The fastest way to replace your Georgia license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Georgia driver's license in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. You'll need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. There is no online replacement option in Georgia, and you cannot mail in a replacement request — you must appear in person.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter. Your replacement license will be mailed to you 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, which is valid for 30 days.

If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or your local police department. This protects you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud. Bring a copy of that report to DDS if you have one, though it is not required.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with your Social Security number and proof of residency dated within the last 60 days.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at most locations.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; request a temporary paper license at the counter if you need to drive sooner.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report and bring a copy to DDS to protect yourself against fraud.
  • Georgia has no mail-in or online replacement process — all replacements require an in-person visit.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized) and one document proving where you live. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail — all must be dated within 60 days of your visit. A utility bill in your name is the easiest option.

You do not need to bring the old license itself, even if you have it. If your license was stolen, bring a copy of the police report if you filed one. Bring a valid payment method: cash, check, or debit/credit card. Some DDS offices accept all three; a few accept only cash or check, so call ahead if you want to be certain.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. If you are replacing a license that was damaged (torn, faded, or unreadable), you do not need to bring the damaged license, but it helps the staff process your request faster if you do.

DDS office locations and wait times

Georgia has 39 DDS offices across the state. The busiest locations are in Atlanta, Marietta, and Savannah, where wait times can reach 1 to 2 hours during midday and early afternoon. Smaller cities and rural counties typically have waits under 30 minutes. Early morning (right when the office opens) and late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) are usually quieter.

You can find your nearest office and its hours on the Georgia DDS website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; a few in larger cities are open Saturday mornings. Call the office directly before you go — staff can tell you the current wait time and whether they have any system outages that day.

You do not need an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted at all locations, but if your local office is consistently busy, you may want to visit on a weekday morning or a Saturday if available.

The replacement fee and payment options

A replacement driver's license costs $32 in Georgia. This is the same price whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. The fee covers the new license card and the processing. If you request a temporary paper license (valid for 30 days while you wait for the mailed license), there is no additional charge.

Payment methods vary slightly by location. Most DDS offices accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. A small number of rural offices accept cash and checks only. Call your local office to confirm what they take. If you pay by check, write it to "Georgia DDS."

There are no refunds if you change your mind after paying. If your replacement license arrives damaged or unreadable, you can return to DDS and request a replacement at no additional cost within a reasonable time frame — ask the staff what their policy is when you pick up your temporary license.

How long it takes to receive your new license

After you complete your visit, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. During high-volume periods (late summer, around holidays), delivery can stretch to 2 weeks. Georgia does not offer expedited mail delivery for replacement licenses.

You can request a temporary paper license at the counter before you leave. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for the mailed card. It is printed on the spot and given to you when ready. If you lose the temporary license before your new one arrives, you must return to DDS and pay another $32 for a replacement.

If your new license does not arrive within 14 days, contact the DDS office where you applied. They can check the status and remail it if needed. Keep your temporary license until the new one arrives, even if it expires — it proves you applied for a replacement.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen (not just lost), file a report with your local police department or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. You can file online through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation website or in person at your local police station. The report creates an official record that protects you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud or identity theft.

Bring a copy of the police report to DDS when you explore for your replacement. Staff will note in the system that the original license was stolen, which flags your file if anyone tries to use the old number. This step is not required to get a replacement, but it is a safeguard worth taking.

If you discover fraudulent activity linked to your stolen license after you replace it, contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and file a separate identity theft report. Keep copies of all police reports and DDS paperwork for your records.

Replacing a license with a different address or name

If you are replacing your license and your address has changed, you can update it at the same visit. Bring your new proof of residency (dated within 60 days) and the staff will print your new address on the replacement license at no extra cost. You do not need to pay a separate fee for an address change when combined with a replacement.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must bring legal proof of the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DDS will update your name on the replacement license. Again, there is no additional fee — the $32 replacement cost covers the name change.

If you are changing your address or name but your license is not lost or damaged, you would normally need to renew your license to make those updates. A replacement is only for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies as a replacement or a renewal, call your local DDS office and describe what happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is expired?

Yes. A replacement and a renewal are different transactions. If your license is expired and lost or damaged, you can replace it at DDS. The replacement will have a new expiration date (typically 8 years from the date of replacement for adults). You pay only the $32 replacement fee, not a separate renewal fee.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You must bring proof of residency dated within 60 days. If you do not have one, you can ask a family member or roommate who lives with you to bring a utility bill or lease in their name, plus a signed statement confirming you live there. Some offices accept this; others do not. Call ahead to ask what your local office will accept.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person at DDS. Your replacement card is mailed to you, so you do not need to return to the office for that. If you cannot visit DDS yourself, you will need to arrange for someone else to go with you or for you to reschedule.

Do I need a Real ID to replace my license?

No. A replacement license is a standard Georgia driver's license unless you specifically request a Real ID. Real ID requires extra documents and costs more. If you want a Real ID, tell the staff when you arrive, and they will walk you through what you need to bring. Most people replacing a lost or damaged license stick with a standard license.

What if my temporary paper license expires before my new license arrives?

This is rare, but if it happens, return to DDS with your temporary license and pay another $32 for a second temporary. Your mailed license should arrive within the 30-day window, so this usually does not occur. If you are concerned about timing, ask the staff for an estimate when you visit.