What You Need to Do Right Now

If your Georgia driver's license is lost, you need to visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. Georgia does not issue replacement licenses by mail. You will pay a fee (currently $32 for a standard replacement), receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and the permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online or by phone if your license is lost — the DDS requires you to appear in person so they can verify your identity against their records.

The entire process takes one visit to a DDS office plus waiting for mail delivery. Most people complete the in-person part in 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will drive legally on the temporary paper license from the moment you leave the office, so you do not need to wait for the plastic card to arrive before you can use your license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person with a valid ID document and proof of your current Georgia address; no online or mail-in replacement is available.
  • Bring one primary ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license) and one proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • The replacement fee is $32 and you receive a temporary paper license when ready; the plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may report it to the DDS at the time of replacement, but you do not need a police report to get a new one.
  • Check the DDS website for your nearest office location and current wait times before you go, as some locations fill up by mid-morning.

Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office

Georgia requires one primary form of identification and one proof of residency. Your primary ID must be valid and government-issued. Acceptable primary IDs include a U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or an out-of-state driver's license. A school ID, work ID, or expired license will not work as your primary document.

For proof of residency, bring an original document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Georgia address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail with your address all work. A post office change-of-address form does not count. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus the utility bill.

If you have changed your name since your lost license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS will not accept a photocopy.

Step-by-Step Process at the DDS Office

Arrive at your local DDS office during business hours with your documents. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Check the DDS office locator on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours before you go.

When you arrive, take a number or check in at the counter. Tell the staff member that you need to replace a lost license. Hand over your primary ID and proof of residency. The staff will verify your information in the DDS system, take a new photo (unless you have a valid photo on file from a recent renewal), and process your replacement. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

You will pay the $32 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. The DDS will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot — this is valid for driving when ready and is good until your permanent card arrives. Keep this paper license with you while you drive. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

What Happens If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you can report it to the DDS at the time you request the replacement. You do not need a police report to get a new license — the DDS does not require one. However, if you want a record of the theft for your own protection (in case someone tries to use your stolen license), you can file a report with the police department in the city or county where the theft occurred. This is optional and does not speed up your replacement.

Some people report a stolen license to protect themselves against identity theft. If you are concerned about fraud, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This is a separate step from replacing your license and is not handled by the DDS. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Temporary License and Mailing Timeline

The temporary paper license you receive at the DDS office is a valid form of identification for driving in Georgia. It has the same legal weight as your permanent license and will not expire before your plastic card arrives. You must carry this paper license with you whenever you drive — it is not optional. If you lose the temporary license before the permanent one arrives, you will need to return to a DDS office and pay another $32 replacement fee.

The permanent plastic license is mailed to the address currently on file with the DDS. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. If you do not receive your license within 15 business days, contact the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 to report it. Do not assume it is lost — mail delays happen, especially during high-volume periods. The DDS can check the status of your replacement and reissue it if necessary.

DDS Office Locations and Wait Times

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. The busiest locations are in Atlanta, Marietta, and other major cities, and these often have the longest wait times. Mid-morning (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and early afternoon (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) are typically the busiest times. If you can visit early in the morning (right when the office opens at 8 a.m.) or late in the afternoon (after 3 p.m.), you will usually wait less.

The DDS website includes an office locator tool where you can enter your county or city and see all nearby locations, their hours, and current wait times. Some offices update wait times in real time. If your nearest office has a long wait, you can drive to a less busy location in a neighboring county — your residency address does not have to match the office you visit. Rural and smaller-city DDS offices typically have shorter waits than urban ones.

Fees and Payment Methods

The replacement fee for a lost Georgia driver's license is $32. This is a flat rate and does not vary based on your age, license class, or how long you have held your license. The DDS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). Some offices may accept checks, but this is not may provide — call ahead if you plan to pay by check.

If you are replacing a license that was lost and also need to renew it because it has expired or is about to expire, you will pay both fees: $32 for the replacement and the renewal fee (which varies by license type and age). A standard Class D license renewal costs $32. If you are unsure whether your license needs renewal, the DDS staff can tell you when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement 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 this by mail, phone, or online. The DDS must verify your identity against their records and take a new photo, which requires your physical presence.

What if I don't have a utility bill or lease for proof of residency?

You can use a bank or credit card statement, mortgage statement, government mail (tax forms, voter registration card), or insurance documents dated within 60 days. If none of these are available, a signed letter from someone who lives with you (confirming you live there) plus their utility bill also works. Call the DDS at 678-413-8400 if you are unsure whether a specific document will be accepted.

How long does the permanent license take to arrive in the mail?

Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. If you do not receive it within 15 business days, contact the DDS to report it. Do not assume it is lost — mail delays are common. The DDS can check the status and reissue if needed.

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

No. The DDS does not require a police report to issue a replacement. You can report the theft to police if you want a record for your own protection, but this is optional and does not affect your replacement process.

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?

Yes. Your temporary paper Georgia license is valid for driving in all 50 states while you wait for your permanent card. It is a legal form of identification and has the same driving authority as your plastic license.