What Happens If You Drive with a Suspended or Revoked License in Georgia

Driving on a suspended or revoked license in Georgia is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. If you are stopped while driving and your license status is suspended or revoked, you will be arrested and charged. The consequences are serious and escalate based on how many times you have done it before.

A first offense for driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor. You face up to 12 months in jail, a fine between $200 and $500, or both. Your vehicle can be impounded. A second offense within five years becomes a higher-level misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $1,000. A third or subsequent offense within five years is a felony, carrying up to two years in prison and fines up to $5,000.

If your license is revoked (rather than suspended), the penalties are harsher from the start. Driving with a revoked license carries mandatory minimum jail time and higher fines. The distinction matters: suspension is temporary and can be lifted; revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process.

Key Takeaways

  • Driving on a suspended or revoked Georgia license is a criminal offense that results in arrest, jail time, fines, and vehicle impoundment.
  • A first offense for suspension is a misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and fines of $200 to $500; revocation carries harsher penalties from the start.
  • Repeat offenses within five years escalate to felony charges with prison time and fines up to $5,000.
  • You can check your license status through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website or by calling before you drive.
  • If your license is suspended, you may be able to request a limited permit to drive to work, school, or medical appointments while the suspension is in effect.

How to Know If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

You should never assume your license is valid. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) maintains your license status, and you can check it yourself before driving. Visit the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov and use the online license status check tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The check is when ready and free.

You can also call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours to ask about your status. If you received a notice in the mail about a suspension or revocation, keep that document — it explains why your license was suspended and what you must do to get it back.

Many drivers do not realize their license has been suspended until they are pulled over. Common reasons for suspension in Georgia include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical suspension (for seizures or certain conditions), or accumulating too many points on your driving record. If you are unsure why your license was suspended, the DDS notice or a call to DDS will tell you.

Limited Permits: Driving to Work or Medical Appointments

If your license is suspended (not revoked), Georgia law allows you to request a limited permit that lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You cannot use a limited permit for any other reason — no errands, no social trips, no driving anyone else.

To request a limited permit, you must go in person to a DDS office with proof of financial responsibility (your insurance card), proof of residency, and your driver's license. You will also need to show why you need the permit — a letter from your employer, a school enrollment document, or a medical appointment card. The DDS office will issue the permit on the spot if your reason is approved. There is a fee, which varies depending on how long the permit is valid.

A limited permit is not a full license. You must carry it with you at all times while driving, and you can only drive during the hours and for the purposes listed on the permit. If you are stopped and cannot show the permit, or if you are driving outside the permitted hours or purposes, you can still be arrested for driving with a suspended license.

The Difference Between Suspension and Revocation

Suspension is temporary. Your license is taken away for a set period — usually 30 days to one year, depending on the reason. Once that period ends and you have met any other requirements (paying fines, completing a course, paying reinstatement fees), your license is automatically restored or you can request restoration.

Revocation is permanent. Your license is cancelled and cannot be restored automatically. To drive again after revocation, you must explore for reinstatement through the DDS, which involves submitting documents, paying a reinstatement fee (usually $210 in Georgia), and sometimes passing a written test or medical exam. Revocation typically results from serious violations like multiple DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or driving with a suspended license multiple times.

If your license has been revoked, you cannot request a limited permit. Your only path forward is full reinstatement, which can take weeks or months depending on the reason for revocation and whether you have met all conditions.

What to Do If You Are Stopped While Driving Suspended

If a police officer stops you and your license is suspended or revoked, you will be arrested. Do not argue or try to explain — anything you say can be used against you in court. Provide your license and registration, stay calm, and ask to speak to a lawyer. You have the right to remain silent beyond providing your identification and insurance information.

You will be taken to jail for booking. At that point, you may be released on your own recognizance (your promise to return for court), released on bail, or held until a bail hearing. This depends on your criminal history and the severity of the charge. If this is your first offense, release is more likely.

Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Many offer free consultations. An attorney can review the circumstances of your stop, challenge the legality of the arrest if there are grounds, negotiate with the prosecutor, or represent you in court. Depending on the facts, charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed.

Getting Your License Back After Suspension

The steps to restore a suspended license depend on why it was suspended. If the suspension was for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines in full. If it was for failure to appear in court, you must appear in court and resolve the case. If it was for unpaid child support, you must contact the child support enforcement agency and make arrangements to pay.

Once you have met the underlying requirement, contact the DDS to confirm your suspension has been lifted. Some suspensions are automatically removed once the condition is met; others require you to request removal. You may also need to pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically $210 in Georgia. After reinstatement, your license is valid again and you can drive normally.

If you are unsure what condition caused your suspension or what you need to do, call the DDS at 678-413-8400 or visit a DDS office in person. Bring any notices you received in the mail — they usually explain the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a limited permit if my license is revoked?

No. Limited permits are only available for suspended licenses. If your license is revoked, you must go through the full reinstatement process with the Georgia Department of Driver Services, which includes submitting documents, paying a reinstatement fee, and sometimes passing tests. You cannot drive at all until reinstatement is complete.

What happens to my car if I am arrested for driving suspended?

Your vehicle will be impounded by the police department. To get it back, you must pay an impound fee and a daily storage fee. The longer your car sits in the impound lot, the more you owe. Contact the police department that made the arrest to find out where your car is and what fees explore.

Will a suspended license charge show up on a background check?

Yes. A criminal conviction for driving with a suspended license will appear on your criminal record and will show up on background checks for employment, housing, and other purposes. This is one reason to take the charge seriously and work with an attorney to minimize the outcome if possible.

Can I drive to the DDS office to request a limited permit?

No. You cannot drive on a suspended or revoked license for any reason, including to go to the DDS office. You must get a ride from someone else, use public transportation, or call a rideshare service. If you drive yourself and are stopped, you can still be arrested.

How long does reinstatement take after I pay the fee?

If you are reinstating after a suspension and have met all conditions, reinstatement is usually when ready or within one business day once the DDS processes your payment. For revocation reinstatement, which involves more paperwork and sometimes testing, it can take two to four weeks. Call the DDS to confirm your status before assuming your license is valid again.