What you need to do right now if your Georgia license is lost

Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) in person or by phone to report your lost license and request a replacement. You can visit any DDS office, call 678-413-8400, or go online through the Georgia DDS website to start the replacement process. Georgia does not require you to file a police report for a lost license, though you may want one if the license was stolen and you're concerned about identity theft.

You'll need to bring a valid form of identification and proof of your Social Security number when you go in. The replacement license costs $32 and takes about 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DDS office that day.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit a Georgia DDS office in person or call 678-413-8400 to report your lost license and order a replacement.
  • Bring a valid ID and proof of your Social Security number; the replacement fee is $32.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, or you can request a temporary paper license to drive when ready.
  • If your license was stolen and you suspect fraud, file a police report and monitor your credit for unauthorized accounts.

Documents and ID you must bring to the DDS office

Georgia requires one valid form of identification when you explore for a replacement license. Acceptable forms include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or another state's driver's license. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your current address.

You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you've changed your name since your original license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

In-person replacement at a Georgia DDS office

Walk into any DDS office during business hours with your documents. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment. Tell the staff member that you're replacing a lost license, and they will hand you an process form (Form DL 44) to complete.

Fill out the form with your current information. The staff will take a new photo and process your replacement on the spot. You'll pay the $32 fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. At this point, ask for a temporary paper license if you need to drive before your replacement arrives. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for the permanent card.

Online and phone options for reporting your lost license

You can report your lost license through the Georgia DDS website without visiting an office, but you will still need to go in person to complete the replacement and pay the fee. The online report creates a record that your license is lost, which can help protect you if someone tries to use it fraudulently.

If you call 678-413-8400, a DDS representative can answer questions about what documents you need and help you locate the nearest office. However, you cannot complete the entire replacement process by phone — you must appear in person to provide your ID, have your photo taken, and pay the replacement fee.

Timeline and what to expect after you explore

Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. This timeline begins the day after you submit your process at the DDS office. If you requested a temporary paper license, use that to drive during this waiting period. The temporary license expires 30 days after it's issued, so if your permanent license hasn't arrived by then, return to a DDS office for another temporary.

If your replacement doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact DDS to confirm they have your correct mailing address. Mail delays can happen, especially during high-volume periods. DDS can reissue your license or investigate whether it was lost in transit.

What to do if your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. Give them the license number and date of birth on the license. This creates an official record that can help you if someone uses the license to commit fraud or open accounts in your name.

Monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent activity, place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the bureaus — they will notify the other two. Consider freezing your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened without your permission.

DDS office locations and hours in Georgia

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. The main Atlanta office is located at 959 East Confederate Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To find the office nearest you, visit the Georgia DDS website and use their office locator tool, or call 678-413-8400 for the address and hours of your local branch.

Some regional offices have different hours or may close for lunch. If you're traveling a distance, call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask about wait times. Offices tend to be busier on Mondays and Fridays, so visiting midweek may mean a shorter wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I report it lost?

You can get a temporary paper license the same day at any DDS office, which allows you to drive when ready. Your permanent replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need the permanent card faster, there is no expedited mail option through DDS, but you can request a second temporary license if the first one expires before your permanent arrives.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still contact the Georgia DDS to report it lost and order a replacement. You do not need to be in Georgia to start the process — you can call 678-413-8400 or use the online reporting tool. However, you will need to visit a Georgia DDS office in person to complete the replacement and pick up your temporary license.

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

Yes, Georgia charges the same $32 replacement fee whether your license was lost or stolen. There is no fee waiver for theft. However, if you file a police report, keep a copy for your records in case you need it for identity theft documentation later.

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

No, your replacement license will have a new number. Georgia issues a new license number with each replacement. Update any records that reference your old license number, such as your vehicle registration or insurance documents.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

Contact the Georgia DDS when ready with your new address so they can mail your replacement to the correct location. You can update your address by phone at 678-413-8400 or by visiting a DDS office in person. If your license is already in the mail and you can't update the address in time, you may need to request a second replacement sent to your new address.