Get a replacement license from the Georgia Department of Driver Services

To replace a lost driver's license in Georgia, 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 your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot replace your license by mail, phone, or online in Georgia. You must appear in person at a DDS office, even if your license was lost out of state. If you've moved since your last license was issued, you'll need to update your address at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to get a replacement license.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard driver's license, and you pay at the office when you explore.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to the police first, but reporting is not required to get a replacement.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of Georgia residency. Primary ID documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you don't have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents — ask the DDS office which combinations they accept, because the rules vary slightly by location.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current Georgia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail also works. If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord stating your move-in date is acceptable.

Bring the originals or certified copies. DDS offices do not accept photocopies, faxes, or photos of documents. If you're replacing a license because it was stolen, you don't need a police report to get a replacement, but you may want one for your records.

Finding your nearest DDS office and checking wait times

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. Use the DDS office locator on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website to find the office nearest you, see their hours, and check current wait times. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Atlanta and other large cities often have longer waits than rural locations.

You do not need an appointment. Walk-in service is available during posted hours, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. Some offices display real-time wait times on their websites or on a monitor outside the office.

The replacement fee and what it covers

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. Payment methods vary by office — most accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

The $32 fee covers the replacement license itself. If you're also updating your address, changing your name, or renewing your license at the same time, different fees may explore. Ask the DDS staff when you arrive whether any additional fees are needed for your situation.

Your temporary license and when your permanent one arrives

After you complete your process and photo at the DDS office, you'll receive a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid for 45 days. It has the same legal weight as a plastic license — police will accept it as proof of licensure.

Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided at the DDS office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the DDS office where you applied and provide your process number. They can check the status or reissue the license if it was lost in the mail.

If your license was stolen and you want to report it

Reporting a stolen license to police is optional but recommended. A police report creates a record that your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, which can protect you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud. You can file a report online through your local police department's website or in person at a police station.

You do not need a police report to get a replacement license from DDS. The DDS office will issue your replacement whether or not you've filed a report. If you do file a report, keep the report number for your records — you may need it if someone uses your stolen license number later.

Replacing your license if you've moved out of state

If you lost your Georgia license while living in another state, you still must visit a Georgia DDS office in person to get a replacement. You cannot mail in an process or work with a DDS office in your new state. If you're not planning to return to Georgia soon, you have two options: travel to Georgia to visit a DDS office, or wait until your next visit to Georgia to explore for a replacement.

If you've moved permanently to another state and no longer need a Georgia license, you can instead explore for a driver's license in your new state. Each state has its own process, and you'll need to surrender your Georgia license when you receive your new state's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you explore at the DDS office, and it's valid for driving when ready. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot pick up the permanent license at the office on the same day.

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

You can use a combination of secondary documents instead. These include a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a bank statement, or a school ID. Call your local DDS office to ask which combinations they accept, because the rules vary slightly by location.

Do I need to report my license stolen to the police before going to DDS?

No. You can get a replacement license without a police report. Reporting the theft is optional but recommended if you're concerned about fraud. You can file a report before or after you get your replacement license.

What if my replacement license doesn't arrive after two weeks?

Contact the DDS office where you applied with your process number. They can check whether the license was mailed and help you track it down. If it was lost in the mail, they can reissue it.

Can I change my address at the same time I get a replacement license?

Yes. Bring proof of your new address along with your other documents. The DDS office will update your address and issue your replacement license with the new address on it. There is no additional fee for an address change.