Where to check your Georgia license status
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you check your license status through their online portal or by phone. The online method is fastest — you can see your status in seconds without waiting on hold. You will need your driver license number or Social Security number to look it up either way.
The official Georgia DDS website is where you go to check online. You can also call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 if you prefer to speak with someone. Both routes connect you to the same records, so choose whichever is easier for you.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's Department of Driver Services maintains your license record, and you can check your status online through their website or by calling 678-413-8400.
- You will need either your driver license number or your Social Security number to look up your status online.
- Common reasons your license may show as suspended or revoked include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical disqualification.
- If your license is suspended, you must resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, appear in court, or complete required programs) before you can restore it.
Steps to check your status online
Go to the Georgia DDS website and look for the "License Status" or "Check License Status" option in the main menu. You will be asked to enter either your driver license number or your Social Security number, plus your date of birth. The system will then display whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
The online lookup is available 24 hours a day, so you can check at any time. The page will also show you the reason for any suspension or revocation — for example, "suspended for unpaid traffic fines" or "suspended for failure to appear." This reason tells you what you need to do to fix the problem.
What each license status means
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. Expired means your license has passed its renewal date but has not been suspended for another reason — you can still drive for a short grace period in Georgia, but you should renew soon. Suspended means you cannot legally drive, but the suspension can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue.
Revoked is more serious than suspended. A revoked license means Georgia has permanently cancelled it, usually because of serious violations like multiple DUIs or reckless driving convictions. You cannot straightforward resolve a fine or court date to get a revoked license back — you must wait out the revocation period (which varies) and then reapply through DDS.
Disqualified appears on commercial driver license (CDL) records and means you cannot operate a commercial vehicle. This can happen for violations committed in any vehicle, not just commercial ones.
Common reasons for suspension in Georgia
Unpaid traffic fines are the most frequent cause of suspension. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or appear in court, Georgia suspends your license automatically. You can restore it by paying the fine and any court costs through the court that issued the ticket.
Failure to appear in court is another common reason. If you were ordered to appear and did not show up, your license is suspended until you appear or resolve the case. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out what you need to do.
Child support arrears will suspend your license if you owe back child support. The Georgia Department of Human Services can tell you the amount owed and how to pay it. Medical disqualification happens when DDS determines you have a medical condition that makes driving unsafe — you may need to provide a doctor's statement to restore your license.
Accumulating too many points from traffic violations can also trigger suspension. Georgia uses a points system where serious violations add points to your record. If you reach 15 points within 24 months, your license is suspended.
How to restore a suspended license
The first step is to find out exactly why your license is suspended by checking your status online or calling DDS. Once you know the reason, you must take the specific action that clears it — paying a fine, appearing in court, paying child support, or completing a required program.
After you have resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement through the Georgia DDS website or in person at a DDS office. Some suspensions lift automatically once the issue is resolved, but others require you to formally request reinstatement. DDS will tell you which applies to your situation.
If your suspension was for unpaid fines or court costs, bring proof of payment. If it was for failure to appear, bring documentation from the court showing you have appeared or resolved the case. Processing usually takes a few business days once DDS receives your request.
Checking your status by phone
Call the Georgia DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours. Have your driver license number or Social Security number ready. A representative will look up your status and explain any suspension or revocation, including what you need to do to resolve it.
Phone lines are typically busiest in the morning and early afternoon on weekdays. If you reach a long wait time, try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can also visit a DDS office in person if you prefer to speak face-to-face with someone.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revoked license is different from a suspension because you cannot straightforward pay a fine or appear in court to get it back. Revocation is permanent for a set period — typically 5 to 10 years depending on the reason. You must wait out the full revocation period before you can reapply.
During the revocation period, you cannot hold a driver license in Georgia or any other state. Once the revocation period ends, you must reapply through DDS as if you were a new driver. This means taking the written test and road test again, not just renewing your old license.
If you believe your license was revoked in error, you can request a hearing with the Georgia DDS. Contact DDS directly to ask about the appeals process and what documentation you will need to present.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to restore a suspended license?
Once you resolve the underlying issue and request reinstatement, processing usually takes a few business days. Some suspensions lift automatically, while others require you to formally ask for reinstatement through the DDS website or in person. Contact DDS to confirm whether your situation requires a formal request.
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Georgia and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, you will face criminal charges. You must wait until your license is restored before you drive.
What if I lost my license number and can't check my status online?
You can use your Social Security number instead of your license number to check your status on the Georgia DDS website. If you do not remember your Social Security number, call DDS at 678-413-8400 and a representative can look up your status using your name and date of birth.
Will my suspension show up on a background check?
A driver license suspension is a public record and may appear on background checks run by employers or landlords. Once your license is restored, the suspension remains part of your driving history but is no longer active. Some background check services note the difference between active and past suspensions.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Georgia offers a limited driving permit in some cases of suspension, but not all. The permit allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Contact the Georgia DDS or the court that suspended your license to ask whether you are may be able to access for a limited permit in your situation.