How to learn about your Georgia license is suspended right now
You can check your Georgia driver's license status online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website without paying a fee. Go to dds.georgia.gov, select "License Status Check," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. Have your license number ready. They can tell you the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to restore it.
A third option is to visit a DDS office in person. Bring your license or state ID. Staff can print your driving record and explain the suspension details. This is useful if you need documents for court or insurance purposes.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS website lets you check your license status free and when ready using your license number and birth date.
- Common reasons for Georgia suspensions include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, and medical suspension.
- You cannot legally drive while suspended, and doing so can result in criminal charges, higher fines, and longer suspension periods.
- Restoring your license requires paying what you owe, completing court requirements, or meeting the specific condition that caused the suspension.
- Some suspensions lift automatically once the underlying issue is resolved; others require you to file paperwork with DDS to reinstate your license.
Common reasons Georgia suspends licenses
Georgia suspends licenses for many reasons, and the cause determines how you fix it. Unpaid traffic fines are one of the most common triggers. If you do not pay a ticket by the due date, the court reports you to DDS and your license gets suspended. This suspension stays in place until you pay the fine plus any court costs.
Failure to appear in court (called an FTA) is another frequent cause. If you miss a court date for a traffic violation or criminal charge, the judge can order a suspension. You must go back to court, explain the absence, and resolve the underlying case before DDS will lift the suspension.
Georgia also suspends licenses for child support arrears. If you fall behind on court-ordered child support payments, the Georgia Department of Human Services can request a suspension. This suspension ends once you catch up on payments or set up an approved payment plan.
Medical suspensions happen when DDS learns you have a condition that makes driving unsafe — for example, a seizure disorder or severe vision loss. A doctor or the DDS medical review unit can trigger this. You must provide medical clearance from a doctor before your license can be restored.
Other reasons include driving with a suspended or revoked license (which causes a new suspension), accumulating too many points on your driving record, or being convicted of certain crimes like DUI.
What happens if you drive while suspended in Georgia
Driving with a suspended license in Georgia is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both. Your license suspension gets extended, usually by an additional six months to one year.
A second or subsequent offense within five years is also a misdemeanor but carries harsher penalties: up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $1,000. The court may also order community service or require you to complete a defensive driving course at your own expense.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving suspended affects your insurance. If you are in an accident, your insurance company may deny your claim because you were breaking the law. You become personally liable for all damages. This can result in a lawsuit and wage garnishment if you cannot pay.
Police can also impound your vehicle if they stop you while driving suspended. You will have to pay towing and storage fees to get it back, on top of court fines and legal costs.
Steps to restore your Georgia license after suspension
The restoration process depends on why your license was suspended. Start by confirming the reason through the DDS status check or by calling customer service.
For unpaid fines: Contact the court that issued the ticket. Pay the full amount owed, including any court costs or collection fees. Ask the court to send proof of payment to DDS. Some courts do this automatically; others require you to request it. Once DDS receives confirmation, your suspension is lifted.
For failure to appear: Contact the court when ready and explain why you missed the date. The judge may reschedule your hearing. Attend the new hearing, resolve the case (plead guilty, not guilty, or reach a plea agreement), and pay any fines or court costs. The court will notify DDS once the case is closed.
For child support arrears: Contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or your local child support enforcement office. You can pay the full amount owed, set up a payment plan, or request a modification of your support order if your income has changed. Once you are current or have an approved plan in place, DDS will be notified and your license will be restored.
For medical suspensions: Obtain a letter from your doctor stating that you are medically safe to drive. Submit this letter to the DDS Medical Review Unit. They will review it and, if approved, restore your license.
After you have resolved the underlying issue, some suspensions lift automatically within a few days. Others require you to file a Reinstatement process with DDS and pay a reinstatement fee (currently $210 in Georgia, though this may change). Check with DDS to confirm whether your suspension lifts automatically or requires an process.
How suspension affects your auto insurance
A suspended license does not automatically cancel your car insurance, but it creates serious problems. If your insurer learns about the suspension, they may cancel your policy or refuse to renew it. When you later try to get insurance, you will be classified as high-risk and face much higher premiums.
More importantly, if you are in an accident while driving suspended, your insurance company can deny your claim. You become responsible for all damages out of pocket — repair costs, medical bills, liability claims from other people. This can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Once your license is restored, you can resume normal driving and insurance. However, the suspension will remain on your driving record for a period set by Georgia law (typically three to seven years depending on the reason). During that time, insurers can see it and may charge you higher rates.
Temporary driving permits while your license is suspended
Georgia does not issue temporary driving permits that allow you to drive while your license is suspended. You cannot legally drive for any reason — not for work, not for medical appointments, not for court dates.
The only exception is if you are restoring your license and DDS issues you a temporary license while your paperwork is being processed. This is rare and only happens in specific circumstances. Ask DDS directly whether a temporary license is available in your situation.
If you need to drive during a suspension, your only legal option is to wait until your license is restored. If you need transportation for essential purposes like medical care or court appearances, use a taxi, rideshare service, public transit, or ask someone with a valid license to drive you.
How long suspensions last in Georgia
Suspension length varies by reason and is set by Georgia law or court order. Unpaid fine suspensions typically last until you pay, with no minimum period. Failure to appear suspensions last until you resolve the case in court. Child support suspensions last until you catch up on payments or have an approved payment plan.
Medical suspensions last until you provide medical clearance. Point-based suspensions (from accumulating too many violations) usually last 12 months from the date of suspension, though you may be able to reduce this by completing a defensive driving course.
DUI-related suspensions are longer: typically 12 months for a first offense, 18 months for a second, and three years for a third or subsequent offense within ten years. These cannot be shortened.
If you drive while suspended, the court can extend your suspension by an additional six months to one year on top of the original period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license to drive to work while suspended?
Georgia does not issue hardship or work licenses for suspended drivers. You cannot legally drive for any reason, including employment. If you need to drive for work, your only option is to resolve the suspension as quickly as possible. Some employers may allow temporary schedule changes or remote work during a suspension.
Will my suspension show up on a background check for a job?
A driver's license suspension does not appear on a criminal background check unless the suspension was caused by a criminal conviction (like DUI). However, if an employer runs a driving record check, they will see the suspension. Some jobs that require driving will disqualify you if your license is currently suspended.
What if I moved out of Georgia — does my suspension follow me?
Yes. Georgia suspensions are reported to the National Driver Register, and most other states honor Georgia suspensions. If you move and try to get a license in another state, that state will see the Georgia suspension and likely refuse to issue you a license until it is resolved. You must resolve the suspension with Georgia first.
Can I get my suspension removed early for good behavior?
No. Georgia does not allow early removal of suspensions based on good behavior. You must wait out the suspension period or resolve the underlying cause (pay fines, appear in court, etc.). The only exception is if you complete a defensive driving course, which may reduce a point-based suspension by up to three months.
How do I know if my reinstatement was approved?
After you file a Reinstatement process and pay the fee, DDS will mail you a letter confirming approval or denial. You can also check your status online at dds.georgia.gov or call customer service. Do not drive until you receive written confirmation that your license is restored.