What Georgia charges to reinstate your suspended or revoked license
Georgia's reinstatement fee is $210, paid to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). This is a flat fee regardless of whether your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another reason. The fee covers the administrative cost of processing your reinstatement and restoring your driving privileges.
The $210 does not include any other money you may owe. If your suspension was triggered by unpaid court fines, child support arrears, or restitution, you must pay those amounts separately before DDS will process your reinstatement. If your suspension was for a DUI, you may also owe fees for an alcohol safety course or ignition interlock device, depending on your conviction details and how long ago it occurred.
You pay the reinstatement fee when you submit your reinstatement request to DDS, either in person at a DDS office or by mail. DDS does not accept payment online for reinstatement; you must use check, money order, or cash at a physical location.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's reinstatement fee is $210, paid directly to the Department of Driver Services.
- The $210 covers only the reinstatement processing; you must pay any outstanding court fines, child support, or restitution separately before reinstatement is approved.
- You cannot pay the reinstatement fee online; payment must be made by check, money order, or cash at a DDS office or by mail.
- If your suspension involved a DUI, additional costs for an alcohol safety course or ignition interlock device may explore on top of the $210 fee.
- Processing time is typically 5 to 10 business days after DDS receives your complete reinstatement request and payment.
When the $210 fee alone is not enough
The reinstatement fee covers DDS's administrative work, but it does not clear any underlying debt that caused your suspension. Georgia suspends licenses for specific reasons, and each reason may carry additional financial obligations you must settle first.
If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the court directly. Contact the court that issued the citation or fine to confirm the exact amount owed. Once you pay, the court sends a clearance to DDS, and then you can proceed with the $210 reinstatement fee. If you pay DDS the $210 but the court debt remains unpaid, your reinstatement will be denied.
Child support arrears trigger license suspension in Georgia. If this is your reason, you must contact the Georgia Division of Child Support Services or the court handling your case to arrange payment or a payment plan. A partial payment may be enough to lift the suspension, but confirm the exact amount required before you submit your reinstatement request to DDS.
DUI-related suspensions often include mandatory costs beyond the $210. An alcohol safety course (also called a DUI school or risk reduction program) costs between $300 and $500 depending on the provider. If your conviction requires an ignition interlock device, installation and monthly monitoring fees explore—typically $100 to $200 for installation and $50 to $100 per month. These are separate from the reinstatement fee and must be paid to the course provider or device vendor, not to DDS.
How to pay and submit your reinstatement request
You have two options: reinstate in person at a DDS office or by mail. Both require the $210 fee and proof that any underlying debt has been cleared.
In-person reinstatement: Visit any DDS office with your driver's license, proof of payment for any court fines or child support owed, and a check or money order for $210 (or pay cash if the office accepts it). Bring your Social Security number and proof of Georgia residency if you have moved since your suspension. Processing is usually when ready or within a few hours; you may receive a temporary driving permit on the spot while your official license is mailed to you.
Reinstatement by mail: Request a reinstatement form from DDS by calling 678-413-8400 or visiting the DDS website. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $210 payable to "Georgia DDS," and mail it to the address listed on the form along with proof that court fines or other debts have been paid. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after DDS receives your package. Your reinstated license will be mailed to your address on file.
Do not send cash by mail. If you cannot pay by check or money order, visit a DDS office in person.
Reinstatement fees for different suspension reasons
| Suspension Reason | DDS Reinstatement Fee | Additional Costs You May Owe |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic fines or court costs | $210 | Court fines (amount varies by citation) |
| Points accumulation (too many violations) | $210 | None, unless fines are also unpaid |
| DUI conviction | $210 | Alcohol safety course ($300–$500); ignition interlock device ($100–$200 installation, $50–$100/month) |
| Child support arrears | $210 | Child support payment or arrangement (amount varies) |
| Failure to maintain insurance | $210 | Proof of current insurance; reinstatement fee only |
| Reckless driving or serious violation | $210 | Court fines if applicable; may require safety course |
Common mistakes that delay reinstatement
The most frequent error is paying the $210 reinstatement fee to DDS without first clearing court fines or child support debt. DDS will reject your reinstatement request if the underlying reason for suspension has not been resolved. Always contact the court or child support agency first to confirm what you owe and obtain written proof of payment before you send money to DDS.
Another common mistake is mailing a personal check without allowing time for it to clear. If you reinstate by mail, send your check at least two weeks before you need your license, because DDS must receive and process the payment before your reinstatement is final. If you need your license urgently, go to a DDS office in person and pay by check or money order on the spot.
Some people pay the reinstatement fee but forget to include proof that their underlying debt was cleared. If you are reinstating by mail and your suspension was for unpaid fines or child support, include a copy of the court's clearance letter or the child support agency's payment confirmation. Without it, DDS will return your request and delay your reinstatement by several days.
Do not assume your suspension has been lifted just because you paid the reinstatement fee. DDS must process your request and mail your new license. Until you receive your reinstated license in the mail or receive a temporary permit in person, your license remains suspended and you cannot legally drive.
Timeline from payment to driving legally again
If you reinstate in person at a DDS office, you may receive a temporary driving permit the same day, allowing you to drive when ready while your official license is mailed. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days. Bring all required documents and the $210 payment to avoid delays.
If you reinstate by mail, allow 5 to 10 business days for DDS to receive, process, and mail your reinstatement. Add 3 to 5 business days for mail delivery. Total time is typically 10 to 15 business days from the date DDS receives your complete request. If you need your license sooner, visit a DDS office in person.
If your reinstatement is denied because of incomplete paperwork or unpaid debt, DDS will mail you a notice explaining what is missing. You then have time to correct it and resubmit, which adds another 5 to 10 business days to the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund of the $210 reinstatement fee if my suspension is lifted another way?
No. Once you pay the reinstatement fee to DDS, it is not refundable. However, if your suspension is lifted by court order or another government action before you submit your reinstatement request, you may not need to pay the fee at all. Contact DDS to confirm your suspension status before you pay.
What if I cannot afford to pay the $210 fee and my court fines at the same time?
Contact the court that issued your fines and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have an agreement in writing, you may be able to reinstate your license even if you have not paid the full fine amount. Bring the payment plan agreement to DDS when you reinstate. The $210 DDS fee still must be paid in full.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if my license was suspended by mistake?
If DDS suspended your license in error, contact DDS when ready to request a review. If the suspension is reversed, you should not owe the reinstatement fee. However, if you have already paid it, you may need to request a refund in writing and provide documentation that the suspension was incorrect.
Can I pay the reinstatement fee online?
No. DDS does not accept online payment for reinstatement fees. You must pay by check, money order, or cash at a DDS office, or mail a check or money order to the address provided on the reinstatement form.
What happens if I drive before my reinstatement is complete?
Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Georgia and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait until you receive your reinstated license or a temporary permit before you drive.