Check your Georgia license status through the DDS website or by phone
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you look up your license status online without visiting an office. You can check whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked by going to the DDS website and entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The online tool shows your current status when ready.
If you prefer not to use the website, you can call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours. A representative can tell you your status over the phone, though you'll need your license number and personal information ready.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS website has a free status checker that works 24/7 and shows your license status in seconds.
- You need your driver's license number and date of birth to use the online tool.
- A suspended license in Georgia usually means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted and you pay any required fees.
- If your license is suspended for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you must resolve that issue before DDS will reinstate it.
- The DDS phone line can answer questions about your status if you don't want to check online.
What the Georgia DDS website shows you
The online status checker tells you whether your license is currently valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. It also shows the reason for any suspension or revocation — for example, unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical hold. This information helps you understand what step you need to take next.
The tool does not show your driving record or points on your license. If you need that information, you can order a copy of your driving record through the same DDS website, though that typically costs a small fee and takes a few business days to arrive.
How to access the status checker
Go to the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Look for the section labeled "Check Your Driver's License Status" or "License Status Inquiry." You'll enter your driver's license number and your date of birth in the format the website requests. The system will then display your current status.
The checker works on any device with internet access — computer, tablet, or phone. There's no account to create and no fee. If the website is temporarily down for maintenance, try again in a few hours or call the customer service line instead.
What a suspension means and how long it lasts
A suspended license means you are not legally permitted to drive in Georgia or most other states. Suspensions are temporary — they end once you meet the conditions DDS sets. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, or medical issues flagged by a doctor or the state.
The length of a suspension depends on the reason. Some suspensions last 30 days; others last a year or more. The DDS status checker should show the reason, which tells you what you need to do to get it lifted. For example, if it's due to unpaid fines, you'll need to pay those fines and then request reinstatement. If it's due to a medical hold, you may need to provide a doctor's clearance.
Steps to take if your license is suspended
First, confirm the reason for the suspension using the online status checker or by calling DDS. Write down the specific reason — this is crucial because different reasons require different solutions.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court or collection agency listed in your suspension notice and pay what you owe. Once paid, you'll typically receive a receipt or confirmation. Then contact DDS to request reinstatement; you may need to submit that receipt as proof of payment.
If the suspension is due to failure to appear in court, contact the court directly to resolve the case. You may need to appear in person or work with an attorney. Once the court case is resolved, notify DDS and request reinstatement.
If the suspension is medical-related, obtain a letter from your doctor stating you are safe to drive, or complete any medical evaluation DDS requires. Submit that documentation to DDS along with a reinstatement request.
Reinstatement fees and requirements
Georgia charges a reinstatement fee to restore a suspended license. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension and how long it was suspended, but typically ranges from $210 to $250. You must pay this fee in addition to resolving the underlying issue — such as paying fines or providing medical clearance.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Once DDS receives your payment and confirms that you've met all other requirements, your license is reinstated and you can legally drive again. This process usually takes a few business days.
When to visit a DDS office in person
For most status checks and reinstatement requests, you can handle everything online or by phone. However, you may need to visit a DDS office if you're renewing an expired license, if DDS requests documents in person, or if you need to take a new photo or vision test as part of reinstatement.
To find the DDS office nearest you, use the office locator on the DDS website. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment, as many offices now operate by appointment only. Bring your current ID and any documents related to your suspension — such as proof of payment, court documents, or medical clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see my status change online after I pay a reinstatement fee?
It typically takes one to three business days for DDS to process your payment and update your status in the system. If you paid online, the update may happen faster than if you paid by mail. You can check the status again after a few days to confirm the change.
Can I drive if my license is suspended but I haven't received a formal notice?
No. If the status checker shows your license is suspended, it is suspended regardless of whether you received a notice in the mail. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, arrest, or a longer suspension. Check your status before driving if you're unsure.
What if the status checker says my license is revoked instead of suspended?
A revocation is more serious than a suspension — it means your license has been permanently cancelled, not just temporarily suspended. Revocations usually result from serious violations like multiple DUIs or habitual traffic offender status. You cannot straightforward pay a fee to restore a revoked license; you must go through a formal reinstatement process with DDS, which may include a hearing or additional requirements.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The online status checker requires the license holder's driver's license number and date of birth for security reasons. Only the license holder or an authorized representative can check the status. If you need information about someone else's license for legal reasons, you may need to contact DDS directly or work through an attorney.
What if the website won't accept my driver's license number?
Double-check that you're entering your number correctly — it's on the front of your physical license. Make sure you're using the Georgia license number, not a number from another state. If you still have trouble, call DDS customer service at 678-413-8400 and they can look up your status by phone.