How to restore your Georgia license after suspension
To get your suspended Georgia driver's license back, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you have to do and in what order. Most suspensions fall into a few categories: unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court, DUI-related suspensions, and medical suspensions. Once you know the reason, you contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), handle the underlying issue (pay fines, appear in court, complete a DUI program), and then request reinstatement through DDS.
The process typically takes two to four weeks after you have resolved the reason for suspension, though some cases move faster. You cannot legally drive until DDS officially reinstates your license — driving on a suspended license carries its own criminal penalties.
Key Takeaways
- Call the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 to learn the specific reason your license was suspended before taking any other steps.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, court costs, or child support, or to complete a required program like a DUI course, before DDS will consider reinstatement.
- You must request reinstatement through DDS in writing or in person once you have resolved the underlying issue — the suspension does not automatically lift.
- A reinstatement fee (typically $210 for most suspensions) is due when you request reinstatement, separate from any fines or court costs you already owe.
- If your suspension is medical-related, you will need a doctor's clearance letter before DDS will reinstate your driving privileges.
Find out why your license was suspended
Your first step is to contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services directly. Call 678-413-8400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time) and have your driver's license number ready. DDS will tell you the exact reason for suspension and what you must do to resolve it.
You can also visit a DDS office in person to get this information. Bring your driver's license or state ID. If you do not have either, bring a birth certificate or passport. DDS locations are spread across Georgia; you can find the office nearest you on the DDS website.
Write down everything DDS tells you: the suspension reason, any important date, the amount owed (if applicable), and the name of the court or agency involved. This information is your roadmap for the next steps.
Handle traffic fines, court costs, or child support
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or child support, you must pay what you owe before DDS will reinstate your license. Contact the court listed on your suspension notice or call DDS to confirm which court holds your case.
You can usually pay by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse. Ask the court clerk whether they accept payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once — many Georgia courts do. Once you have paid in full or set up a payment plan, ask the court for written confirmation that the debt is satisfied or that a plan is in place. Keep this confirmation; you will need it when you request reinstatement.
If your suspension is tied to unpaid child support, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family Support Services. They handle child support enforcement and can tell you the exact amount owed and payment options.
Complete a DUI program if required
DUI-related suspensions require you to complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program (also called a DUI school or alcohol education program) before reinstatement is possible. DDS will tell you whether this applies to your case when you call.
Georgia recognizes approved DUI programs throughout the state. You choose which program to attend from the DDS-approved list. Programs typically run four to eight hours and cost between $100 and $300. Some programs offer online or evening options if you work during the day.
Once you complete the program, the provider will send your completion certificate directly to DDS. Keep a copy for your records. You cannot request reinstatement until DDS has received this certificate.
Appear in court if you missed a hearing
If your suspension resulted from failure to appear (FTA) in court, you must go back to that court and resolve the case before DDS will reinstate your license. Contact the court listed on your suspension notice and explain that you missed your hearing.
The court will reschedule you or may allow you to resolve the case by phone or mail, depending on the charge and the judge's rules. Once the case is resolved — whether you plead guilty, the charge is dismissed, or you are found not guilty — ask the court for written confirmation. This document tells DDS that the FTA issue is cleared.
If you are unsure whether you have an active warrant related to your FTA, ask the court clerk directly. It is better to know before you show up.
Request reinstatement from DDS
Once you have resolved the reason for suspension, you must formally request reinstatement. You can do this in person at any DDS office, by mail, or online through the DDS website.
You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically $210 for most suspensions (medical suspensions may have a different fee). This fee is separate from any fines or court costs you already paid. DDS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
If you are requesting reinstatement by mail, send a letter to the Georgia Department of Driver Services with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, proof that you have resolved the issue (court confirmation, program completion certificate, payment receipt), and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail it to: Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013.
If you request reinstatement in person, bring the same documents and payment method to your local DDS office. Processing usually takes two to four weeks after DDS receives your request.
Medical suspensions and doctor clearance
If your suspension is medical — meaning DDS suspended your license because of a health condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you cannot straightforward pay a fee to get it back. You must obtain medical clearance from a doctor.
DDS will tell you what type of medical evaluation you need when you call. This might be a general physical, a vision test, a neurological exam, or a psychiatric evaluation, depending on the condition. You choose your own doctor; it does not have to be a state-appointed physician.
Once your doctor has examined you and determined you are safe to drive, they will provide a medical clearance letter. Bring this letter to DDS along with your reinstatement fee. DDS will review the letter and reinstate your license if the doctor's assessment supports it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I get a work permit?
Georgia does not issue work permits or hardship licenses for most suspensions. You cannot legally drive for any reason while suspended, including to and from work. The only exception is a limited driving permit for DUI suspensions, which requires a separate request to DDS and is not available for all DUI cases.
What happens if I drive on a suspended license?
Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Georgia. You can be arrested, fined up to $1,000, and face jail time. Your license suspension will be extended, and you may face additional court costs. It is not worth the risk.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
After you submit your reinstatement request and payment, DDS typically processes it within two to four weeks. Some cases move faster if all documents are in order. You can call DDS to check the status of your request after one week.
Do I have to retake the written or road test to get my license back?
For most suspensions, you do not have to retake any test — reinstatement straightforward restores your existing license. However, if your suspension was medical-related and involved vision or a serious health condition, DDS may require you to pass a vision test or road test before reinstatement.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
DDS does not waive reinstatement fees, but you can ask your local court about fee reduction or payment plans for any court costs you owe. The reinstatement fee itself must be paid in full. Some community legal aid organizations may be able to point you toward resources if you are facing financial hardship.