Get a replacement license at your local Georgia DDS office with your ID and a completed form

To replace a lost driver's license in Georgia, you need to visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, bring proof of identity, and complete form T-14 (process for Replacement License). The office will take a new photo, charge you a replacement fee (currently $32 for a standard license), and issue your replacement on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on which service you choose.

You cannot replace a lost Georgia license by mail or online. You must appear in person at a DDS office. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the same visit, though this is not may provide and depends on the office's policies.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with a valid ID and form T-14 to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, and you can receive it the same day or by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • A temporary paper license may be available at some offices if you need to drive when ready, but this is not may provide.
  • Your replacement license will have a new expiration date five years from the issue date, even if your original license had longer remaining.

What ID you need to bring to the DDS office

Georgia requires one form of valid government-issued photo ID to replace your license. This can be a passport, military ID, state ID card, or another government-issued photo ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of non-photo documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days).

Bring the original documents, not copies. The DDS office staff will verify your identity before issuing a replacement. If you lost your ID along with your license, contact the issuing agency for that ID first—for example, if you lost your passport, you will need to replace that through the U.S. State Department before you can use it at DDS.

How to find your nearest DDS office and check wait times

Georgia DDS operates offices in every county. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. The website has a location finder tool where you enter your county or city and see all nearby offices, their hours, and real-time wait times.

Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Urban offices like those in Atlanta, Fulton County, and DeKalb County often have longer waits, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. Rural offices typically move faster. If your local office has a long wait, you can visit an office in a neighboring county—Georgia does not restrict you to your home county office. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can save you from waiting in line.

Completing form T-14 before you go

Form T-14 (process for Replacement License) is available on the Georgia DDS website as a PDF read. You can fill it out at home before your visit, which will speed up the process at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged).

You can also fill out the form at the DDS office if you prefer, but this adds time to your visit. Bring the completed form with you, or arrive early enough to complete it on-site. The form is straightforward and takes about five minutes to finish.

Same-day versus mailed replacement and how long each takes

Georgia DDS offers two ways to receive your replacement license. If you choose same-day service, you will receive your new license before you leave the office. This costs the standard $32 replacement fee and is available at most offices, though some rural locations may not offer it—call ahead to confirm.

If you choose mail delivery, your license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. This costs the same $32 fee. Mail delivery is useful if you do not need to drive when ready, but it means you will be without a license for up to two weeks. If you choose mail delivery and then need your license sooner, you can return to the DDS office and pay an additional fee to switch to same-day service.

Temporary paper licenses and when they are available

Some Georgia DDS offices issue temporary paper licenses on the spot if you need to drive before your replacement arrives. A temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent replacement is being processed or mailed. However, this service is not available at all offices and is not may provide—it depends on the individual office's policy and staffing.

Call your local DDS office before your visit and ask whether they issue temporary licenses. If they do, bring an extra form T-14 or ask the staff to provide one. If your office does not offer temporary licenses and you need to drive when ready, your only option is to choose same-day service for your permanent replacement.

What happens to your old license and how to report it stolen

When you report your license as lost or stolen at the DDS office, the staff will deactivate it in the system. This means the old license cannot be used to drive or as proof of identity. If you believe your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you can also file a report with the police department in the county where the theft occurred. This creates an official record in case the license is used fraudulently.

You do not need a police report to replace your license at DDS—straightforward telling the staff that it was stolen is enough. However, if you are concerned about identity theft, a police report gives you documentation for your records and for credit monitoring services if you choose to use them.

Your new license expiration date and renewal timeline

Your replacement license will be valid for five years from the date it is issued, regardless of when your original license was set to expire. For example, if your original license was expiring in two years, your replacement will still expire five years from the replacement date. This means you will need to renew your license sooner than you would have if you had not lost it.

Mark your calendar with the new expiration date on your replacement license. Georgia sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before expiration, but it is your responsibility to renew on time. Driving with an expired license is illegal, even if you are waiting for your renewal to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Georgia requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before you can replace your license. Contact your local Social Security office or visit ssa.gov for information on how the process works.

What if I lost my license and I am not sure where it is?

You can report it as lost at the DDS office, and the staff will deactivate it in the system. If you find it later, you can bring it back to DDS and they will reactivate it, or you can straightforward destroy it. There is no penalty for reporting a license lost and then finding it.

Do I need to take a new photo and vision test for my replacement?

Yes, you will have a new photo taken at the DDS office. You will also take a vision test as part of the replacement process. If you fail the vision test, you will not receive your replacement until you correct the vision problem (with glasses or contacts) or obtain a medical waiver from an eye doctor.

How much does a replacement license cost if I need it mailed?

A mailed replacement costs $32, the same as a same-day replacement. There is no additional charge for mail delivery. If you later decide you need it sooner and return to the office to switch to same-day service, you will pay an additional fee for the expedited service.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Georgia requires you to be present in person to receive your replacement license, even if someone else is authorized to act on your behalf. You must appear at the DDS office yourself to collect your license on the day it is issued.