What You Need to Do to Replace a Lost License in Georgia

To replace a lost driver's license in Georgia, you must visit a Georgia 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 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.

You cannot use a lost license as proof of identity to get a replacement license — you need a different form of ID. This is the most common mistake people make when they arrive at DDS unprepared. The sections below walk through exactly what documents to bring, which DDS office to visit, and what to expect during your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person; Georgia does not process lost license replacements by mail or online.
  • Bring a valid form of ID other than your lost license, plus one document proving your current Georgia address.
  • The replacement fee is $32, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.
  • DDS offices operate by appointment only; walk-ins are not accepted, so you must book a time slot before you go.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Documents You Must Bring to DDS

Georgia requires two categories of documents: one form of valid identity and one proof of your current address. You cannot use your lost license for either purpose.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a state ID from another state, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card (green card). A Social Security card alone is not enough. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a certified birth certificate plus one additional document with your name and date of birth, such as a school transcript or medical record.

For proof of current Georgia address, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government notice. A cell phone bill counts if it shows your address. A piece of mail from your employer or school does not count unless it also shows your address.

Bring the originals, not copies. DDS staff will examine them but will not keep them. If your address has changed since your lost license was issued, bring the proof of your new address; you do not need to bring proof of your old address.

How to Schedule and Attend Your DDS Appointment

Visit www.dds.ga.gov and click "Schedule an Appointment" to book a time slot at the DDS office nearest you. Georgia has DDS locations in most counties; the website shows all locations and their hours. You will select a date and time, and you will receive a confirmation number by email or text.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your documents. Bring your confirmation number or have it ready on your phone. The appointment process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. A DDS staff member will verify your identity and address, take a new photo, and process your replacement request. You will pay the $32 fee by card or cash.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal standing as a permanent card — you can drive with it, use it as ID, and present it to police. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive at the address you provide, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact DDS to check the status.

What Happens If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you have the option to file a police report, but it is not required to get a replacement. A police report can be useful if you are concerned about identity theft or if someone uses your stolen license information fraudulently.

To file a report, contact your local police department's non-emergency line or file a report online through your city or county website. You do not need a police report number to replace your license at DDS, but if you have one, you can mention it to the DDS staff member. If you believe your identity has been compromised, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

Fees and Payment Methods at Georgia DDS

The replacement fee for a standard driver's license in Georgia is $32. This is the same fee whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. DDS offices accept cash and all major credit and debit cards. They do not accept checks or payment plans.

If you are replacing a license that was damaged (torn, faded, or unreadable), the fee is also $32. If you are replacing a license and also renewing it at the same time — for example, if your license was lost and your renewal date is coming up — you will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee. The renewal fee for a standard license is $32, so the total would be $64.

Timeline: From Lost License to Driving Again

The timeline breaks down as follows: your DDS appointment takes about 20 minutes, and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases. If you need your replacement faster, there is no expedited mail option through DDS, but you can request a replacement card be mailed to a different address if you are moving or traveling.

If your permanent card does not arrive within 14 days, contact DDS by phone at 678-413-8400 or through the website to check the status. DDS can reissue a card if the first one was lost in the mail, though this requires another office visit and another $32 fee. Keep your temporary paper license until your permanent card arrives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is arriving at DDS with only your lost license as ID. You must bring a different form of valid identity. The second most common mistake is not booking an appointment in advance — DDS does not accept walk-ins, and showing up without a scheduled time will turn you away.

A third mistake is bringing a proof of address that is too old. Documents must be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and your utility bill is from your old address, bring a lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement showing your new address instead. Do not bring copies; bring originals, though DDS will not keep them.

Finally, do not assume you can renew your license at the same time you replace it without paying both fees. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it during the same appointment, but you will pay both the $32 replacement fee and the $32 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost Georgia license at a different state's DMV?

No. Georgia licenses can only be replaced through a Georgia DDS office. If you are out of state, you can schedule an appointment for when you return to Georgia, or you can ask a family member or trusted person to visit DDS on your behalf with a notarized power of attorney form. DDS can provide the power of attorney template on request.

What if I lost my license and I do not have any other form of ID?

You can bring a certified birth certificate plus one additional document with your name and date of birth, such as a school transcript, medical record, or Social Security statement. Contact your local DDS office before your appointment to confirm they have what you need on file or to ask what other documents they will accept.

Will my temporary paper license work for flying or crossing state lines?

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving in Georgia and for presenting to police. It is not accepted as federal ID for air travel or border crossings. For air travel, you will need a passport, passport card, or military ID. If you need to fly before your permanent card arrives, bring one of those documents instead.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you should receive it well before the temporary expires. If your permanent card does not arrive by day 45, contact DDS when ready.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

Reporting a lost license to police is optional and not required to get a replacement. If your license was stolen or you are concerned about identity theft, a police report can be useful. You can file a report through your local police department's non-emergency line or online portal.