Check your Georgia license status through the DDS website or by phone
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you look up your driver license status without visiting an office. You can check online through their official website, by phone, or in person at a DDS location. The online method is fastest — you'll need your driver license number and date of birth, and you'll get results in seconds.
The DDS website shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. It also displays any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If you're checking because you received a notice or had a traffic stop, this is where you'll find the official record.
Georgia does not charge a fee to check your license status through any of these methods.
Key Takeaways
- Visit the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov and use the License Status Inquiry tool with your license number and date of birth.
- You can also call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours to speak with someone who can look up your status.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted; a revoked license requires you to reapply for a new one.
- If your license shows a problem you did not expect, contact DDS directly to understand the reason and what steps you need to take.
Using the DDS online license status tool
Go to the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Look for the "License Status Inquiry" link, usually found in the main menu or under a "Check Your Status" section. Click it to open the search form.
Enter your driver license number (the 9-digit number on the front of your card) and your date of birth in the format the form requests. Double-check both entries for accuracy — a typo will return no results. Click the search button.
The system will display your license status within seconds. You'll see whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, expired, or in another status. The page also shows any restrictions (such as corrective lenses required) or endorsements (such as a commercial license class) attached to your license.
What each license status means in Georgia
Active means your license is valid and you can legally drive. Expired means your license is no longer valid and you must renew it before driving. Suspended means your driving privilege has been temporarily removed — you cannot drive legally, and driving on a suspended license is a crime. Revoked means your license has been permanently canceled and you must reapply for a new one through the full licensing process.
A suspension typically lasts a set period (often 30 days to one year, depending on the reason) and is automatically lifted when the period ends, provided you've met any other requirements. A revocation is more serious and usually results from multiple violations, serious offenses, or failure to pay court fines or child support.
If your status shows suspended or revoked, the DDS website may display the reason — for example, "Failure to Pay Fine" or "Suspension for Unpaid Child Support." If the reason is not clear, call DDS at 678-413-8400 to ask what caused the suspension or revocation and what you must do to restore your driving privilege.
Checking your license status by phone
Call the Georgia DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. This 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.
A DDS representative will look up your status and tell you whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired. They can also explain the reason for any suspension or revocation and answer questions about what you need to do next. If you need to renew an expired license or restore a suspended one, they can tell you the specific steps and documents required.
Wait times vary depending on call volume. Calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means shorter waits than midday.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your status shows suspended, find out how long the suspension lasts and whether you must complete any steps before it's lifted. Some suspensions are automatically removed after the time period ends; others require you to pay a fine, complete a defensive driving course, or resolve the underlying issue (such as paying child support or a court fine).
Contact DDS at 678-413-8400 or visit a local DDS office to learn exactly what's required. Bring any documents related to the reason for suspension — for example, proof of payment if you owe a fine, or a court order if the suspension is related to a legal matter.
If your license is revoked, you cannot straightforward wait for it to be lifted. You must explore for a new license through the standard Georgia licensing process, which includes passing a written test, vision test, and road test. Visit a DDS office or check dds.georgia.gov for the full list of documents you'll need to bring.
Finding a Georgia DDS office near you
If you prefer to check your status in person or need to renew or restore your license, visit a DDS Customer Service Center. Georgia has offices in most counties. Go to dds.georgia.gov and use the office locator tool to find the nearest location, hours, and phone number.
Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some allow you to schedule an appointment online. Check your local office's page to see whether appointments are available. Bringing all required documents before you go saves time and prevents a wasted trip.
Common reasons for suspension or revocation in Georgia
The most common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and accumulating too many points on your driving record. Suspensions can also result from DUI convictions, driving without insurance, or violations of license restrictions.
Revocation is typically imposed for serious offenses such as multiple DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status (usually three major violations within five years), or driving with a revoked or suspended license. Some revocations are permanent; others may be reconsidered after a waiting period.
If you're unsure why your license was suspended or revoked, DDS can explain the specific reason and what you must do to restore your driving privilege. This information is important because the steps to lift a suspension or regain a revoked license vary depending on the cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Georgia and can result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time. If you're stopped by police, your vehicle may be impounded. If your license is suspended, do not drive until the suspension is lifted and your status shows active again.
How long does a suspension usually last?
Suspension length varies by reason. Traffic fine suspensions may last 30 days; DUI-related suspensions often last six months to one year or longer. Some suspensions are lifted automatically after the period ends; others require you to complete a step (such as paying a fine) before they're removed. Contact DDS to learn the exact timeline for your suspension.
What if the online tool says my license is expired but I thought I renewed it?
The DDS system may not have processed your renewal yet if you submitted it recently. If you renewed in person at a DDS office, your new license should show as active within a few days. If you renewed by mail, it may take one to two weeks. If more time has passed, call DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm your renewal was received and processed.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The DDS online tool requires the license holder's license number and date of birth. Only the license holder or an authorized representative (such as an attorney or guardian) can request this information. DDS does not release license status to third parties without legal authorization.
What if I lost my driver license number?
If you don't have your license number, call DDS at 678-413-8400 and provide your full name and date of birth. A representative can look up your license number and then check your status. You can also visit a DDS office in person with a photo ID to get your license number.