Three ways to check your Georgia license status right now

You can find out whether your Georgia driver's license is suspended through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by phone, or in person. The fastest method is the online check, which takes about two minutes and requires your driver's license number and date of birth. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DDS Customer Service line or visit a local DDS office.

A suspension means you cannot legally drive in Georgia or any other state until it is lifted. The reason matters — some suspensions are automatic and lift on their own after a set period, while others require you to take specific action like paying a fine or completing a course.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your license status online at the Georgia DDS website using your license number and date of birth, or call 678-413-8400 during business hours.
  • A suspension is different from a revocation — suspension is temporary and can be lifted, while revocation is permanent until you reapply.
  • Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and DUI convictions.
  • Some suspensions lift automatically after a waiting period, while others require you to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or file an SR22 form before you can drive again.

Check your status online through Georgia DDS

Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "Check Driver's License Status" tool on the homepage. You will need your Georgia driver's license number and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information and the system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.

The online tool shows the current status but does not always explain why your license is suspended or what you need to do to restore it. If the status shows suspended, write down the date you checked and any reference number the system provides — you will need this information when you contact DDS to find out the next steps.

Call Georgia DDS Customer Service

The Georgia Department of Driver Services phone line is 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number ready when you call. Customer Service representatives can tell you whether your license is suspended, the reason for the suspension, and what action is required to restore it.

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Calling early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter hold times. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. If you reach a representative, ask them to explain the suspension reason in writing or ask if they can email you a summary — this creates a record you can reference later.

Visit a Georgia DDS office in person

If you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face, you can visit any Georgia DDS office. Bring your driver's license or state ID. A staff member can look up your status when ready and explain what caused the suspension and what you must do to restore your driving privileges.

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website by entering your city or zip code. Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have Saturday hours. Arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait.

Common reasons your Georgia license might be suspended

Traffic violations and unpaid fines are the most frequent cause of suspension in Georgia. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or did not appear in court on the scheduled date, DDS will suspend your license automatically. Court failure-to-appear suspensions are lifted once you resolve the case or pay the fine.

Child support arrears also trigger suspension. If you owe back child support, the Georgia Department of Human Services can request that DDS suspend your license. This suspension stays in place until you bring your payments current or reach a payment agreement with the child support enforcement office.

DUI convictions result in suspension as well. A first DUI conviction in Georgia carries a mandatory suspension period — typically 120 days for a first offense — and you cannot restore your license until that period ends. You may also be required to file an SR22 form (proof of financial responsibility) with your insurance company before you can drive again.

Medical suspensions happen when DDS receives a report that you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely. You will need to visit your doctor, have them complete a medical evaluation form, and submit it to DDS before your license can be restored.

What to do once you know why your license is suspended

If your suspension is due to an unpaid fine or court failure to appear, contact the court that issued the ticket or the traffic violations bureau in the county where the violation occurred. Pay the fine or resolve the case, then notify DDS that the matter is settled. Some suspensions lift automatically within a few business days once the court updates the state system.

For DUI-related suspensions, you must wait out the mandatory suspension period. During that time, you can request a limited driving permit from DDS if you need to drive for work, school, or medical appointments. A limited permit does not restore full driving privileges but allows you to drive during specific hours for specific purposes.

If child support arrears caused the suspension, contact your local child support enforcement office or the Georgia Department of Human Services. Bring your payments current or set up a payment plan. Once the office confirms you are in compliance, DDS will lift the suspension.

Suspension versus revocation — what the difference means

A suspension is temporary. Your license is taken away for a set period or until you complete a requirement, but you can restore it once the suspension period ends or the requirement is met. Most Georgia suspensions last between 30 days and one year, depending on the reason.

A revocation is permanent. Once your license is revoked, you cannot straightforward wait it out or pay a fine to get it back. You must reapply for a new license, which usually means retaking the written test and the driving test, and paying a reissuance fee. Revocations typically result from multiple DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.

If the online check or phone call shows your license is revoked rather than suspended, you will need to contact DDS directly to learn what steps are required to reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license is suspended?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Georgia and can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and jail time. If you are stopped by police, you will face charges for driving with a suspended license on top of any other violations. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you can request a limited driving permit from DDS.

How long does a Georgia license suspension usually last?

The length varies by reason. Traffic fine suspensions may lift within 30 days of payment. DUI suspensions typically last 120 days for a first offense. Child support suspensions stay in place until you bring payments current. Some suspensions are indefinite until you take a specific action, like filing an SR22 or completing a defensive driving course.

What is an SR22 and do I need one?

An SR22 is a form your insurance company files with DDS to prove you have the minimum required car insurance. Georgia requires an SR22 after a DUI conviction, at-fault accidents, or multiple traffic violations. You cannot restore your license until your insurance company files the SR22 on your behalf.

Can I get a limited driving permit while my license is suspended?

Yes, but only for certain suspension reasons. Limited permits are available for DUI suspensions, medical suspensions, and some other circumstances. You must show DDS that you have a legitimate need to drive — such as work, school, or medical treatment — and you can only drive during the hours and for the purposes listed on the permit.

What happens if I move out of Georgia while my license is suspended?

Your Georgia suspension follows you. Other states share suspension information through the National Driver Register, so your suspension will be recognized in any state you move to. You cannot straightforward get a license in another state to avoid the suspension. You must resolve the suspension in Georgia first.