What you need to do to replace a lost Georgia driver's license

To replace a lost Georgia driver's license, you visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. You cannot replace it by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Georgia does not issue a replacement license without a visit to a DDS office. You must bring original documents — not copies — and you must be present. If you cannot visit an office yourself, someone else cannot go on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with an original form of ID and proof of your current address to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations offer extended hours or Saturday appointments — check the DDS website for your nearest office.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to replace it.

Documents you must bring to the DDS office

Bring one original form of government-issued photo ID. This can be a passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card. A photocopy does not work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card, but the process takes longer because DDS will verify these documents with the issuing agencies.

You also need proof of your current Georgia address. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of Georgia residency, even if it shows a Georgia address.

Bring your Social Security number or your Social Security card. You do not need to bring the physical card if you know the number, but having it with you speeds up the process.

The replacement fee and what it covers

The replacement fee for a standard Georgia driver's license is $32. This is the fee as of 2024; fees can change, so check the DDS website before you visit to confirm the current amount. You pay in cash, by debit card, or by credit card at the office.

The $32 fee covers a license valid for eight years from the date you receive it. If you are under 21, your license expires when you turn 21, so the fee is the same but the card lasts a shorter time. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license — one that meets federal standards for air travel and federal building access — there is no additional fee; you straightforward tell the DDS employee you want REAL ID compliance, and they process it the same way.

Finding a DDS office near you and what to expect

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. The fastest way to find your nearest office is to visit the Georgia DDS website and use their office locator tool. You can search by county or city. The website shows hours, phone numbers, and whether the office takes walk-ins or requires an appointment.

Most DDS offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check online before you go, because hours vary by location. Some offices are busier than others; visiting early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk, give them your documents, and wait to be called. The employee will take your photo, verify your information, collect your fee, and print your temporary paper license. Keep this temporary license with you — it is valid for 30 days and counts as proof of your license while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.

Your temporary license and when your new card arrives

The temporary paper license you receive at the DDS office is valid for 30 days. It is a legal form of identification and satisfies the requirement to carry your license while driving. You can use it to drive, board a domestic flight, or enter a federal building during those 30 days.

Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to the address you provided at the DDS office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DDS office where you applied and provide your receipt number.

If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you can report it to your local police department. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently, but it is not required to replace your license. The DDS does not need a police report to issue a replacement.

If you believe someone has used your lost or stolen license, contact the Georgia DDS directly and ask to speak with someone about potential fraud. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to monitor for identity theft. These steps are separate from replacing your license but worth taking if you are concerned about misuse.

What to do if you cannot visit a DDS office in person

Georgia does not allow someone else to pick up a replacement license on your behalf. You must be present at the DDS office yourself. If you are unable to travel to an office due to a disability or medical condition, contact the DDS office in your county and ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for you to complete the process with information, or they may be able to direct you to a closer location.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Georgia to replace your license. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so if you will be back within that time, you can use it to drive in the meantime. If you are moving out of Georgia permanently, you do not need to replace your Georgia license — you can get a license in your new state instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Georgia requires you to visit a DDS office in person. You cannot replace a lost license online, by mail, or through any third-party service. You must bring original documents and have your photo taken at the office.

How long does the replacement take from start to finish?

The office visit takes about 30 minutes. You receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. In total, the process is complete within two weeks.

What if I lost my license while traveling and I am not in Georgia right now?

You can drive with your temporary paper license for 30 days, so if you will be back in Georgia within that time, you can wait. If you need a license before you return, you can visit a DDS office in another state, but they cannot issue a Georgia license — you would have to get a license in that state instead.

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

No. You do not need a police report to replace your license at the DDS. However, filing a police report creates a record if someone tries to use your stolen license, which can help protect you from fraud.

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

Yes. Your replacement license will have the same driver's license number as your lost license. The number stays with you for life in Georgia unless you request a new number for privacy or safety reasons.