Check your Georgia license status through the DDS website or by phone
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you check your license status online in minutes, or you can call their customer service line if you prefer to speak with someone. The online method is fastest — you'll need your driver license number and date of birth. If you're checking on a learner's permit or a license process you submitted, the same tools work for those too.
You don't need to visit a DDS office in person to find out whether your license is valid, suspended, or still being processed. The state publishes this information so you can look it up yourself before you drive or before you renew.
Key Takeaways
- Visit the Georgia DDS website and use the "License Status" tool with your driver license number and date of birth to check in real time.
- Call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours if you don't have internet access or prefer phone support.
- A valid Georgia license shows a green status; a suspended or revoked license shows red, and you should not drive until it's restored.
- If your license is suspended, the DDS website also tells you the reason and what you need to do to get it back.
- Checking your status takes less than five minutes and works for active licenses, learner's permits, and pending applications.
Using the Georgia DDS online license status tool
Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website at dds.georgia.gov. Look for the "License Status" option in the main menu or search box. Click it, and you'll see a form asking for two pieces of information: your driver license number and your date of birth.
Enter both correctly and click the search button. The system will return your status within seconds. A green indicator means your license is valid and you can drive. A red indicator means your license is suspended, revoked, or otherwise not valid — do not drive until you resolve the issue. The page will also show you the reason for any suspension and the steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
This tool works whether you hold a regular driver license, a commercial driver license (CDL), or a learner's permit. It also works if you've recently submitted an process and want to check whether it's been processed.
Calling DDS customer service for your license status
If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with a representative, call the Georgia DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. Have your driver license number and date of birth ready before you call. The representative will look up your status and tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, or in process.
Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The line can be busy during peak hours, so calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon may mean a shorter wait. If you reach a voicemail, leave your name and number and a representative will return your call, though this may take a day or two.
What your license status results mean
Georgia's DDS system shows your license in one of several states. Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. Suspended means your driving privileges are temporarily taken away — usually because of unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical reasons, or a conviction. Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled and you'll need to reapply and pass the written and road tests again to get a new one.
Expired means your license is past its renewal date and you cannot drive until you renew it. Pending means you've submitted an process — for a new license, a renewal, or a permit — and DDS is still processing it. Processing usually takes 5 to 10 business days, though it can take longer if DDS needs more information from you.
If your status shows suspended or revoked, the DDS website or the customer service representative will tell you the reason and what you must do to restore your license. This might mean paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, paying back child support, or passing a medical exam.
What to do if your license is suspended
A suspended license means you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Georgia and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If the DDS website or phone line tells you your license is suspended, do not drive until you've resolved the issue.
The status page will show you the reason for the suspension. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets or court fines, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, medical suspension (usually for seizures or certain vision problems), or a DUI conviction. Once you know the reason, contact DDS or the agency responsible — for example, the court if it's a fine, or the child support enforcement office if it's a support issue — to find out exactly what you need to do to get your license back.
Some suspensions are lifted automatically once you pay what you owe or complete a required course. Others require you to contact DDS directly or visit a DDS office to request reinstatement. Check your status again after you've taken the required action to confirm your license is valid.
Checking the status of a pending process
If you've recently applied for a Georgia driver license, learner's permit, or license renewal, you can check the status of your process using the same DDS online tool. Enter your driver license number (or the number on your process paperwork) and your date of birth. The system will tell you whether your process is still being processed, approved, or if DDS needs more information from you.
Most applications are processed within 5 to 10 business days. If your process shows "pending" after two weeks, or if it shows that DDS needs additional documents, contact customer service at 678-413-8400 to find out what's needed and how to submit it. Some applications require a road test appointment, which you'll need to schedule separately through the DDS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The DDS online tool and phone line require the license holder's driver license number and date of birth. You cannot look up another person's status without their permission and information. If you need to verify someone's license for employment or insurance purposes, ask them directly or contact DDS with a written request and explanation.
What if I don't have my driver license number?
Your driver license number appears on your physical license card. If you've lost your card, you can find the number on your process paperwork or insurance documents. If you still can't locate it, call DDS customer service at 678-413-8400 and provide your name and date of birth — they can look up your number and check your status for you.
How often should I check my license status?
You only need to check if you suspect a problem — for example, if you received a notice from DDS, were convicted of a traffic offense, or haven't renewed in several years. If your license is valid, checking once a year before renewal is reasonable. You don't need to check regularly if everything is current.
Does checking my status online affect my license in any way?
No. Looking up your status does not change anything about your license or your driving record. It's purely informational and does not trigger any action by DDS.
What if the website is down or I can't reach customer service?
If the DDS website is temporarily unavailable, try again in a few hours. If you can't reach the phone line, try calling early in the morning or the next business day. You can also visit a DDS office in person to check your status, though this requires a trip and a wait. Most DDS locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.