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, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online — Georgia requires you to appear in person.

The replacement fee is $32 for a standard driver's license (as of 2024, though this may change). If your license was lost or stolen, you pay the same fee as a regular replacement. If it was damaged, the fee is also $32. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at any DDS office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a Georgia DDS office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Georgia address to replace a lost license.
  • Bring one document proving your identity (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate) and one document proving your address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • The replacement fee is $32, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
  • You'll 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 want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Documents you must bring to a DDS office

Georgia requires two types of documents: one for identity and one for your current address. You cannot use the same document for both.

For proof of identity, bring one of these:

  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Military ID (active duty or retired)
  • Certified birth certificate (not a hospital copy)
  • Naturalization or citizenship papers
  • Visa or travel document with your photo

For proof of current Georgia address, bring one of these dated within the last 60 days:

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet)
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Insurance policy (auto, home, or renters)
  • Government mail (tax return, court document, or benefits letter)

If you do not have a document dated within 60 days, you can bring an older document plus a notarized affidavit stating you live at that address. The DDS office can notarize this for you, though there may be an additional small fee.

Finding a DDS office near you and what to expect

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Georgia DDS website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 678-413-8400. Many offices operate by appointment only, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, so check ahead before you go.

Walk-ins are accepted at some locations during certain hours, but appointment slots often fill up weeks in advance. Booking an appointment online through the DDS website is faster than calling and guarantees you a time slot. If you cannot get an appointment soon, try offices in neighbouring counties — you do not have to use the office in your home county.

When you arrive, bring all your documents and your $32 fee. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works as your legal driver's license while you wait for the plastic card. Your replacement card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, whether to report it

Reporting a stolen license to police is not required to get a replacement, but it can be useful if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report creates an official record that your license was stolen, which may help if someone tries to use your information fraudulently.

You can file a report online through your local police department's website, by phone, or in person at a police station. You do not need a police report to replace your license at DDS — just bring your identity and address documents as usual. If you do file a report, keep a copy for your records, though you do not need to bring it to DDS.

What happens if your replacement card does not arrive

Your replacement card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact the Georgia DDS by phone at 678-413-8400 or visit the DDS website to check the status of your replacement.

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so if your card is delayed, you can still drive legally during that window. If you need to extend your temporary license beyond 30 days while waiting for the replacement, you can return to a DDS office and request an extension — staff can issue you another temporary license for an additional 30 days.

Replacing a license if you have changed your name or address

If you have changed your name since your lost license was issued, you will need to bring proof of the name change along with your identity and address documents. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The replacement fee remains $32.

If you have moved to a new address in Georgia, your proof of address document must show your current address. You do not need to update your address separately — the DDS will issue your replacement card with your new address printed on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost license without going to a DDS office in person?

No. Georgia requires you to appear in person at a DDS office to replace a lost license. You cannot do it by mail or online. However, you can make an appointment ahead of time to avoid waiting in line.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a military ID, naturalization papers, visa, or travel document with your photo. If you have none of these, you will need to obtain a certified birth certificate from the Georgia Vital Records office or the state where you were born before you can replace your driver's license.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. If your replacement card has not arrived by then and you still need to drive, return to a DDS office and ask for an extension — they can issue another temporary license for an additional 30 days.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No. A police report is not required to get a replacement at DDS. However, filing one creates an official record of the theft, which may help if someone tries to use your information fraudulently. You can file a report online or in person with your local police department.

What if my replacement card arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact the Georgia DDS when ready at 678-413-8400 or visit a DDS office. They will issue you a corrected replacement card at no additional charge if the error was made by DDS. If the card arrived damaged in the mail, bring it with you to the office.