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

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Georgia driver's license, you'll visit your local Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot replace your license by mail or online in Georgia — you must appear in person. This is true whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, but that's separate from the replacement process at DDS.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and proof of Georgia residency to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, and you'll pay at the DDS office when you explore.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report and contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to place a fraud alert.
  • You can find your nearest DDS office and check wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go.

Documents you need to bring to the DDS office

Bring one form of primary identification — your passport, military ID, or birth certificate. If you don't have a passport or military ID, a certified copy of your birth certificate works. You'll also need one form of proof of Georgia residency dated within the last 60 days: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Georgia address.

If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You do not need to bring your old license if it's lost or stolen, but if it's damaged, bring it with you.

Bring your current vehicle registration if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If you're under 18, bring a parent or guardian with valid ID.

Where to go and how to find your nearest office

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. The main Atlanta office is at 959 East Confederate Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, but you can visit any DDS location in the state — you don't have to go to the one in your county. Visit the Georgia DDS website and use their office locator tool to find the address, phone number, and current wait times for offices near you.

Some offices are busier than others. If you check the website before you go, you can see estimated wait times and choose a less crowded location or time of day. Many offices are less busy on weekday mornings and mid-week. Call ahead if you want to confirm they have the documents you're bringing or if you have questions about your specific situation.

The replacement fee and payment methods

The replacement fee for a standard Georgia driver's license is $32. You pay this fee at the DDS office when you submit your process. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — check with your specific office if you want to confirm payment methods before you arrive.

If you're replacing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. Ask at your local DDS office for the exact amount, as CDL fees vary depending on the type of endorsement you hold.

What happens after you submit your process

After you complete your process and have your photo taken, you'll receive a temporary paper license before you leave the office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification while you wait for your plastic card. Keep it with you — you'll need to show it if you're stopped by police.

Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the DDS office where you applied. If your address changes before the card arrives, you can update it on the Georgia DDS website or call the office to have the card reissued to your new address.

If your license was stolen and you're concerned about fraud

File a police report with your local police department and keep a copy for your records. Then contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place an alert by calling one bureau and they will notify the other two.

You can also place a credit freeze, which is stronger protection than a fraud alert. A freeze blocks creditors from accessing your credit file entirely unless you temporarily lift it. Both fraud alerts and credit freezes are free. Consider monitoring your credit reports for the next year to catch any unauthorized accounts. You can view your credit reports for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com.

Replacing a damaged license

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can still use it until you replace it. Bring the damaged card with you to the DDS office along with your other documents. The office will take it and issue you a replacement. Damage that makes a license unreadable — water damage, torn barcode, faded photo — is grounds for replacement at the standard $32 fee.

You don't need to explain how the damage happened or provide proof of the damage. straightforward bring the card and your documents, and the DDS staff will assess whether it qualifies for replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

No. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that's valid for 30 days, but your permanent plastic card is mailed to you and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license can be used for driving and identification during that time.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Georgia Vital Records office or the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you cannot replace your license without primary ID. If you have a military ID, that works as an alternative.

Do I need to take a new written or road test to replace my license?

No. A replacement is not a renewal or retest. You straightforward pay the fee, provide your documents, have a new photo taken, and receive a new card. You only take tests if your license has expired and you're renewing it, or if you're changing the class or type of license.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new Georgia address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The DDS will update your address during the replacement process, and your new license will show your current address.

How long is a replacement license valid?

Your replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license didn't expire for five more years, your replacement is also valid for five years from the date you receive it. Check your temporary paper license to see the expiration date.