What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back in Georgia
To reinstate a suspended Georgia driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific steps the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires for that reason. Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue — pay a fine, complete a course, or provide proof of insurance — and then submit a reinstatement request with a fee. The process takes two to four weeks after DDS receives your completed request.
Your suspension reason determines what you do next. Georgia suspends licenses for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to maintain insurance, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, child support arrears, and other violations. You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension or pay a flat fee to make it go away; you must address the specific cause.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services or the court that issued your suspension to learn the exact reason your license was suspended.
- Complete the required action for your suspension type — this might mean paying a fine, submitting proof of insurance, or finishing a defensive driving course.
- Submit a reinstatement request to DDS along with the $210 reinstatement fee and proof that you have resolved the suspension cause.
- Processing takes two to four weeks; you will receive a new license by mail or can pick one up at a DDS office once approval is complete.
- If your suspension was for unpaid child support or certain criminal convictions, you may need to contact additional agencies before DDS will reinstate you.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. Call the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 or visit the DDS website and use the license status check tool. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. DDS will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do to clear it.
If DDS cannot find your suspension in their system, contact the court that issued the ticket or the agency that reported the violation. Traffic courts, the Georgia Office of Child Support Services, and the Georgia Department of Insurance all report suspensions to DDS. The court clerk or agency can tell you what action they need from you before they will notify DDS that the suspension can be lifted.
Resolve the Underlying Cause of Your Suspension
The steps you take depend entirely on why your license was suspended. If you were suspended for an unpaid traffic ticket, you must pay the fine to the court that issued it. If you were suspended for driving without insurance, you must obtain an SR-22 form from an insurance company and file it with DDS. If you accumulated too many points on your driving record, you may need to complete a defensive driving course or straightforward wait out part of the suspension period.
For DUI-related suspensions, you typically must complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program (also called a DUI school) and provide proof of completion to DDS. For child support arrears, you must contact the Georgia Office of Child Support Services and either pay what you owe or set up a payment plan they approve. For suspensions related to medical conditions, you may need a doctor's clearance. Once you have completed the required action, keep all receipts and documentation — you will need to submit these with your reinstatement request.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request to DDS
After you have resolved the cause of your suspension, submit a reinstatement request to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. You can do this in person at any DDS office, by mail, or online through the DDS website if your suspension reason allows online reinstatement. The online option is fastest and costs the same as in-person or mail requests.
Include the $210 reinstatement fee with your request. You must also submit proof that you have completed whatever action was required — a paid receipt from the court, an SR-22 form from your insurance company, a completion certificate from a DUI school, or a letter from the child support office confirming your arrears are resolved or a payment plan is in place. DDS will not process your request without both the fee and proof of resolution.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
DDS typically processes reinstatement requests within two to four weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended. You cannot legally drive, and driving with a suspended license carries criminal penalties including fines, jail time, and further license suspension. If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, you may be able to obtain a limited driving permit from DDS, though availability depends on your suspension reason.
Once DDS approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new license by mail at the address on file, or you can pick it up at a DDS office. If you chose mail delivery, the license typically arrives within one week of approval. If you pick it up in person, bring a photo ID and proof of your address. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on your age and the type of license you hold.
Special Situations: Child Support and Criminal Convictions
If your license was suspended for unpaid child support, you cannot complete reinstatement through DDS alone. You must first contact the Georgia Office of Child Support Services at 1-800-849-1572 or work with the court that issued the child support order. You will need to either pay the full amount owed or reach a payment agreement that the child support office approves. Only after the office confirms your account is in compliance will DDS reinstate your license.
Similarly, if your suspension resulted from a criminal conviction — such as a DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run — you may need to complete court-ordered programs or probation before DDS will reinstate you. Contact the court that handled your case to confirm what you must finish. Once the court notifies DDS that you have met all requirements, you can submit your reinstatement request with the $210 fee.
Reinstatement Fees and Payment Options
The standard reinstatement fee in Georgia is $210. This fee is non-refundable even if your reinstatement request is denied. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card at a DDS office, or by credit or debit card online. If you are mailing your request, include a check or money order made payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
Some people face multiple suspensions or reinstatement requests if they have unpaid tickets from different courts or violations reported by different agencies. Each suspension requires a separate $210 reinstatement fee. If you are unsure whether you have more than one active suspension, ask DDS when you call to check your status — they can tell you if multiple suspensions are on your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a reinstatement request pending?
No. Your license remains suspended until DDS officially approves your reinstatement. Driving during this period is illegal and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and further suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, contact DDS about a limited driving permit, though these are not available for all suspension reasons.
What if I cannot pay the full fine or child support amount right now?
Contact the court or agency that issued the suspension and ask about a payment plan. Courts can often set up installment agreements for traffic fines, and the Georgia Office of Child Support Services can establish payment plans for arrears. Once you have a written agreement in place, you may be able to submit your reinstatement request, though some suspension types require full payment before reinstatement.
How long does reinstatement take if I do everything correctly?
If you submit all required documents and fees at once, DDS typically processes your request within two to four weeks. Online reinstatement is usually faster than mail. Your new license arrives by mail within one week of approval, or you can pick it up at a DDS office the same day approval is granted.
What if DDS denies my reinstatement request?
DDS will send you a letter explaining why your request was denied. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, failure to resolve the underlying cause, or a second suspension you were not aware of. Review the denial letter, correct the issue, and resubmit your request with the required documentation. You do not pay another reinstatement fee if you resubmit within a certain timeframe — ask DDS about their policy.
Do I need a new photo for my reinstated license?
If you are picking up your license in person at a DDS office, you will have a new photo taken. If you are receiving your license by mail, it will use the photo from your previous license unless your previous license has expired or you request a new photo. You can request a new photo when you submit your reinstatement request.