What happens when your Georgia license is suspended or revoked
A suspended Georgia driver's license means you cannot legally drive in Georgia or most other states. The suspension is temporary — it will end on a specific date set by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). A revoked license is more serious: it means your driving privilege has been cancelled, and you must go through a formal reinstatement process to drive again, which includes paying fees and sometimes retaking tests.
The reason for suspension or revocation matters because it determines what you have to do to get your license back. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points on your driving record, or failing to maintain car insurance. Each reason has its own reinstatement path.
You can check your license status and the reason for suspension or revocation by visiting the Georgia DDS website or calling them directly. Knowing the exact reason is your first step, because you cannot reinstate until that reason is resolved.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia suspensions are temporary and end automatically on a set date; revocations require you to complete a reinstatement process before you can drive again.
- You must resolve the underlying reason for suspension or revocation — such as paying a ticket, clearing child support arrears, or completing a DUI program — before DDS will reinstate your license.
- The Georgia DDS website shows your license status and the specific reason for suspension or revocation, which tells you what steps you need to take.
- Reinstatement fees in Georgia range from $210 to $250 depending on the reason, and you must pay this fee even after resolving the underlying issue.
- Some reinstatements require proof of insurance, a new written test, or a road test, depending on why your license was suspended or revoked.
How to find out why your Georgia license was suspended or revoked
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused it. The Georgia DDS maintains your driving record and the reason for any suspension or revocation. You can look this up online through the DDS website without paying a fee — you will need your driver's license number or Social Security number and your date of birth.
If you cannot access the online system or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the Georgia DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. They can tell you the reason for suspension or revocation and what you must do to resolve it. Have your license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
Write down the exact reason and any case numbers or ticket numbers mentioned. This information will guide every step that follows.
Resolving the reason for suspension or revocation
Once you know why your license was suspended or revoked, you must address that issue before DDS will reinstate you. The steps depend on the reason:
Unpaid traffic tickets or fines: Contact the court or county where the ticket was issued and pay the full amount owed, including any late fees. Ask for written proof of payment. Some courts allow payment by phone or online; others require you to appear in person or mail a check.
Child support arrears: Contact the Georgia Division of Child Support Services or the court that ordered support. You will need to bring your account current or set up a payment plan. Once the arrears are paid or a plan is in place, the agency will notify DDS that the suspension can be lifted.
DUI conviction: You must complete a DUI education program (also called a risk reduction program) and provide proof to DDS. You may also need to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, depending on the conviction. These requirements vary by the specifics of your case.
Too many points on your driving record: Points expire after a certain time, but you cannot speed up this process. If your license was suspended for points, you may be able to take a defensive driving course to reduce points. Contact DDS to ask whether this option is available for your situation.
Failure to maintain insurance: Obtain a current auto insurance policy and ask your insurance company to file an SR-26 form with the Georgia DDS. This form notifies DDS that you now have coverage.
The reinstatement fee and how to pay it
After you have resolved the underlying reason for suspension or revocation, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the Georgia DDS. This fee is separate from any fines, child support, or other payments you made to resolve the original issue.
The reinstatement fee ranges from $210 to $250, depending on the reason for suspension or revocation. You can pay this fee in person at any DDS office, by mail, or online through the DDS website. If you pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address listed on the DDS website and allow extra time for processing.
Keep your payment receipt. You will need it as proof that you have paid the reinstatement fee when you explore for reinstatement.
explore for reinstatement at a DDS office
Once you have resolved the underlying issue and paid the reinstatement fee, you are ready to explore for reinstatement. You must do this in person at a Georgia DDS office — you cannot reinstate by mail or online.
Bring the following documents: your current ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of payment of the reinstatement fee, proof that you resolved the underlying reason (such as a court receipt for a paid ticket, a letter from child support services, or a DUI program completion certificate), and your Social Security number. If your license was suspended for failure to maintain insurance, bring proof of current coverage.
Go to any DDS office during business hours. You do not have to go to the office that issued your original license. Tell the staff member that you are explore for reinstatement, and they will guide you through the process. Processing usually takes a few minutes if all your documents are in order.
Tests you may need to take for reinstatement
Depending on the reason for suspension or revocation, you may need to retake the written test, the road test, or both. DDS will tell you at the time of your reinstatement process whether a test is required.
A written test is usually required if your license was revoked (rather than suspended) or if a long time has passed since your original license was issued. The test covers Georgia traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is available free on the DDS website.
A road test is less common but may be required if your suspension or revocation was due to a serious violation, such as a DUI conviction or reckless driving. If a road test is required, DDS will schedule it for you or tell you how to schedule it yourself.
What happens after you are reinstated
Once DDS approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new driver's license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your license will have a new number and expiration date. You can drive legally as soon as you receive it.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask DDS for a temporary driving permit at the time of your reinstatement process. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license.
Keep your new license in a safe place. If it is lost or stolen, you will need to report it to DDS and pay a replacement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is a crime in Georgia and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle can be impounded. Wait until your license is reinstated before driving.
How long does reinstatement take?
If all your documents are in order and no test is required, reinstatement is approved the same day you explore at a DDS office. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If a test is required, the timeline depends on how quickly you schedule and pass the test.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee right away?
Contact the Georgia DDS to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some offices may allow you to pay in installments, though this varies. Call 678-413-8400 to discuss your situation with a DDS representative.
Do I need a new license photo for reinstatement?
Yes. When you explore for reinstatement in person, DDS will take a new photo for your reinstated license. Bring a valid ID and be prepared for a photo to be taken at the DDS office.
What if my license was suspended in another state?
If your Georgia license was suspended because of a suspension in another state, you must resolve the issue in that state first. Contact the DDS office in the state where the original suspension occurred and follow their reinstatement process. Once that state lifts the suspension, Georgia will automatically reinstate your license.