What You Need to Do to Get Your Georgia License Back

To reinstate a suspended license in Georgia, you must first find out why your license was suspended, then complete the specific steps tied to that reason. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) suspends licenses for different violations — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or child support arrears — and each has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and drive again; you have to resolve the underlying issue first.

Start by checking your suspension status and the reason for it on the DDS website or by calling the DDS Customer Service Center at 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. Once you know the reason, you will know exactly what to do next — whether that means paying a fine to the court, completing a DUI education program, or providing proof that child support is current.

Key Takeaways

  • Your suspension reason determines your reinstatement steps; you must contact DDS or the court to learn why your license was suspended.
  • Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue — paying a court fine, completing a DUI program, or clearing child support arrears — before DDS will reinstate you.
  • Once the issue is resolved, you typically submit proof to DDS either online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office.
  • Reinstatement fees in Georgia range from $210 to $310 depending on suspension type and how many times you have been suspended.
  • After DDS processes your reinstatement, your license is restored when ready in most cases, though some suspensions require a waiting period.

Common Reasons for Suspension in Georgia and What to Do

Georgia suspends licenses for seven main reasons, and the steps to fix each one are different. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court, you must contact the court that issued the ticket, pay the fine or appear for your court date, and then ask the court to notify DDS that the issue is resolved. The court sends the notification electronically; you do not have to do it yourself.

If your suspension is tied to a DUI conviction, you must complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program (also called a DUI school) before reinstatement is possible. Georgia-approved providers offer these programs; DDS maintains a list on its website. The program typically takes four to eight hours and costs between $100 and $300. After you finish, the provider reports completion to DDS automatically.

Suspensions for accumulating too many points (12 or more in 24 months) require a waiting period — usually 30 days from the date of suspension — plus payment of the reinstatement fee. Child support arrears suspensions require proof from the Georgia Department of Human Services that your account is current or that you have entered a payment agreement. License suspensions related to drug convictions require proof of completion of a drug education program.

How to Submit Proof and Pay the Reinstatement Fee

Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you need to submit proof to DDS and pay the reinstatement fee. You can do this in three ways: online through the DDS website, by mail to the DDS office, or in person at any DDS Customer Service Center. The online method is fastest — you upload documents and pay by credit or debit card, and your license is usually reinstated within one business day.

The reinstatement fee depends on your suspension type. A standard reinstatement costs $210. If you have been suspended more than once, the fee increases to $310. Some suspensions — such as those for drug convictions — may have additional requirements beyond the fee. Keep copies of all documents you submit; you may need them for your records or if DDS requests clarification.

If you choose to mail documents, send them to the DDS office listed on your suspension notice along with a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Include a cover letter with your name, driver's license number, and a brief explanation of what you are submitting. Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to process. If you go in person, bring the original documents, a valid form of ID, and payment; processing is usually when ready.

Waiting Periods and When Your License Is Restored

Most suspensions have no waiting period once the underlying issue is resolved and the fee is paid. Your license is reinstated when ready after DDS processes your reinstatement request — usually within one business day if you submit online, or within 7 to 10 days if you mail documents.

However, some suspensions do include a mandatory waiting period. Point-based suspensions (for accumulating 12 or more points) require a 30-day waiting period from the date the suspension took effect, even if you pay the fee when ready. DUI-related suspensions may have additional waiting periods depending on whether it was a first, second, or subsequent offense. Check your suspension notice or call DDS to confirm whether a waiting period applies to your case.

Once your reinstatement is approved, DDS mails you a new license within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally as soon as DDS notifies you that your license is reinstated — you do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive. If you need to drive before the card arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DDS website.

Documents You Will Need for Reinstatement

The documents required depend on your suspension reason. For court-related suspensions, you need proof from the court that the fine was paid or the case was resolved — usually a receipt or a letter from the court clerk. For DUI suspensions, you need the completion certificate from your DUI Risk Reduction Program provider. For child support suspensions, you need a letter from the Georgia Department of Human Services stating that your account is current or that you have a valid payment agreement in place.

For point-based suspensions, you typically do not need to submit documents — only pay the reinstatement fee after the 30-day waiting period ends. For drug conviction suspensions, you need proof of completion of a state-approved drug education program. In all cases, have your driver's license number ready and keep copies of everything you submit.

What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License

Driving on a suspended license in Georgia is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and 10 days to 12 months in jail. A third or subsequent offense within five years is a felony.

Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license extends your suspension period, adds points to your driving record, and makes reinstatement more difficult and expensive. If you are stopped, police will impound your vehicle, and you will face additional towing and storage fees. The safest course is to wait for reinstatement or use alternative transportation until your license is restored.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if my Georgia license is suspended?

Visit the DDS website and use the license status check tool, or call the DDS Customer Service Center at 678-413-8400. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The system will tell you whether your license is suspended and why.

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?

Georgia does not issue hardship or restricted licenses during a suspension. However, if your suspension is for unpaid fines or failure to appear, resolving that issue quickly will get you back on the road faster than waiting out a suspension period.

What if I do not know which court issued my ticket?

Call the DDS Customer Service Center at 678-413-8400 and provide your driver's license number. DDS can tell you which court has your case and provide contact information. You can also search Georgia court records online by county if you know where the ticket was issued.

Do I have to take the written test again after reinstatement?

No. Reinstatement restores your existing license; you do not have to retake any tests. Your license number and class remain the same.

How much does reinstatement cost in Georgia?

The standard reinstatement fee is $210. If you have been suspended more than once, the fee is $310. Some suspension types may have additional costs — for example, a DUI program costs $100 to $300 — but those are separate from the DDS reinstatement fee.