Check your Georgia license status through the DDS website

Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you look up your license status online without calling or visiting an office. You go to the DDS website, enter your driver license number and date of birth, and the system shows you whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked. The check takes about a minute and works from any computer or phone with internet access.

The online tool is free and available 24 hours a day. You do not need to create an account or log in — you just need your license number and the birth date on your license. This is the fastest way to find out your current status if you are unsure whether your license is active.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's DDS website has a free online tool where you enter your license number and birth date to see your license status when ready.
  • The status check shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired, and sometimes explains why.
  • You can also call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours if you prefer to speak with someone.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, the DDS website or phone line can tell you what you need to do to restore it.

What the online status check tells you

When you run the check, Georgia's system returns one of several possible statuses. A valid license means your license is current and you can drive legally. An expired license means your license has passed its renewal date and you need to renew it before driving. A suspended license means driving privileges are temporarily removed, usually because of unpaid fines, missed court dates, or unpaid child support. A revoked license means driving privileges have been permanently removed, typically after serious violations or repeated suspensions.

The online tool sometimes shows the reason for a suspension or revocation, though not always. If the reason is not clear from the website, you can call DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400 to ask. They can explain what caused the suspension and what steps you need to take to restore your license.

Steps to check your license status online

Go to the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Look for the section labeled "License Status" or "Check License Status" — it is usually on the homepage or in a menu under "Driver Services." Click on that link.

You will see a form with two fields: one for your driver license number and one for your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information exactly as they appear on your license. Click the button to search. The system will display your status within seconds. Write down or take a screenshot of the result in case you need it later.

Checking your status by phone

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Georgia DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your driver license number and date of birth ready when you call.

Wait times can be long during peak hours, especially early in the morning or around lunch time. Calling late in the afternoon or on a Thursday or Friday morning often means a shorter wait. The staff can tell you your status, explain why your license is suspended or revoked, and answer questions about how to restore it.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

A suspension is temporary. To restore your license, you must first find out why it was suspended — the DDS website or phone line can tell you. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, a failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or a medical suspension. Once you know the reason, you take the required action: pay the fine, appear in court, resolve the child support issue, or provide medical clearance.

After you have taken that action, you may need to file paperwork with DDS to request reinstatement. Some suspensions lift automatically once the underlying issue is resolved, but others require you to submit a form. Call DDS or check the website to find out what applies to your situation. Reinstatement can take several weeks, so do not assume your license is active again until you have confirmation.

A revocation is permanent and usually follows a serious violation like a DUI conviction or multiple suspensions. If your license is revoked, you cannot straightforward pay a fine to get it back. You must wait out a mandatory period (which varies by the reason for revocation), then petition DDS for a hearing to request that your license be reinstated. This process takes months and often requires a lawyer. The DDS website has information about revocation and the steps to request a hearing.

When to check your license status

Check your status if you have received a notice from DDS, if you are unsure whether your license is current, or if you have recently completed a requirement like paying a fine or attending a court hearing. You should also check before a long drive or before renewing your vehicle registration, since some states will not renew your registration if your license is suspended.

If you have a commercial driver license (CDL), the same online tool works for checking that status as well. Enter your CDL number and birth date the same way you would for a regular license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see my status online?

The status appears when ready after you enter your information. The DDS system updates throughout the day, so if you checked yesterday and something has changed, you will see the new status right away.

What if the website says my license is suspended but I did not know about it?

DDS is supposed to mail you a notice before suspending your license, but notices sometimes get lost or sent to an old address. Call DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400 to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to restore it. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can drive legally again.

Can I drive while my license is suspended?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Georgia and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle can be impounded. Do not drive until your license is restored.

How do I know if my license has been renewed?

Check the status online or call DDS. Your license is renewed when you have completed the renewal process — either online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office — and DDS has processed your process. You will receive your new physical license card in the mail within two to three weeks after approval.

What if I cannot find my license number?

Your license number is printed on the front of your driver license card. If you have lost your license, you can still check your status by calling DDS Customer Service and providing your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They can look up your information and tell you your status.