Where to check your Georgia license status
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) runs an online lookup tool where you can see your current license status without calling or visiting an office. You go to the DDS website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and the system shows you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
The lookup is free and takes about two minutes. You do not need to create an account or log in — it is a public search tool. The information updates within one business day of any change DDS makes to your record, so if you just paid a suspension fee or cleared a hold, you may need to check again the next day to see the update.
This tool works for Georgia licenses only. If you hold a license from another state, you will need to use that state's DMV website instead.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS website has a free online lookup where you enter your license number and birth date to see your current status.
- The lookup shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, expired, or restricted, and updates within one business day.
- 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 lookup will not tell you why — you will need to contact DDS directly to learn the reason and what to do next.
- The lookup tool works only for Georgia licenses; out-of-state drivers must check their own state's DMV system.
What information you need to do the lookup
You will need two pieces of information: your Georgia driver's license number and your date of birth. Both are on your physical license card. The license number is the eight-digit number printed on the front, and your date of birth is listed below your name.
If you do not have your license card with you, you can look up your number in your email if you received a digital copy when you renewed online. You can also call DDS at 678-413-8400 and give them your name and date of birth — they can tell you your license number over the phone, though they may ask security questions to confirm your identity.
Step-by-step: using the DDS online lookup
Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. Look for the section labeled "License Status Inquiry" or "Check License Status" — it is usually on the main page or under a "Services" menu. Click that link.
You will see a form with two fields. Enter your eight-digit driver's license number in the first field. Enter your date of birth in the second field — the format is usually MM/DD/YYYY (for example, 03/15/1990). Double-check both entries for typos, because the system will not find your record if either one is wrong.
Click the "Search" or "Submit" button. The system will display your license status within seconds. If the lookup does not find your record, go back and check that you entered your license number and birth date correctly. If you still get no result, your license may not be in the Georgia system — this can happen if your license is very new, very old, or issued in another state.
What the status results mean
Valid: Your license is current and you are allowed to drive. The result will show your license expiration date.
Expired: Your license passed its expiration date and is no longer legal to use for driving. You will need to renew it through DDS before you can legally drive again. The lookup will show the date it expired.
Suspended: Your license has been temporarily taken away, usually because of unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, a medical issue, or too many points from traffic violations. A suspension can last weeks or months depending on the reason. You cannot drive legally while suspended. The lookup will not tell you why it was suspended — you must contact DDS to find out and learn what you need to do to get it back.
Revoked: Your license has been permanently cancelled, usually because of serious violations like multiple DUIs or reckless driving convictions. A revocation is more serious than a suspension. You cannot drive legally, and you will have to wait a set period (often one to five years) before you can even request a new license. Contact DDS to learn the reason and the timeline for reapplying.
Restricted: Your license is valid but has limitations — for example, you may be required to wear corrective lenses, use an ignition interlock device, or drive only during certain hours. The lookup will show what restrictions explore.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
Call the Georgia DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). Tell them your name and license number, and ask why your license was suspended or revoked. They will explain the reason and tell you what steps you need to take to resolve it.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. If fines are the issue, you may be able to pay them online or by phone and have your suspension lifted within one business day. If the suspension is due to child support, you will need to contact the child support enforcement office to resolve the debt.
If your license is revoked, the process is longer. You will need to wait out the revocation period, then submit a new process and pass the written test and road test again. DDS can tell you the exact timeline and what documents you will need.
Other ways to check your license status
If you prefer not to use the online tool, you can call DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400. Have your license number and date of birth ready. A representative will look up your status and read it to you over the phone. Wait times vary depending on how busy the line is, especially early in the morning or near the end of the month.
You can also visit a DDS office in person. Bring your license or another form of ID. A staff member will look up your status for you. This option takes longer than the online tool or phone call, but it can be useful if you need to ask follow-up questions or handle other license business at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the online lookup update?
The lookup updates within one business day of any change DDS makes to your record. If you just paid a fine or cleared a hold, check again tomorrow to see if your status has changed. On weekends and holidays, updates may take longer.
Can I look up someone else's license status?
No. The lookup tool is for your own license only. You cannot search for another person's status using this tool. If you need information about someone else's license for legal or insurance reasons, contact DDS directly or consult an attorney.
What if the lookup says my license is suspended but I did not know why?
Call DDS at 678-413-8400 and ask them to explain the reason. Common causes are unpaid fines, unpaid child support, medical holds, or too many traffic violation points. Once you know the reason, DDS can tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension.
Does the online lookup work if my license is from out of state?
No. The Georgia DDS lookup works only for Georgia licenses. If you hold a license from another state, go to that state's DMV website and use their lookup tool instead. Each state runs its own system.
Is the online lookup tool find?
Yes. The lookup is a public search tool run by the state, and it only asks for information that is printed on your license. It does not ask for your Social Security number, address, or payment information. Your search is not stored or tracked.