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, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. Georgia does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or stolen licenses. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.

If your license was stolen, you should also file a police report and provide the report number to DDS when you explore. This protects you against identity theft and creates an official record. If your license was damaged but you still have it, bring it with you to the DDS office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DDS office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Georgia address to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard driver's license and $37 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you must pay in cash, debit, or credit 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, bring a police report number to the DDS office to document the theft.
  • You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time.

Documents you must bring to the DDS office

Bring one form of primary identification that shows your current legal name. Acceptable documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a naturalization certificate. If you do not have any of these, you may bring two forms of secondary identification instead, such as a Social Security card, a school ID, a work ID, or a bank statement with your name on it.

You also need proof of your current Georgia address. This can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government check or tax document dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The name on the address document must match the name on your primary ID.

If your license was stolen, bring the police report number or a copy of the police report itself. If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card with you. You do not need to bring your Social Security card, though you will need to know your Social Security number.

Where to go and how to find an office near you

Georgia has 73 DDS offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the DDS website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 678-413-8400. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. A few offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m.

You do not need an appointment to visit a DDS office, but you can schedule one online through the DDS website to skip the walk-in line. Appointments are free and can reduce your wait time from 30 minutes to an hour down to just 15 or 20 minutes. If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon to avoid peak times.

The replacement fee and payment methods

A standard Georgia driver's license replacement costs $32. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead—which is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building—the fee is $37. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are valid for the same eight-year period as a standard license.

DDS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders. If you are replacing a license that was damaged or defaced, the fee is the same as a standard replacement. If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that issue with DDS before you can get a replacement.

What happens after you pay and have your photo taken

Once you have submitted your documents and paid the fee, a DDS staff member will take a new photo of you for your replacement license. You will then receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal standing as your plastic card—you can drive with it, show it as ID, and use it for any purpose a regular license serves.

Your permanent plastic replacement card will be mailed to the address you provided at the DDS office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid, so destroy it or keep it as a record. Your new plastic license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your Georgia driver's license was suspended or revoked—for example, due to unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, or failure to pay child support—you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation with DDS or the relevant court or agency.

Contact DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Only after the suspension or revocation is lifted can you replace your license at a DDS office.

Real ID versus standard license: which one to choose

A Real ID-compliant license costs $5 more than a standard license ($37 versus $32) but is required if you plan to fly domestically, enter a federal building, or access a military base. A standard Georgia driver's license is sufficient for driving and most everyday identification purposes. If you are unsure whether you need Real ID, consider whether you fly or visit federal buildings regularly.

Both types of licenses are valid for eight years and are replaced using the same process. The only difference is the gold star on the Real ID card and the additional documents DDS verifies when you explore. If you choose a standard license now and later need Real ID, you can upgrade to a Real ID license at any DDS office by paying the $5 difference and providing the same documents again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Georgia requires you to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license in person at a DDS office. You must bring original documents and have a new photo taken. Online and mail-in replacements are not available for lost or stolen licenses.

How long does it take to get my replacement license in the mail?

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after you leave the DDS office. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license remains valid until your plastic card arrives, so you can drive and use it as ID during that time.

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

You can bring two forms of secondary identification instead, such as a Social Security card, school ID, work ID, or bank statement. Both documents must show your name. Call DDS at 678-413-8400 if you are unsure whether your documents will be accepted.

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

You do not need a police report to replace your license, but filing one is recommended to protect yourself against identity theft. If you have a police report number, bring it to the DDS office so the theft is documented in your file.

Can I schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting?

Yes. You can schedule a free appointment through the DDS website. Appointments typically reduce wait times to 15 or 20 minutes compared to 30 minutes to an hour for walk-ins. Appointments are available at most DDS offices during regular business hours.