How to replace your Georgia driver license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Georgia driver license, you will need to visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. You cannot renew or replace your license online or by mail — Georgia requires you to appear at a DDS location. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
The replacement fee is $32 for a standard driver license (as of the most recent update, though fees can change). If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement. If your license was damaged but you still have it, bring it with you — the DDS staff will take it and destroy it before issuing the new one.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person; there is no online or mail-in replacement option.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of Georgia residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and $32 in cash or card.
- You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your plastic replacement card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report for your records, though it is not required to obtain a replacement.
Documents you need to bring to the DDS office
Georgia requires two types of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or state ID from another state. If you do not have a government photo ID, you can bring two documents from a list that includes a birth certificate, Social Security card, or school ID.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A piece of mail from your employer or school with your name and address also works. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring what you have and explain the situation to the DDS staff — they may be able to work with you.
Bring the $32 replacement fee in cash or card. If your original license was damaged and you still have it, bring it so the staff can destroy it. If it was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring anything — just tell the staff what happened.
Finding a Georgia DDS office near you
Georgia has DDS locations in most counties. You can find the office closest to you by visiting the Georgia DDS website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 678-413-8400. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.
You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some locations now offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time. If your local office offers appointments, booking one ahead of time is worth doing, especially if you are going during a busy time like lunch hour or late afternoon.
What happens when you arrive at the DDS office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and let staff know you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You will be asked to fill out a short form (the DL 44 or similar) with your personal information. Bring your documents to the counter when called. The staff will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo of you, and process your replacement.
The entire process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Once your replacement is processed, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license — you can use it to drive, as proof of identity, and for any other purpose. Your new plastic card will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If the address on your old license is no longer correct, tell the DDS staff before they process your replacement. They can update your address so your new license and any mail from DDS go to the right place.
If your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to file a police report. This creates an official record and can help protect you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud. However, a police report is not required to get a replacement from the DDS — you can replace your license without one.
If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your license but can add a layer of protection if your personal information was compromised.
What to do if your replacement license does not arrive
Your new plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of your visit to the DDS office. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to check the status. Have your temporary paper license handy when you call — the staff will ask for your license number to look up your replacement.
If your replacement license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, you can return to any DDS office with the damaged card and your temporary license to request a correction. Corrections are usually processed on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my Georgia license if I am not a Georgia resident?
No. To replace a Georgia license, you must be a Georgia resident and provide proof of residency. If you have moved out of Georgia, you will need to get a license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Georgia license to any DDS office, or straightforward let it expire.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You will still need to replace it at a Georgia DDS office in person. If you are traveling and cannot get back to Georgia soon, your temporary paper license is valid nationwide and can be used to drive and as proof of identity. Once you return to Georgia, visit a DDS office to pick up your replacement plastic card or request a new one.
Do I need a police report to replace my stolen license?
No. A police report is not required by the DDS to issue a replacement. However, filing one creates an official record and can help if you are concerned about identity theft or fraud. You can file a report with your local police department before or after you replace your license.
How long is my temporary paper license good for?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. During this time, it has the same legal status as a plastic license and can be used to drive and as proof of identity. Your plastic replacement should arrive before the 30 days are up, but if it does not, contact the DDS to check the status.
Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Georgia DDS to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it before attempting a replacement.