record. If someone tries to use your stolen license, the flag alerts law enforcement.

After you file the police report, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a free fraud alert by calling 1-888-EXPERIAN, 1-800-EQUIFAX, or 1-888-TRANSUNION.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume you can renew your license by mail or online. Georgia requires you to appear in person for all replacements. Do not bring a utility bill or lease in someone else's name as proof of address — the name must match your ID.

Do not wear a hat, sunglasses, or headwear in your photo unless it is for religious reasons. Do not smile with your teeth showing. Do not bring a damaged license as your only form of ID if the name or photo is no longer legible — bring a second document to prove your identity.

Do not wait to replace a stolen license. The sooner you report it and get a replacement, the sooner the flag is in the system. Do not assume the temporary paper license is not valid for driving — it is fully valid and works everywhere a plastic license does.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license is valid until your permanent plastic card arrives, which is usually 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent card is delayed beyond 10 days, contact the DDS office with your case number and they can issue you a new temporary license or check on the status of your card.

Can I use my temporary license to fly or enter a federal building?

A temporary paper license is not accepted for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you need to travel or access a federal building before your permanent card arrives, bring a passport or other federal ID instead. You can also contact the DDS office to ask if they can expedite your permanent card.

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

Tell the DDS staff your new address when you explore for the replacement. They will update your address in the system, and your replacement license will be mailed to your new address. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) to make the change.

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

No, a police report is not required to replace your license. However, filing one protects you if someone misuses your license number. Bring a copy to the DDS office if you have one, but the DDS staff will process your replacement without it.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to your address on file. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the DDS office. If you move before your card arrives, contact the DDS office with your case number and provide your new address so they can redirect the mail.