The fastest way to check your Georgia license status

Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you check your license status through their online portal or by phone. The online method takes about two minutes and shows you whether your license is valid, suspended, or expired. You'll need your driver license number or Social Security number to look it up.

If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. They're available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your license number or Social Security number ready when you call.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's online license status checker is available 24/7 at the DDS website and requires only your license number or Social Security number.
  • A phone call to DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400 takes about 10 minutes and works during business hours Monday through Friday.
  • Your status will show as valid, suspended, revoked, or expired, and the system explains why if there's a problem.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, the status page tells you what caused it and what steps you need to take to restore it.

Checking your status online through the DDS website

Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "License Status" or "Check License Status" link on the homepage. Click it to open the status checker tool. You'll see two boxes: one for your driver license number and one for your Social Security number. You only need to fill in one of them.

Enter the information and click the search button. The system will return your status within seconds. If your license is valid, you'll see the expiration date. If there's a problem — suspension, revocation, or expiration — the page will tell you the reason and often what you need to do to fix it.

The online tool works any time of day or night, including weekends and holidays. There's no cost to check your status, and you don't need to create an account or log in.

Calling DDS Customer Service for help over the phone

Call 678-413-8400 and tell the representative you want to check your driver license status. Have your license number or Social Security number ready. The representative will look up your information and tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.

If there's a suspension or revocation, ask the representative what caused it and what you need to do to restore your license. They can also tell you whether you're may be able to access for a hardship permit if your license is suspended. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how busy the line is.

DDS Customer Service is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The line is often busiest in the morning and early afternoon, so calling late morning or after 3 p.m. may mean a shorter wait.

What your status result means

Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. The system will show your expiration date so you know when to renew.

Expired means your license passed its expiration date and you cannot legally drive until you renew it. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office, depending on how long it's been expired.

Suspended means your driving privileges are temporarily taken away, usually because of unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or a medical issue. A suspension can be lifted once you resolve the underlying problem. The status page or the phone representative will tell you what caused the suspension and what you need to do.

Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled, usually because of serious violations like multiple DUIs or reckless driving. Revocation is more serious than suspension. You may be able to request reinstatement after a waiting period, but the process is more involved.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

Once you know why your license is suspended or revoked, take the specific action the status page or DDS representative told you about. For example, if it's suspended because of unpaid tickets, you'll need to pay them or set up a payment plan. If it's suspended because of a medical issue, you may need to provide a doctor's clearance.

After you've resolved the problem, contact DDS to request reinstatement. Some suspensions are lifted automatically once the issue is resolved, but others require you to file paperwork or pay a reinstatement fee. The DDS website has a reinstatement section that explains the process for different types of suspensions.

If you're unable to drive while your license is suspended, you may be able to get a hardship permit that lets you drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Ask the DDS representative about this option when you check your status.

Renewing an expired Georgia license

If your license is expired but not suspended or revoked, you can renew it without visiting a DDS office if it expired less than 5 years ago. Go to dds.georgia.gov, find the renewal section, and follow the steps to renew online. You'll need to upload a new photo and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card.

If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you'll need to visit a DDS office in person and take a new photo. You can schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting in line.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can print a temporary license from the DDS website to use while you wait for the physical card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check someone else's license status?

No. The DDS status checker is for your own license only. You'll need your own license number or Social Security number to use it. If you need information about someone else's license, they'll need to check it themselves or give you written permission to contact DDS on their behalf.

Why does my license show as suspended when I paid my ticket?

Suspensions sometimes take a few days to clear after you resolve the problem, especially if you paid online or by mail. Check again after 3 to 5 business days. If it's still showing as suspended, call DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm the payment was received.

What if the online tool says my license is valid but I got a notice saying it's suspended?

The online tool updates regularly but not when ready. If you received an official notice from DDS in the mail, that's the current status. Call DDS Customer Service to confirm what the notice says and what you need to do. Bring the notice with you when you call.

Can I check my status if I lost my license number?

Yes. You can use your Social Security number instead of your license number in the online status checker. If you don't remember your Social Security number, call DDS at 678-413-8400 and a representative can look up your status using your name and date of birth.

How often should I check my license status?

Check it once a year or whenever you receive a notice from DDS. It's also a good idea to check before a long road trip to make sure your license is valid and won't expire while you're traveling.