You can replace a lost Georgia driver's license online through the DDS website, but only if your license is not suspended and you have a valid email address

Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you order a replacement license online at dds.georgia.gov without visiting an office. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $32, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot use the online method if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information on the card itself — those require an in-person visit.

The online replacement is for the physical card only. If you lost your license and need to drive when ready, you have two other options: get a temporary paper permit in person at a DDS office the same day, or use your phone's digital ID if you have already added your Georgia license to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's online replacement service costs $32 and works only if your license is valid and not suspended.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address to complete the order online.
  • Your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can get a temporary paper permit at a DDS office the same day.
  • Address changes, name corrections, and other updates to your license information require an in-person visit, not an online order.

What You Need Before You Start the Online Order

Gather these items before you log into the DDS website: your Social Security number, your date of birth, and the email address where you want DDS to send your order confirmation. You will also need to know your Georgia driver's license number if you have it, though DDS can look it up using your name and date of birth if you do not.

Check your license status before ordering. If your license is suspended, revoked, or has an active hold, the online system will reject your order. You can check your status on the DDS website under "License Status Inquiry" — it takes 30 seconds. If your license has a problem, you must visit a DDS office in person to resolve it before you can order a replacement.

The Step-by-Step Process to Order Online

Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "Order a Replacement License" link on the homepage. Click it and select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License." You will be taken to a form that asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address. Fill in each field exactly as it appears on your current or most recent Georgia license.

Next, you will choose your payment method. DDS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Enter your card information and the $32 fee will be charged when ready. After payment, you will see a confirmation number on the screen — write it down or take a screenshot. DDS will also email a confirmation to the address you provided.

That is the entire process. You do not need to upload a photo, sign anything, or provide additional documents. Your order is complete, and your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file with DDS within 7 to 10 business days.

What Happens If Your Address Has Changed

If you have moved since your license was issued, you cannot update your address through the online replacement system. The replacement card will be mailed to the address DDS has on file. You have two choices: either visit a DDS office to update your address and order a replacement in person, or order the replacement online now and then visit an office later to change your address.

Changing your address at a DDS office costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes. You will need a proof of residency document — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you choose to update your address later, your replacement license will arrive at your old address first, and you can forward it or request a new one once your address is corrected in the system.

Getting a Temporary Permit While You Wait

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit any DDS office and ask for a temporary paper permit. This is a printed document that serves as a valid license for 30 days. You will need to bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of your current address. The temporary permit costs $5 and is issued the same day.

The temporary permit is valid for driving, but it is not a replacement for your license — it expires after 30 days. Your mailed replacement license should arrive before then. If it does not, you can get another temporary permit or visit an office to order a new replacement in person.

Using Your Digital License While Your Replacement Is in the Mail

If you have already added your Georgia driver's license to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on your phone, you can use that digital version to drive legally while waiting for your replacement card. The digital license is accepted by law enforcement in Georgia and works the same way as your physical card — you just show your phone instead.

To add your license to your phone, open Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and select "Add a Driver's License." Follow the prompts to take a photo of your license and a selfie. The process takes about 5 minutes. Once approved, your digital license appears in your wallet and you can use it when ready. This is the fastest way to keep driving if you have lost your physical card and do not want to wait for the mail or visit an office.

When You Cannot Use the Online System

The online replacement option is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or has any active holds or restrictions. It also does not work if you need to change your name, address, or other information printed on the card. In those cases, you must visit a DDS office in person.

You also cannot use the online system if you have never held a Georgia license or if your license has been expired for more than five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to take the written test and vision test again at an office. Call DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm your situation before making a trip.

Tracking Your Replacement License and What to Do If It Does Not Arrive

DDS does not offer online tracking for replacement licenses ordered through the website. Your confirmation email will tell you to expect delivery in 7 to 10 business days, but there is no way to check the status after that. If your license does not arrive within 12 business days, contact DDS at 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number.

If your replacement license is lost in the mail, DDS can issue a stop payment on the original order and issue you a new one. You will need to pay the $32 fee again. To avoid this, consider having the mail held at your local post office if you are not home during the delivery window, or use a mail forwarding service if you have recently moved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up my replacement license at a DDS office instead of waiting for it in the mail?

No. The online replacement system only offers mail delivery. If you need your license faster, visit a DDS office in person to order a replacement — you can pick it up the same day or within 24 hours depending on the office. The in-person replacement also costs $32.

What if I do not have my Social Security number memorized?

You will need your Social Security number to complete the online order. If you do not have it, you can visit a DDS office instead and bring a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form. The office staff can look it up for you.

Will the online replacement work if my license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines?

No. You cannot order a replacement online if your license is suspended for any reason. You must visit a DDS office, pay the outstanding fines or resolve the suspension, and then order your replacement. Call 678-413-8400 to find out what you owe and how to clear the suspension.

Can I order a replacement for someone else online?

No. The person whose license was lost must place the order themselves using their own Social Security number and email address. A family member or friend cannot order it for them, even with permission.

How long does the $32 charge take to appear on my credit card?

The charge is processed when ready when you submit your order, but it may take 1 to 3 business days to appear on your statement depending on your bank. Your confirmation email will show the charge was successful, so you do not need to wait to see it on your card to know the order went through.