Where to check your Georgia license status
You can check your Georgia driver's license status through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website. The DDS maintains records of all active, suspended, and revoked licenses in the state. You do not need to visit an office in person — the online system lets you look up your status from home in a few minutes.
The official website is dds.georgia.gov. From there, you can access the license status lookup tool without creating an account. You will need your driver's license number or your date of birth and Social Security number to search.
If you cannot find what you need online, you can also call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours, or visit a local DDS office in person. However, the online tool is the fastest way to get an when ready answer.
Key Takeaways
- Go to dds.georgia.gov and use the license status lookup tool to check whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked.
- You can search using your driver's license number, or by entering your date of birth and Social Security number.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the system will show you the reason and may provide next steps for reinstatement.
- The online lookup is available 24/7, but if you need to speak with someone, call 678-413-8400 during business hours.
What the results will tell you
When you search your license, the system will show you one of three statuses: active, suspended, or revoked. An active license means your license is valid and you are legally allowed to drive in Georgia. A suspended license means your driving privileges have been temporarily taken away — usually because of unpaid traffic fines, a failed drug test, or a conviction. A revoked license means your driving privileges have been permanently removed, and you cannot drive legally in Georgia.
The lookup tool will also display the reason for any suspension or revocation. For example, you might see "suspended due to unpaid child support" or "revoked due to DUI conviction." This information tells you what caused the problem and helps you understand what you need to do to fix it.
If your license is suspended or revoked, the results page may include information about reinstatement requirements or fees. Some suspensions are lifted automatically after a certain period, while others require you to take specific action — such as paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or submitting proof of insurance.
Steps to look up your status online
Start by opening a web browser and going to dds.georgia.gov. Look for the section labeled "License Status" or "Check Your License Status" on the homepage. Click on that link to open the lookup tool.
You will see a search form with two options. The first option asks for your driver's license number — this is the fastest way to search if you have your license card in front of you. The second option asks for your date of birth and Social Security number — use this if you do not have your license number handy.
Enter the information and click the search button. The system will return your status within seconds. Write down or take a screenshot of the results, especially if your license is suspended or revoked, because you may need this information later when you contact DDS or a lawyer.
What to do if your license is suspended
A suspended license is temporary — it can be reinstated once you meet the conditions that caused the suspension. The first step is to understand exactly why your license was suspended. The lookup results will show the reason, but if the explanation is unclear, call DDS at 678-413-8400 and ask for details.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, a medical condition reported to DDS, or a conviction for driving under the influence. Each reason has different reinstatement steps. For example, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you will need to pay those fines and then request reinstatement. If it is due to a DUI conviction, you may need to complete an alcohol education program and install an ignition interlock device.
Once you have completed the required steps, you can request reinstatement through the DDS website or by visiting an office in person. There is usually a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension. DDS will send you a confirmation once your license is reinstated, and you will be able to drive legally again.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revoked license is more serious than a suspension — it means your driving privileges have been permanently removed. However, revocation is not always permanent. Depending on the reason, you may be able to petition for reinstatement after a waiting period, which is typically one to five years.
The most common reason for revocation is a DUI conviction, especially if you have multiple DUI offenses. Other reasons include reckless driving convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or medical conditions that make you unsafe to drive. The lookup results will show your reason for revocation.
If your license is revoked, contact DDS or a lawyer who handles driver's license cases to understand your options. Some people are able to request a hearing to challenge the revocation, while others must wait out the required period before they can petition for reinstatement. The process varies based on your specific situation, so it is important to get clear information about what applies to you.
If you cannot find your information online
If you search the DDS system and get no results, it could mean several things. Your license may have expired and not yet been renewed, your record may not be in the system yet if you recently received your license, or there may be a typo in the information you entered. Try searching again with different information — for example, use your Social Security number instead of your license number, or double-check the spelling of your name.
If you still cannot find your record, call DDS at 678-413-8400 during business hours. A representative can search the system manually and tell you whether your license is on file. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it at a DDS office. If your record is not in the system, DDS can help you figure out what happened and what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my license status?
You only need to check your status if you think there may be a problem — for example, if you received a ticket and are unsure whether it was paid, or if you are concerned about a suspension. If your license is active and you have no reason to worry, you do not need to check regularly.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No, the DDS lookup tool only shows your own license status. You cannot search for another person's license information online. If you need information about someone else's license for a legal reason, you may need to contact DDS directly or work with a lawyer.
What if the website says my license is suspended but I was not notified?
DDS is required to notify you by mail when your license is suspended, but the notice may not have reached you if your address on file is outdated. Check the lookup results for the reason and date of suspension, then contact DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm your address and learn about reinstatement steps.
Does checking my status online affect my license in any way?
No, looking up your license status online does not change anything about your license or your driving record. It is a read-only lookup — you are only viewing information, not making any changes or requests.
How long does reinstatement take after I meet the requirements?
Reinstatement timelines vary. Some suspensions are lifted automatically once the reason is resolved, while others require you to submit a formal request. After you submit a reinstatement request, DDS typically processes it within one to two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. Call DDS to confirm the timeline for your specific situation.