What You Need to Do to Get Your Georgia License Back

To reinstate your Georgia driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked — the reason determines what you do next. Georgia suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or DUI convictions. Each path to reinstatement is different, and you cannot move forward until you have resolved the underlying issue.

Once you have handled the reason for suspension, you will contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), pay a reinstatement fee, and in some cases pass a written or road test. The entire process typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster if you handle everything in person at a DDS office.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license suspension reason — traffic debt, court failure, child support, medical, or DUI — determines which agency you contact first and what you must do to clear it.
  • Georgia charges a reinstatement fee that varies by suspension type, ranging from $210 to $500 or more for certain violations.
  • You must resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, appear in court, clear medical hold) before DDS will process your reinstatement.
  • After clearing the suspension, you can reinstate online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office, though some cases require an in-person visit.
  • DUI suspensions often require an ignition interlock device and completion of a DUI Risk Reduction Program before reinstatement is possible.

Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended

Your first step is to learn the exact reason DDS suspended your license. You can check this online through the Georgia DDS website by entering your driver's license number, or you can call DDS at 678-413-8400. Having this information in front of you before you do anything else will save you time and prevent you from paying the wrong fee or contacting the wrong agency.

Common suspension reasons in Georgia include: unpaid traffic citations or court fines; failure to appear in court; unpaid child support (handled through the Georgia Department of Human Services); medical suspension (usually for seizures or other conditions affecting safe driving); and DUI-related suspensions. Some suspensions are administrative holds placed by courts or other state agencies, not DDS itself.

Write down the suspension reason, the date it took effect, and any case or citation numbers. You will need this information when you contact the responsible agency or when you call DDS to confirm what you must do.

Clearing Traffic Fines and Court Debt

If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court, you must resolve that debt before reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the citation — the ticket itself or your DDS suspension notice will list the court name and case number. You can often pay online through the court's website, by phone, or in person at the courthouse.

Once you have paid or made arrangements to pay (some courts allow payment plans), ask the court clerk for written confirmation that the debt is cleared. Keep this confirmation; you will need it when you contact DDS. If you failed to appear in court, you may need to appear in person to clear the failure-to-appear charge before the court will clear the fine.

After the court confirms the debt is resolved, contact DDS to begin the reinstatement process. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. The reinstatement fee for traffic-related suspensions is typically $210, though some violations carry higher fees.

Handling Child Support Suspensions

If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHHS) holds the suspension, not DDS. You must contact DHHS or the child support enforcement office handling your case to arrange payment or a payment plan. The phone number for Georgia's child support enforcement is 1-800-227-7993.

Once you have paid the arrearage or entered into a payment agreement that DHHS accepts, they will notify DDS that the suspension can be lifted. This notification can take one to two weeks. You do not need to contact DDS separately for this type of suspension — DHHS will handle the communication with DDS once your child support obligation is current.

If you are unsure whether you owe child support or how much, DHHS can tell you over the phone or through their online portal. Have your case number or Social Security number ready when you call.

DUI Suspensions and Reinstatement Requirements

DUI-related license suspensions in Georgia are more complex than other suspension types. An administrative suspension (which happens when ready after a DUI arrest) lasts 120 days for a first offense if you refused a breath test, or 30 days if you took the test and failed. A criminal suspension (imposed by the court after conviction) can last one to five years depending on your record.

Before you can reinstate after a DUI suspension, you must complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program (also called a DUI school) approved by Georgia. This program typically costs $300 to $500 and takes 8 to 12 hours. You must also install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle if the court ordered it — this device prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Interlock installation costs $100 to $200 initially, plus a monthly monitoring fee of $50 to $100.

After you have completed the DUI school and installed the interlock (if required), you can contact DDS to reinstate. You will pay a reinstatement fee of $210 to $500 depending on the offense. DDS may require you to visit an office in person for a DUI reinstatement; you cannot do it entirely online or by mail.

Medical Suspensions and Clearance

If your license was suspended for medical reasons — typically a seizure disorder, loss of consciousness, or other condition affecting your ability to drive safely — you must obtain medical clearance from a licensed physician before reinstatement. DDS will have sent you a form (Medical Evaluation Form DL-43) when the suspension was issued, or you can read it from the DDS website.

Have your doctor complete this form, confirming that your condition no longer poses a safety risk and that you are fit to drive. Your doctor may also need to state whether you are taking medications that could impair driving. Return the completed form to DDS along with your reinstatement fee ($210). DDS will review the medical documentation and notify you whether reinstatement is approved.

Some medical suspensions require you to pass a road test in addition to medical clearance. DDS will tell you if this applies to your case when you submit your medical form.

Paying the Reinstatement Fee and Submitting Your Request

Once you have cleared the underlying reason for suspension, you are ready to pay the reinstatement fee and submit your request to DDS. The fee varies by suspension type: $210 for most traffic and administrative suspensions, $250 for some violations, and up to $500 or more for certain DUI or serious offenses. DDS will tell you the exact amount when you contact them.

You can reinstate online through the DDS website if your suspension was for a traffic violation or administrative reason and you have already resolved the underlying issue. You can also reinstate by mail by sending a completed reinstatement form (available on the DDS website), proof that you resolved the suspension reason, and a check for the reinstatement fee to the DDS address listed on their website. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.

For the fastest reinstatement, visit a DDS office in person. Bring your driver's license, proof of resolution (court confirmation, child support clearance letter, medical form, DUI school certificate), and payment for the reinstatement fee. In-person reinstatement can be completed the same day, and you will receive a temporary driving permit when ready.

What Happens After You Submit Your Reinstatement Request

After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, DDS will review your case to confirm that the suspension reason has been cleared. This review typically takes five to ten business days if you submitted online or in person, or two to three weeks if you submitted by mail. During this time, your license remains suspended.

Once DDS approves your reinstatement, they will mail you a new license or a temporary permit. If you submitted in person, you may receive a temporary permit on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed. If you submitted online or by mail, you will receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks of approval.

If DDS denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, failure to fully resolve the underlying issue, or discovery of additional suspensions you were not aware of. You can contact DDS to ask what additional steps are needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until DDS officially approves your reinstatement. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you submitted your request in person at a DDS office, you may receive a temporary permit valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed.

What if I have multiple suspensions on my record?

You must clear all suspensions before your license can be reinstated. Contact DDS to find out every reason your license is suspended, then resolve each one. This can take longer than a single suspension, but DDS will not reinstate until all issues are addressed.

Do I have to pass a road test to reinstate my license?

Not always. Most traffic and administrative suspensions do not require a road test. Medical suspensions sometimes do, and DUI suspensions may require one depending on the court order. DDS will tell you whether a road test is required when you contact them about reinstatement.

How much does reinstatement cost in Georgia?

The reinstatement fee is typically $210 for most suspension types, though some violations carry fees of $250 to $500 or higher. DUI-related reinstatements often cost more when you factor in the DUI school ($300–$500) and ignition interlock installation and monitoring. DDS will quote you the exact fee for your suspension type.

Can I reinstate my license online if I live out of state?

Yes, if your suspension was for a traffic violation or administrative reason and you have resolved the underlying issue, you can reinstate online through the DDS website from anywhere. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a payment method. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DDS.