What you need to do to replace a Georgia driver's license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Georgia driver's license, you must visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. Georgia does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or stolen licenses. You will pay a replacement fee (currently $32 for a standard license), receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license is damaged but still readable and you have it with you, some DDS offices will replace it on the same visit. If your license was stolen, you should report the theft to local police and bring the police report number or case number to the DDS office — this protects you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DDS office in person; there is no online or mail option for replacements in Georgia.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
- The replacement fee is $32 for a standard driver's license; you receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the case number to the DDS office to create a fraud alert on your record.
Documents to bring to the DDS office
Georgia requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of one of these: a valid U.S. passport, military ID, state ID from another state, certified birth certificate, or naturalization papers. A photo is not required on the residency document.
For proof of residency, bring an original document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. A utility bill is the fastest option because DDS staff recognize it when ready.
If you do not have a document in your name at your current address, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone who lives at that address and has a document proving it. This is slower and requires a notary, so avoid it if possible.
Finding a DDS office and making an appointment
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the official Georgia DDS website (dds.georgia.gov). Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments, especially in urban areas. You can schedule an appointment online through the same website or by calling the office directly.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Rural offices typically have shorter waits than Atlanta-area offices. If you need a replacement urgently, call ahead to ask about current wait times before you go. Some offices have morning or early-week slots with shorter queues.
What happens at the DDS office
When you arrive, bring all your documents to the counter. A DDS staff member will verify your identity and residency, check your driving record, and take a new photo (unless you have a valid photo ID from another state that is less than 5 years old and you choose to use that photo instead). You will sign the process form and pay the $32 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works for driving, employment, and age verification. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DDS office where you applied.
If your license was stolen or used fraudulently
File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office as soon as you know your license is stolen. You do not need to wait to file a report; you can do it online through many police departments' websites or in person at a station. Write down the case or report number.
Bring the police report number to the DDS office when you explore for your replacement. DDS will flag your record to alert law enforcement if someone tries to use your stolen license. If you discover that someone has used your license (for example, you receive a traffic ticket you did not get, or a store calls about a bad check), report that to the police as well and mention it to DDS staff when you explore for the replacement.
Replacement fees and payment methods
The standard replacement fee for a Georgia driver's license is $32. This fee applies whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You cannot pay by check or money order at the DDS office; payment must be cash, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may have ATMs on-site if you need cash.
If you are replacing a license that expired more than 2 years ago, you may be required to take a written test and vision test in addition to paying the replacement fee. If your license expired less than 2 years ago, you do not need to retake the tests.
Timeline and what to expect after you leave
You will have a valid temporary paper license the moment you leave the DDS office. This temporary is valid for 45 days and is accepted for driving, employment verification, and age identification. Keep it in a safe place until your permanent card arrives.
Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before it arrives, contact DDS to update your address. If your card does not arrive within 14 days, call the DDS office where you applied and provide your process receipt number. They can check the status and remail the card if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Georgia requires you to appear in person at a DDS office with proof of identity and residency. There is no mail-in or online replacement option for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses.
What if I do not have a document showing my current address?
You can bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone who lives at your address and has a document proving it. This takes longer because you must find a notary first. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement is faster if you can obtain one.
Is my temporary paper license valid for driving?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and works for driving, employment, and age verification. Keep it with you while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.
What if my permanent license does not arrive after two weeks?
Contact the DDS office where you applied with your process receipt number. They can check whether the card was mailed and remail it if necessary. Delays sometimes occur, but two weeks is the outer edge of normal.
Do I need to retake the written and vision tests to replace my license?
Only if your license expired more than 2 years ago. If your license expired less than 2 years ago, you do not need to retake any tests — you only pay the replacement fee and provide new documents.