What You Need to Do to Replace a Georgia License
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Georgia driver's license, you must visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. Georgia does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or stolen licenses. You will pay a replacement fee, receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but missing even one can send you back home. This guide walks you through exactly what to bring, where to go, and what to expect at the counter.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DDS office in person with a valid ID and proof of Georgia residency; no online or mail replacement is available.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a valid ID such as a passport or military ID.
- The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license and $57 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid at the counter when you submit your process.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic replacement card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, you may report it to the DDS at the time of replacement, and you do not need a police report to get a new one.
Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office
Georgia requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. You cannot replace your license without both.
Proof of identity means a document issued by a government agency that includes your photograph and signature. Acceptable documents include a valid U.S. passport, military ID, state ID from another state, or a permanent resident card (green card). A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity. If your only ID is expired, it may still be accepted—ask the DDS office when you call ahead.
Proof of residency must show your current Georgia address and be dated within 60 days of your visit. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document such as a tax return or vehicle registration. A post office change-of-address form does not count. If you have just moved and your documents are not yet in your name, bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, along with a copy of the lease.
Bring your original documents, not copies. The DDS staff will examine them at the counter.
Where to Find a DDS Office and What to Expect
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can search for the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website (dds.ga.gov) or call 678-413-8400 to confirm hours and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others; offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in Atlanta or other major cities.
You do not need an appointment. Walk-in service is available during posted hours, though arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait. Some offices offer online check-in through the DDS website, which reserves your place in the queue and lets you wait in your car.
At the counter, you will fill out a short form (the DL 44 or DL 43, depending on whether you are replacing a standard or REAL ID license). The staff will verify your documents, take a new photograph, and collect your fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter.
Fees and Payment Methods
The replacement fee depends on the type of license you want. A standard Georgia driver's license costs $32. A REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner) costs $57. REAL ID licenses are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings as of May 2025, so many people choose to upgrade when replacing a lost or damaged license.
The DDS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at the counter. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. You will pay at the time you submit your process, not when you pick up your card.
If you are replacing a license that was damaged (not lost or stolen), you may be asked to surrender the damaged card. If it is lost or stolen, you do not need to produce it.
Your Temporary License and Replacement Timeline
When you leave the DDS office, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic card—you can use it to drive, as proof of identity, and for any other purpose your old license served. Keep it in a safe place; if you lose the temporary license before your plastic card arrives, you will have to return to the DDS office to request another one.
Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DDS office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 to check the status. Do not discard your temporary license until the plastic card arrives and you have verified that all information is correct.
If Your License Was Stolen
You do not need a police report to replace a stolen Georgia driver's license. straightforward tell the DDS staff that your license was stolen when you explore for the replacement. The DDS will flag the old license number in their system so it cannot be used fraudulently.
If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the license itself, you may file a police report separately for your records, but it is not required by the DDS. Some people also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if they believe their personal information has been compromised.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent reason people have to make a second trip is bringing expired or undated proof of residency. A utility bill must show a date within the last 60 days; a bill from six months ago will not be accepted. If you live with family or a roommate and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them on their letterhead confirming that you live there, along with a copy of the lease or bill.
Another common error is bringing a photocopy of your ID instead of the original. The DDS must see and verify the original document. Bring the actual passport, military ID, or state ID card.
Do not assume your old license is still valid while you wait for the replacement. Once you report it lost or stolen, it is deactivated. Your temporary paper license is your only valid ID until the plastic card arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my Georgia license if I live out of state now?
No. You must be a Georgia resident to hold a Georgia driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a license from your new state of residence. If you still have a Georgia address (such as a parent's home), you may use that address to replace your license, but you should not claim residency in a state where you do not actually live.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You will need to bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. Contact the DDS office before your visit to confirm what documents they will accept in your situation.
Do I need to bring my old license to replace it?
No. If your license is lost or stolen, you do not have it to bring. If it is damaged, the DDS may ask you to surrender it, but you do not need to produce it to start the replacement process. straightforward tell the staff what happened.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provide at the DDS office. You cannot have it mailed to a different address or held for pickup at an office. If you are moving before it arrives, you can update your address with the DDS after you receive it, but the initial mailing goes to the address on your process.
What if my name has changed since my old license was issued?
Bring legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. This counts as a replacement, so you pay the standard replacement fee.