Check your Georgia license status through the DDS website

Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you check whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid using their online license status tool. You do not need to visit an office or call — you can look up your status from home in a few minutes.

The tool is free and available 24/7 on the DDS website. You will need your driver's license number and your date of birth to search. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and in many cases why.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's DDS website has a free online tool where you enter your license number and birth date to see if your license is suspended.
  • The tool shows your status when ready and often explains the reason — unpaid tickets, child support, medical suspension, or other causes.
  • If your license is suspended, the tool may show what you need to do to restore it, such as paying fines or completing a course.
  • You can also call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 if you prefer to speak with someone or cannot access the website.

Steps to check your license status online

Go to the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Look for the "License Status" or "Check License Status" link — it is usually on the homepage or under a "Services" menu. Click it to open the search tool.

Enter your driver's license number exactly as it appears on your card. Then enter your date of birth in the format the page requests (usually MM/DD/YYYY). Click "Search" or "Submit." The system will return your status within seconds.

Read the result carefully. If your license is active, you will see "Valid" or "Active." If it is suspended or revoked, the page will state that clearly and may list the reason — for example, "Suspended for Failure to Pay Child Support" or "Suspended for Medical Reasons."

What different suspension statuses mean

A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid. You cannot legally drive. The suspension will end on a specific date or once you complete a requirement (like paying a fine or attending a hearing). Suspensions are usually for traffic violations, unpaid tickets, failure to pay child support, or medical reasons.

A revocation is more serious than a suspension. Your license has been cancelled and you cannot drive. You will need to go through a formal process — often a hearing or a reinstatement process — to get it back. Revocations typically result from DUI convictions, multiple serious violations, or habitual traffic offender status.

A cancellation means your license expired or you did not renew it. This is different from a suspension or revocation. You can usually renew a cancelled license by visiting a DDS office or renewing online if you are not past the expiration date by too long.

Why your license might be suspended

Georgia suspends licenses for many reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket, failure to pay child support, and medical suspension (when a doctor reports a condition that makes driving unsafe). You may also face suspension for accumulating too many points on your driving record, refusing a breathalyzer test, or not maintaining auto insurance.

The online status tool often tells you the specific reason. If it does not, or if you need more detail, call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. Have your license number and date of birth ready. They can explain the reason and tell you what steps you need to take to restore your license.

What to do if your license is suspended

The first step is to find out exactly why it is suspended. The online tool may show this; if not, call DDS. Once you know the reason, you can take action. If the suspension is for unpaid fines, you will need to pay the court or the agency that issued the ticket. If it is for child support, you will need to contact the child support enforcement office and make arrangements to pay or modify your obligation.

Some suspensions require you to complete a specific action before you can restore your license. For example, a medical suspension may require a doctor's clearance. A suspension for refusing a breathalyzer test may require you to complete a DUI education program. The DDS website or a call to customer service will tell you what you need to do.

Once you have met the requirement, you may need to file a reinstatement process with DDS or pay a reinstatement fee. The process and cost vary depending on the reason for suspension. DDS customer service can walk you through the steps for your specific situation.

Other ways to check your license status

If you cannot access the DDS website, you can call 678-413-8400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). Have your license number and date of birth ready. A representative will look up your status and explain any suspension or revocation.

You can also visit a DDS office in person to check your status and get help with reinstatement. Find your local office on the DDS website. Bring your license or ID and be prepared to wait, especially during busy times. An in-person visit is useful if you need to ask detailed questions about what you must do to restore your license or if you need to submit documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn about my license is suspended?

The online tool shows your status when ready. If you call DDS, you will usually get an answer within a few minutes, though wait times vary depending on call volume. If you visit an office in person, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy times.

Can I drive if 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 may be impounded. Do not drive until your suspension is lifted.

What if the online tool says my license is suspended but I paid the fine?

The system may not update when ready after you pay. Wait one to three business days, then check again. If it still shows suspended after that, call DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm the payment was received and processed. Bring proof of payment with you if you call.

Do I need to renew my license after my suspension ends?

Not necessarily. If your license was valid before the suspension and has not expired, it will be valid again once the suspension is lifted. However, if your license expired during the suspension, you will need to renew it before you can drive legally.

What is the reinstatement fee for a suspended license in Georgia?

The fee varies depending on why your license was suspended. Some suspensions have no reinstatement fee; others cost $200 or more. The DDS website or a call to customer service will tell you the exact fee for your situation.