What you need to do right now

To replace a lost driver's license in Georgia, you'll visit your local Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you explore. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is lost — you must appear in person.

Georgia does not issue temporary paper licenses while you wait, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your replacement arrives. If you need to drive when ready, some offices can issue a temporary driving permit on the spot, though this is not may provide at every location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Driver Services office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Georgia address.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, and you'll pay at the office when you explore.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; there is no way to speed this up.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the DDS office whether they can issue a temporary permit on the day you explore.
  • You can find your nearest DDS office and check wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one form of valid government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you don't have a photo ID, you can bring two documents from the DDS's secondary list, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill in your name.

You also need proof that you live in Georgia right now. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will work. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and your ID doesn't match your current address, bring both your old address document and your new one.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You'll need it to complete the process. If you've lost your Social Security card, you can still explore — just know the number.

The replacement fee and payment

A standard Georgia driver's license replacement costs $32. You pay this fee at the DDS office when you submit your process — they do not accept payment online or by mail. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card; all three are accepted at DDS offices.

If your license was stolen and you want to report it to the police, do that before or after your DDS visit — it doesn't affect the replacement process or the fee. Some people report the theft to their bank or credit card company if they're concerned about identity theft, but that's separate from replacing the license itself.

How to find your nearest DDS office and avoid long waits

Visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and use their office locator tool to find the DDS office closest to you. The site also shows real-time wait times at each location, updated throughout the day. Check wait times before you leave home — some offices are consistently busier than others, and you may save an hour by going to a different location.

DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours for your specific office. Arrive early in the morning or mid-afternoon if you want to avoid the lunch rush.

You do not need an appointment to replace a lost license — you walk in and take a number. However, some DDS offices now offer online appointment scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if you can reserve a time slot before you go.

What happens when you arrive at the DDS office

Hand your documents to the clerk at the counter. They'll verify your identity and residency, check your Social Security number against their records, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. Tell them your license is lost so they can flag it in the system and prevent someone else from using it.

You'll be asked to sit for a new photo. Wear something you're comfortable in — the photo rules are the same as for a new license. No hats, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face. If you wear glasses, you can wear them in the photo.

After your photo is taken, you'll pay the $32 fee and receive a receipt. The receipt shows your process number and the expected delivery date for your new license. Keep this receipt until your license arrives.

When your new license will arrive

Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DDS office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the day you explore. This timeline cannot be expedited — there is no rush or overnight option for lost license replacements in Georgia.

If your license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the DDS office where you applied. Bring your receipt and they can check the status of your process. Delays are rare, but they do happen occasionally with mail delivery.

Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one if you find it later. You cannot use both, and having two licenses in circulation can cause problems with law enforcement or when you're asked to show ID.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives

Ask the DDS clerk on the day you explore whether they can issue a temporary driving permit. Some offices can print one on the spot; others cannot. If they can, the permit will be valid for 30 days and will allow you to drive while you wait for your permanent license. This is not may provide — it depends on your local office's procedures.

If the office cannot issue a temporary permit, you have two options: wait for your replacement license to arrive, or contact the Georgia State Patrol to request a temporary permit by mail. The State Patrol process takes longer than the DDS office process, so it's usually not worth pursuing if you can wait a week or two.

Do not drive without a valid license or permit, even if you're waiting for your replacement. If you're stopped by police, you'll face a citation for driving without a license, which is separate from the cost of replacing the lost one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license at any DDS office, or does it have to be the one in my county?

You can go to any DDS office in Georgia, regardless of which county you live in. However, you must bring proof of your current Georgia address. If you live in one county and go to an office in another, bring your address proof with you.

What if I lost my license while traveling out of state?

You'll need to return to Georgia to replace it in person. You cannot replace a Georgia license at a DDS office in another state. If you're stranded without ID, contact your local DDS office by phone to ask about temporary options, though they are limited.

Do I have to pay the $32 fee if my license was stolen?

Yes, the replacement fee is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. Reporting the theft to police does not waive the fee. However, if you believe your identity has been compromised, you may want to place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, which is a separate process from replacing your license.

Will my new license have the same number as my old one?

No, your replacement license will have a new number. This is normal and expected. Update any records that reference your old license number — your employer, your bank, or any other organization that has it on file.

What if I move to a different address before my replacement arrives?

Your license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DDS office. If you move before it arrives, contact the DDS office with your new address and they can remail it. Alternatively, you can wait for it to arrive at your old address and have the person living there forward it to you, or pick it up in person if you can access the old address.