What the Georgia Secretary of State License Verification System Does
Georgia's Secretary of State office does not run a public license verification tool. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) — a separate agency under the Governor's office — maintains all driver's license records and operates the only official system where you can check your license status.
If you are looking to verify a Georgia driver's license, you need to contact DDS directly, not the Secretary of State's office. The Secretary of State handles business licensing, notary commissions, and corporate filings, but not driver's licenses. This distinction matters because calling the wrong office will send you in circles.
DDS offers three ways to check your license status: an online portal, a phone line, and in-person visits at a DDS office. Each method requires different information and has different response times.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), not the Secretary of State, maintains your driver's license record and operates the official verification system.
- You can check your license status online through the DDS website, by phone at 678-413-8400, or in person at any DDS office.
- Online verification requires your driver's license number and date of birth; phone verification requires the same information plus your Social Security number.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, DDS will tell you the reason and the steps needed to restore it.
- Third parties (employers, insurance companies, courts) can request verification through official channels, but you cannot request verification on someone else's license.
Checking Your License Status Online Through DDS
The Georgia DDS website has a License Status Inquiry tool that you can access without creating an account. Go to dds.georgia.gov, find the "License Status" or "Check License Status" link (the exact label changes periodically), and enter your driver's license number and date of birth.
The system will display whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license has a hold or restriction, the screen will show that too. The response is when ready. This method works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you do not need to provide your Social Security number.
If the online tool does not return a result, it usually means your license number was entered incorrectly or your record has not yet been entered into the system (which can happen if you very recently received your license). Double-check your license number and try again. If the problem persists, call DDS or visit an office in person.
Verifying Your License by Phone
You can 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). Have your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number ready before you call.
Wait times vary. During peak hours (late morning and early afternoon), you may wait 15 to 45 minutes. Early morning or late afternoon calls typically have shorter waits. The DDS website does not publish current hold times, so you will not know the wait until you call.
A DDS representative will look up your record and tell you your license status verbally. They can also explain the reason for any suspension or revocation and describe what you need to do to restore your license. This method is useful if you need clarification beyond what the online tool shows, or if you cannot access the internet.
Verifying Your License In Person at a DDS Office
You can walk into any Georgia DDS office with your driver's license and ask a representative to check your status. Bring a photo ID (your license itself counts). You do not need an appointment for a status check, though DDS offices can have long lines, especially near the end of the month.
DDS has offices in most Georgia counties. Find the office nearest you on the DDS website under "Locations" or "Office Finder." Hours vary by location but typically run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with some offices open limited Saturday hours.
An in-person visit is slowest but most thorough. A DDS employee can print your record, explain any flags or holds in detail, and sometimes resolve straightforward issues on the spot (such as updating an address). If you need your license reinstated and have all required documents, some offices can process reinstatement the same day.
What License Status Results Mean
Valid: Your license is current and you are legally permitted to drive. The system will show your expiration date.
Expired: Your license has passed its expiration date and is no longer valid for driving. You must renew it before driving again. Georgia allows online renewal up to 6 months before expiration and up to 5 years after expiration (for certain license types).
Suspended: Your license is temporarily invalid, usually because of unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical reasons, or failure to maintain insurance. The suspension notice you received (or should have received) lists the reason and the steps to lift the suspension. Most suspensions are lifted once you address the underlying issue (pay the fine, provide proof of insurance, etc.).
Revoked: Your license has been permanently cancelled, typically for serious violations such as multiple DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status. Revocation is more serious than suspension. You must wait a set period (often 1 to 10 years depending on the reason) before you can reapply for a license.
Cancelled: Your license was cancelled, usually because you moved out of state, failed to renew, or requested cancellation yourself. You can reapply for a new license if you move back to Georgia or change your circumstances.
Verifying Someone Else's License (Third-Party Verification)
You cannot use the online tool or phone line to check another person's driver's license status. Georgia law protects driver's license information as private. If you are an employer, insurance company, or court, you can request verification through official channels, but the process is different from the public inquiry tool.
Employers and insurance companies typically use a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) request service. These are third-party vendors licensed by DDS to pull driving records. You will need the person's written consent (usually on a form they sign) and their driver's license number. The vendor charges a fee (typically $5 to $15 per record) and delivers results within 1 to 3 business days.
Courts and law enforcement can request records directly from DDS without the person's consent as part of an official proceeding. If you are involved in a legal matter and need someone's driving record, ask your attorney or the court clerk how to request it.
Common Reasons Your License Status Check May Fail
Wrong license number: Double-check that you entered all digits correctly. Your Georgia license number is on the front of your card. Do not confuse it with your Social Security number or date of birth.
Wrong date of birth: Enter the date exactly as it appears on your license (month/day/year). If you recently had your license reissued, make sure you are using the current license number, not an old one.
New license not yet in the system: If you received your license fewer than 5 business days ago, it may not yet appear in the online database. Call DDS or visit an office to confirm.
License issued in another state: The Georgia DDS system only shows Georgia licenses. If you hold a license from another state, you must contact that state's DMV or equivalent agency.
System outage: The DDS website occasionally goes offline for maintenance, usually announced in advance. If the site is down, try again later or call the customer service line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my license status if I lost my license number?
The online tool requires your license number. If you do not have it, call DDS at 678-413-8400 with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number, and a representative can look up your number and check your status. You can also visit a DDS office with a photo ID.
How long does it take to lift a suspension?
It depends on the reason. If you pay an outstanding fine or provide proof of insurance, the suspension is usually lifted within 1 to 3 business days. Some suspensions (such as those for medical reasons) require additional steps and may take longer. Call DDS to confirm what you need to do.
What if my license shows as suspended but I do not know why?
Call DDS at 678-413-8400 or visit an office in person. A representative will explain the reason and tell you exactly what steps are needed to restore your license. Do not drive until the suspension is lifted.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended?
No. You must lift the suspension first. Once the suspension is removed, you can renew your license online, by mail, or in person, depending on your license type and how long it has been expired.
Is the Georgia DDS website the same as the Secretary of State website?
No. The Secretary of State (sos.georgia.gov) handles business licensing and corporate filings. The Department of Driver Services (dds.georgia.gov) handles driver's licenses. Make sure you are on the correct website.