Check Your Georgia License Status Through the DDS Website
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you check your license status online without visiting an office. Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "License Status" or "Check License Status" link on the homepage. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to log in.
The online system shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. It also displays any restrictions or endorsements on your license, such as corrective lenses or commercial driving privileges. The information updates within one business day of any DDS action, so if you recently renewed or had a suspension lifted, check back the next day if you do not see the change when ready.
If you cannot find the link on the main page, use the search function and type "license status check" or "driver record inquiry." The system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though you may experience slower load times during peak hours in the morning and early afternoon.
Call the DDS Customer Service Line for Phone-Based Checks
You can also call Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to speak with a representative who can tell you your license status over the phone. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week; calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon typically means shorter holds.
The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. It is closed on state holidays. If you call outside these hours, you will reach an automated message directing you to call back during business hours or use the online system instead.
A representative can answer questions about why your license is suspended or revoked and may be able to tell you what steps you need to take to restore it. However, they cannot process payments or complete reinstatement applications over the phone — you will need to visit a DDS office or use the online system for those transactions.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov shows your license status when ready using your license number and date of birth.
- You can call 678-413-8400 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) to speak with someone about your status.
- Online status updates appear within one business day of any DDS action, so check back the next day if you recently renewed or had a suspension lifted.
- The phone line cannot process payments or applications, but representatives can explain why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do next.
What Different License Statuses Mean in Georgia
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. Expired means your license passed its expiration date and you cannot drive until you renew it. Suspended means DDS has temporarily taken away your driving privileges, usually because of unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. A suspension can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue.
Revoked means DDS has permanently cancelled your license, typically after multiple suspensions or serious violations like driving under the influence. You cannot drive and must wait a set period (usually one to five years, depending on the reason) before you can request reinstatement. Cancelled means you or DDS ended your license voluntarily or involuntarily, and you will need to reapply for a new one.
If your status shows anything other than "Valid," the online system or phone representative should tell you the reason. Write down that reason — you will need it if you have to visit a DDS office to resolve the issue or start a reinstatement process.
What to Do If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
If your status shows suspended, find out the reason first. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay court fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. Once you know the reason, you must resolve it before your license can be reinstated. For traffic fines or court costs, you may be able to pay online through the court system or the DDS website. For child support, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services.
After you resolve the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement through the DDS website or by visiting a DDS office in person. Some reinstatements are automatic once the issue is resolved, but others require you to submit a formal request and pay a reinstatement fee (typically $210 for a suspension). Check the DDS website or call 678-413-8400 to confirm what you need to do for your specific situation.
If your license is revoked, the process is longer. You must wait out the revocation period (DDS will tell you when you become may be able to access for reinstatement), then submit a reinstatement process, pass a written test, and pay reinstatement fees. Some revocations also require you to complete a defensive driving course or substance abuse program. Contact DDS directly to learn what applies to your case.
Check Your Driving Record Separately From Your License Status
Your license status tells you whether you can legally drive right now. Your driving record is different — it is a history of traffic violations, accidents, and suspensions. Georgia lets you order an official driving record through the DDS website or by mail, and you may need it for insurance purposes or to show an employer.
To order a record online, go to dds.georgia.gov and look for "Driving Record Request" or "Order Your Driving Record." You can also visit a DDS office in person or mail a request to the DDS Records Unit. There is a fee for an official record (typically $5 to $10), though you can view a summary of your record for free on the website if you log in with your license number and date of birth.
Visit a DDS Office in Person if You Need to Resolve an Issue
If your license is suspended or revoked and you need to pay a fee, submit an process, or provide documents, you will need to visit a DDS office. Georgia has offices in most counties. Find the office nearest you by going to dds.georgia.gov, clicking "Locations," and entering your county or city name.
Bring your current ID (even if it is suspended), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and any documents related to your case — such as proof that you paid a fine or completed a required course. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card to pay any fees. Most offices do not accept personal checks.
Wait times at DDS offices vary widely. Some offices have online appointment scheduling through the website; if yours does, book an appointment to avoid a long wait. If appointments are not available, arrive early in the morning or call ahead to ask what time is typically least busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a suspension to show up online after DDS suspends my license?
The suspension usually appears in the online system within one business day. If you were suspended today, check back tomorrow. If it still does not show, call 678-413-8400 to confirm the suspension is in the system.
Can I drive while my license is suspended if I have a court date to fight the suspension?
No. A suspension takes effect when ready, even if you plan to challenge it in court. You cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the court about a hardship license or limited driving permit.
What if the online system says my license is valid but I was told it was suspended?
Call 678-413-8400 right away. There may be a delay in the system, or the suspension may have been lifted and not yet updated online. A representative can tell you the current status and explain any discrepancy.
Do I need to renew my license if it is suspended?
No. Your license cannot be renewed while it is suspended. You must resolve the suspension first, then renew your license if it has expired or is about to expire.
Is there a fee to check my license status online?
No. Checking your status through the DDS website or by phone is free. You only pay if you order an official driving record or need to pay reinstatement fees.