What you need to do to replace a lost Georgia driver's license

To replace a lost 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 replace a lost license by mail or online. The replacement process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Georgia charges a $32 fee for a standard replacement license. If your license is still valid (not expired), you do not need to retake the written or vision test — you are only replacing the card itself. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it at the same time, which costs an additional fee and may require a vision test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DDS office in person with a government-issued ID and proof you live in Georgia — no online or mail replacement is available.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, and you get a temporary paper license when ready while the plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 days.
  • If your license is not expired, you skip the written test and vision test; if it is expired, you must renew it at the same time with an additional fee.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because DDS will verify it during the replacement process.

Documents you need to bring to the DDS office

Bring one government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo IDs instead, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or bank statement with your name on it.

You also need proof of Georgia residency. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Georgia address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you recently moved and your address is not yet on any documents, bring a signed affidavit of residency from someone who lives with you or a landlord.

Have your Social Security number ready. If you do not have a Social Security card with you, bring a document that shows it, such as a tax return or W-2 form. DDS will verify your number against federal records during the replacement.

Finding a DDS office near you and what to expect

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. Some offices are busier than others — offices in large cities often have longer wait times, while rural offices may be faster. You do not need an appointment; DDS operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though some offices now offer online check-in to reduce wait time.

Arrive early in the day if possible. Most offices open at 8 or 9 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m. Bring all your documents in a folder so you do not lose anything while waiting. The actual transaction at the counter takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the front of the line.

At the counter, you will answer questions about your address and any address changes since your last license was issued. The staff member will take a new photo for your replacement license. You will then pay the $32 fee and receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Georgia license expired more than 24 months ago, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it instead. Renewal requires passing a vision test and the written knowledge test, just as if you were getting a license for the first time. This takes longer and costs more than a replacement.

If your license expired within the last 24 months, you can still do a replacement without retaking tests, but you should tell the DDS staff member that your license is expired so they process it correctly. The fee remains $32 for the replacement itself, but if you want your new license to be valid for the full term (usually 8 years), you may choose to renew instead, which adds an extra fee.

Using your temporary paper license while you wait

The temporary paper license you receive at the DDS office is valid for 30 days and works for driving, voting, and most other purposes where you would show your regular license. Keep it in a safe place — if you lose it before your plastic card arrives, you will need to go back to DDS and request another temporary license, which may cost an additional fee.

Your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks pass and you have not received it, contact the DDS office where you did the replacement. They can check the status of your card and remail it if needed. Do not assume it is lost until at least 15 days have passed.

If your license was stolen instead of lost

If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, the replacement process is the same — you still go to DDS with your documents and pay the $32 fee. However, you may want to consider whether the person who stole it could use it to commit fraud or identity theft. If you are concerned, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. It is free and lasts one year, though you can renew it. This is a separate step from replacing your license and is not required, but it is worth considering if the theft happened under suspicious circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license at a tag office or courthouse instead of DDS?

No. Only Georgia Department of Driver Services offices can replace a driver's license. Tag offices handle vehicle registration, and courthouses do not issue licenses. You must visit a DDS office.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

If you have no documents showing your Georgia address, you can bring a signed affidavit of residency from someone who lives with you, such as a family member or roommate. They must sign it in front of the DDS staff member. Some offices also accept a notarized affidavit if you prepare one beforehand.

How long does the plastic license take to arrive?

Most plastic licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive yours after 15 days, contact the DDS office where you did the replacement and ask them to check the status. They can remail it or issue another temporary license if needed.

Do I have to take a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes. DDS takes a new photo during the replacement process. You cannot use your old photo from your lost license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, and avoid wearing a hat or sunglasses.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Tell the DDS staff member about the address change during the replacement. They will update your address in the system, and your new license will show your current Georgia address. Bring proof of your new address with you.