What You Need to Do to Replace Your 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, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. Georgia does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or stolen licenses. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
If your license is damaged but still readable, some DDS offices may replace it without requiring a full reapplication. Call your local office first to confirm whether damage qualifies for a straightforward replacement or if you need to follow the full process.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Georgia DDS office in person; there is no online or mail option for replacements.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of Georgia residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license valid for eight years, or $20 for a four-year license if you are over 65.
- You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If you report your license stolen to police, bring the police report number to the DDS office.
Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office
Georgia requires two forms of identification to replace your license. Your primary ID must be a government-issued photo ID such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have a government photo ID, you can use a combination of documents such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, but this takes longer and may require additional verification.
You must also bring proof that you live in Georgia. Acceptable documents include 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. Bring the original document, not a photocopy.
Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. If you do not know your number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it. You will also need to know your current license number if you still have it, though this is not required if your license was stolen.
How to Find Your Local DDS Office and Make an Appointment
Georgia DDS offices are located in every county. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the official Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. The site has a location finder where you enter your county or city and see all nearby offices with their phone numbers and hours.
You do not need an appointment to replace a lost or stolen license at most DDS offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. Some offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the DDS website; if your office offers this, booking ahead can save you time. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your office requires an appointment.
DDS offices are usually open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Check your specific office's hours before you go, as they vary by location.
The Step-by-Step Process at the DDS Office
Step 1: Check in and take a number. When you arrive, tell the staff member at the front desk that you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. They will give you a number and direct you to the waiting area.
Step 2: Meet with a DDS representative. When your number is called, go to the counter. Bring all your documents with you. The representative will verify your identity, check your residency proof, and confirm your Social Security number in the system.
Step 3: Pay the replacement fee. The fee is $32 for a standard eight-year license. If you are 65 or older, you can choose a four-year license for $20. Georgia accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have ATMs on-site if you need cash.
Step 4: Have your photo taken. A DDS staff member will take your photo for the new license. Wear clear glasses if you normally do; sunglasses are not allowed. The photo will be taken against a plain background.
Step 5: Receive your temporary license. Before you leave, you will be given a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal standing as a plastic license and can be used to drive, board a plane, or enter federal buildings. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.
What Happens After You Leave the Office
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 need your license sooner, ask the DDS representative whether expedited mail is available; some offices offer this for an additional fee, though it is not may provide to arrive faster.
If your plastic license does not arrive within 14 days, contact the DDS office where you applied. Have your temporary license number ready. The office can check the status of your card and reissue it if there was a problem with the mailing.
Your temporary paper license expires 30 days after it is issued. Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. Destroy the paper license by shredding it or tearing it up.
If You Reported Your License Stolen to Police
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report. This is not required by Georgia DDS, but it creates an official record in case someone tries to use your stolen license. Bring the police report number to the DDS office when you explore for your replacement.
Georgia DDS does not automatically flag stolen licenses in the system, so filing a police report is your protection. If you believe your stolen license could be used for fraud or identity theft, also contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not bring photocopies of your documents. Georgia DDS requires original documents for identity and residency verification. Photocopies will not be accepted and you will have to go home and return with the originals.
Do not assume your out-of-state license counts as proof of residency. It proves identity only. You still need a separate document showing your Georgia address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Do not wait until your temporary license is about to expire to follow up on your plastic card. If it has not arrived within 10 business days, contact the DDS office right away so they can investigate before the temporary license expires.
Do not try to renew your license at the same time you are replacing it. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it separately after you receive your replacement card. The replacement process does not extend your expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Georgia requires you to appear in person at a DDS office to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You must have your photo taken and your identity verified face-to-face. There is no mail-in or online option for replacements.
What if I do not have a government photo ID?
You can bring a combination of documents instead, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of residency. This takes longer because the DDS representative must verify each document separately. Call your local office ahead of time to confirm what combination they will accept.
How long does the plastic license take to arrive?
Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so you have time to wait for the plastic card. If it does not arrive within 14 days, contact the DDS office where you applied.
Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was damaged by the DDS office?
No. If your license was damaged due to a DDS error or defect, the office should replace it at no charge. Bring your damaged license to the office and explain the damage. The representative will determine whether it qualifies for a free replacement.
Can I use my temporary paper license to fly or enter federal buildings?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is a valid form of identification for domestic air travel, entering federal buildings, and any other purpose where a driver's license is required. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.