You can replace a Georgia driver's license at any DDS office in person, or by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not changed your name or address since it was issued

The fastest way is to visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and the fee. You will walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot go in person, you can mail in a replacement form and payment, though this takes longer and has stricter limits on what situations it covers.

The method you choose depends on whether your information has changed since your current license was issued. If your name, address, or legal status has changed, you must go to a DDS office — the mail-in option will not work. If everything is the same and your license is not under suspension, either method works.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at any DDS office takes one visit and gives you a temporary license on the spot, with your permanent card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail-in replacement costs less and requires no office visit, but only works if your name, address, and legal status have not changed since your current license was issued.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency, and the replacement fee for either method.
  • If your license is suspended or you have changed your name or address, you must replace it in person at a DDS office.

In-Person Replacement at a DDS Office

Walk into any Georgia DDS office with the documents listed below and pay the replacement fee. A staff member will take your photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Bring these documents:

  • Your Social Security number (memorized or on a card)
  • One document proving your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days
  • Your current Georgia driver's license, if you still have it
  • Payment for the replacement fee (currently $32 for a standard license, though this amount can change)

If you do not have proof of residency, you can bring two documents that together show your name and address — for example, a piece of mail from a government agency plus a credit card statement. Call the DDS office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your documents will work.

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check before you go, because wait times vary widely by location and time of day.

Mail-In Replacement: When It Works and When It Does Not

You can mail in a replacement form and fee if your name, address, and legal status have not changed since your current license was issued, and your license is not suspended. The process takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DDS receives your form.

Mail-in replacement does not work if:

  • Your name has changed (marriage, divorce, court order)
  • Your address has changed
  • Your license is under suspension or revocation
  • You are a non-citizen and your legal status has changed
  • You have never held a Georgia license before

If any of these explore to you, you must go to a DDS office in person. There is no exception to this rule through the mail.

How to Mail in Your Replacement Request

read the DL 44 form (process for Replacement Driver's License) from the Georgia DDS website. Fill in your name, license number, date of birth, and the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged). Do not sign the form yet.

Include these items in an envelope:

  • The completed DL 44 form, signed and dated
  • A check or money order for the replacement fee (currently $32)
  • A copy of your current license, if you have it

Mail the envelope to:

Georgia Department of Driver Services P.O. Box 80447 Conyers, GA 30013

DDS will process your request when it arrives and mail your new license to the address on file. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before your permanent card arrives. If you need to drive when ready, you must go to a DDS office in person instead.

What to Do If Your License Is Suspended

If your license is under suspension, you cannot replace it by mail or at a regular DDS office. You must contact the DDS Suspension Unit to understand why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it before a replacement will be issued.

Call the DDS Suspension Unit at 470-378-7000 to find out the reason for the suspension and the steps to resolve it. Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or other reasons. Until the underlying issue is resolved, DDS will not issue you a new license, even if your old one was lost or stolen. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then replace your license using either the in-person or mail-in method, depending on whether your information has changed.

Timeline and What to Expect

The method you choose affects how quickly you get a usable license. In-person replacement gives you a temporary paper license the same day you visit a DDS office, which is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in replacement has no temporary license — you wait 2 to 3 weeks from the time DDS receives your form for your permanent card to arrive.

Processing times can vary depending on mail delivery and DDS workload. If you are mailing your request, allow extra time for your envelope to reach the Conyers office. If you need your license urgently, go in person. If your permanent card does not arrive within 14 days of your in-person visit, contact DDS to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have my Social Security number memorized?

Yes. Bring your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2, or any document that shows your number. If you do not have any of these, call your nearest DDS office before you go — they can tell you what other documents they will accept.

What if I moved to Georgia after my license was issued?

Your address has changed, so you must replace your license in person at a DDS office. Bring proof of your new Georgia address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your other documents.

Do I need to bring my old license if I still have it?

It helps but is not required. If you have it, bring it — it speeds up the process. If your license was stolen or you cannot find it, DDS can still issue a replacement without it.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent plastic card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary is a backup in case mail is slow.

Can I replace my license if it is damaged but still readable?

Yes. Bring the damaged license with you to a DDS office, or mail it in with your DL 44 form if your information has not changed. DDS will issue a replacement the same way as for a lost or stolen license.