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 without visiting an office. You can check online through their official website, call their customer service line, or visit a DDS location in person. The online method is fastest — you'll get an answer in seconds using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Your license status tells you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. It also shows whether any restrictions or endorsements are attached to your license. Knowing your status matters before you drive, especially if you've had a traffic violation, missed a payment, or haven't renewed in a while.
Key Takeaways
- Visit the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov and use their license status lookup tool with your license number and date of birth.
- Call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours to speak with someone who can look up your status over the phone.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive; a revoked license requires you to reapply through a formal process before you can drive again.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the DDS website or phone line will tell you the reason and what steps you need to take to restore it.
Using the Georgia DDS online lookup tool
Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "License Status" or "Check License Status" option on the homepage. You will need your Georgia driver's license number and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information and submit the form. The system will return your current status within seconds.
The online tool shows whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired. It also displays any restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or commercial driving restrictions) and any endorsements you hold. If your license is not valid, the tool will usually explain why — for example, "suspended for unpaid traffic fines" or "revoked for DUI conviction."
The online lookup is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You do not need to create an account or log in. If the system cannot find your record, double-check your license number and birth date for typos, or call DDS customer service for help.
Calling DDS customer service for status information
Call the Georgia DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. A representative will look up your status and explain what it means. This method works well if you prefer speaking to a person or if the online tool is not working.
Customer service hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times vary depending on call volume. If you reach a busy signal, try again later or use the online lookup tool instead. Some calls may be routed to an automated system that can handle basic status checks without waiting for a representative.
What different license statuses mean
Active means your license is valid and you can legally drive. Your license is current and has not been suspended or revoked.
Expired means your license is no longer valid because the expiration date has passed. You cannot legally drive with an expired license. You will need to renew your license before you can drive again. Georgia licenses are typically valid for eight years from the issue date.
Suspended means your driving privileges have been temporarily taken away. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to DDS, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A suspension is temporary — once you resolve the underlying issue (pay the fine, complete a required course, or meet other conditions), you can restore your license. You cannot legally drive while your license is suspended.
Revoked means your driving privileges have been permanently cancelled by the state. Revocation usually follows serious violations such as a DUI conviction, multiple suspensions, or habitual traffic offender status. To drive again after revocation, you must go through a formal reinstatement process that may include a new written test, road test, and fees. This process takes longer than lifting a suspension.
Understanding suspension reasons and how to resolve them
When your license is suspended, the DDS system will show the reason. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, points accumulation, or administrative issues like a missed renewal. Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you are convicted of DUI, Georgia law requires a mandatory suspension period.
To restore a suspended license, you must address the reason for the suspension. If it is unpaid fines, you pay the court or DDS the amount owed. If it is failure to appear, you contact the court and resolve the case. If it is points accumulation, you may need to wait out a suspension period or complete a defensive driving course. Once you have resolved the issue, you can request reinstatement through DDS. Some reinstatements happen automatically once the condition is met; others require you to submit paperwork or pay a reinstatement fee.
The DDS website or phone line should tell you exactly what you need to do. If the reason is unclear, call customer service and ask for specific steps to restore your license.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your status shows suspended or revoked, do not drive. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal and can result in arrest, additional fines, and criminal charges. Instead, take when ready action to resolve the underlying issue.
First, contact DDS or the court listed in your suspension notice to understand exactly what you must do. Pay any outstanding fines, appear in court if required, or complete any mandated programs. Keep records of your payments or completion certificates. Once you have met all requirements, contact DDS to request reinstatement. Some reinstatements are processed within days; others take several weeks. Ask DDS for a timeline when you request reinstatement.
While your license is suspended or revoked, arrange alternative transportation. Use public transit, rideshare services, or ask someone with a valid license to drive. This protects you legally and keeps you and others safe on the road.
Checking your license status before renewing
Before you renew your Georgia driver's license, check your status to make sure there are no holds or suspensions. If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. If your license is revoked, renewal is not an option — you must go through reinstatement first.
If your status is active or expired (but not suspended or revoked), you can proceed with renewal. Georgia allows you to renew online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office, depending on your situation. Checking your status first saves you time and prevents you from starting a renewal process you cannot complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get results from the online status lookup?
The online lookup is when ready. Once you enter your license number and date of birth and click submit, the system returns your status within seconds. You do not need to wait or check back later.
What if the status lookup says my license is suspended but I do not know why?
Call DDS customer service at 678-413-8400 and ask for the specific reason. The phone representative can explain what caused the suspension and what steps you need to take to resolve it. Have your license number ready when you call.
Can I drive if my license is expired but not suspended?
No. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if it is not suspended. You must renew your license before you can legally drive. You can renew online, by mail, or at a DDS office depending on your may be able to access.
What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary — once you resolve the underlying issue, your license is restored. A revocation is permanent and requires you to go through a formal reinstatement process that may include new tests and fees. Revocations typically follow serious violations like DUI convictions.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The DDS status lookup requires the license holder's license number and date of birth. You can only check your own license status. If you need information about another person's license for a legal reason, contact DDS directly or consult an attorney.