What Causes a License Suspension in Georgia
Georgia suspends driver's licenses for specific violations and unpaid obligations, not as a penalty you can appeal away. The most common reason is failing to pay a traffic fine or court-ordered restitution within the important date set by the court. A suspension also happens automatically if you accumulate too many points on your driving record — 15 points in 24 months, 20 points in 36 months, or 24 points in 60 months — or if you're convicted of certain offenses like driving under the influence, reckless driving, or hit-and-run.
Georgia also suspends licenses for non-driving reasons: failing to pay child support, failing to maintain auto insurance after a conviction, or owing unpaid taxes to the state. If you received a notice of suspension from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), that notice names the reason and the agency that requested the suspension. You cannot restore your license until you address the underlying cause — paying the fine, completing a required program, or clearing the debt — not by requesting a review.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia suspends licenses for unpaid fines, too many points, DUI convictions, and non-driving debts like unpaid child support or taxes.
- You must resolve the cause of suspension (pay the fine, complete a program, or clear the debt) before the DDS will restore your license.
- Contact the court that issued the suspension notice or the agency listed on your suspension letter to find out exactly what you owe and the important date to pay.
- Once you have paid or completed the required action, you must request reinstatement from the DDS, which takes 5 to 10 business days.
- Driving on a suspended license in Georgia is a misdemeanor and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Your suspension notice from the DDS will state the reason and the agency that requested it. If you did not receive a notice or cannot find it, contact the DDS directly at 678-413-8400 (Atlanta area) or through the DDS website at dds.ga.gov. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The DDS can tell you the suspension reason and the contact information for the court or agency you need to work with.
If the suspension is for a traffic fine or court-ordered payment, the court that issued the ticket or judgment is responsible for lifting the suspension once you pay. If it is for points or a DUI conviction, you may need to complete a required course or program before the DDS will restore your license. If it is for child support or tax debt, you will need to contact the Georgia Department of Human Services (child support) or the Georgia Department of Revenue (taxes) to arrange payment or a payment plan.
Paying Traffic Fines and Court Costs
If your suspension is due to an unpaid traffic fine or court cost, contact the court listed on your suspension notice. Most Georgia courts allow you to pay by phone, online, or in person. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount owed, including any late fees or collection costs, and the important date to pay. Some courts offer payment plans if you cannot pay in full when ready.
Once you have paid the fine in full, ask the court for written confirmation of payment. Keep this confirmation — you will need it when you request reinstatement from the DDS. The court will notify the DDS that the fine is paid, but this process can take several days. Do not assume your license is restored until you have confirmation from the DDS itself.
Completing Required Programs for DUI and Point Suspensions
If your license was suspended for a DUI conviction, you must complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program (also called a DUI school) before the DDS will restore your license. The program is typically 8 to 12 hours of classroom instruction and costs between $150 and $300, depending on the provider. You can find approved providers through the DDS website or by calling 678-413-8400.
If your suspension is for accumulating too many points, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course. This course is usually 4 to 6 hours and costs $50 to $100. Completing the course removes up to 4 points from your record and can help you avoid future suspensions. Again, the DDS website lists approved providers. Once you complete the course, the provider will send your certificate directly to the DDS, so you do not need to submit it yourself.
Clearing Child Support and Tax Debt
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family Support Services, at 1-800-227-7993. They can tell you the amount owed and set up a payment plan if needed. Once you have made a payment or reached an agreement, request written confirmation that you are in compliance. The DHS will notify the DDS, but allow 5 to 10 business days for the notification to process.
If the suspension is for unpaid state taxes, contact the Georgia Department of Revenue at 404-656-4071. They can discuss your tax debt and payment options. Like child support, once you have paid or arranged a payment plan, ask for written confirmation and allow time for the DOR to notify the DDS of your compliance.
Requesting License Reinstatement from the DDS
After you have resolved the cause of suspension — paid the fine, completed the required program, or cleared the debt — you must formally request reinstatement from the DDS. You can do this online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. If you request online or by mail, include your driver's license number, your full name, date of birth, and proof that you have resolved the suspension cause (a receipt, certificate, or letter from the court or agency).
The DDS will process your reinstatement request within 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a letter confirming that your license has been restored. Your driving privileges are not active until you receive this confirmation from the DDS — do not drive before then, even if you believe you have resolved the suspension cause. If your license has expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew it as well.
What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License
Driving on a suspended license in Georgia is a misdemeanor offense. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be arrested, and your vehicle may be impounded. You will face a fine of $250 to $1,000, possible jail time of up to 12 months, and a mandatory court appearance. A conviction for driving with a suspended license will also add points to your record and can result in a longer suspension.
If your suspension is for a safety-related reason (DUI, reckless driving, or accumulation of points), driving on a suspended license is treated more seriously and can result in higher fines and jail time. The best course of action is to resolve the suspension cause as quickly as possible and request reinstatement before you drive again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension last in Georgia?
The length of suspension depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines end once you pay; suspensions for DUI convictions typically last 120 days to 1 year depending on whether it is a first or repeat offense; suspensions for too many points last 6 months to 1 year. Once you have resolved the cause, reinstatement is usually within 5 to 10 business days.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Georgia does not issue hardship or restricted licenses for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for unpaid child support or taxes, you may be able to request a limited license for work purposes while you arrange payment. Contact the DHS or DOR to ask about this option.
What if I cannot afford to pay the fine or complete the program?
Contact the court or agency that issued the suspension and ask about payment plans, fee waivers, or community service options. Many courts will work with you if you demonstrate financial hardship. Some DUI programs also offer sliding-scale fees based on income.
Do I need a new license after reinstatement?
No, your existing license is restored once the DDS processes your reinstatement request. However, if your license expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew it separately through the DDS.
How do I know if my reinstatement was approved?
The DDS will send you a letter confirming reinstatement. You can also check the status of your reinstatement request online through the DDS website or by calling 678-413-8400. Do not drive until you receive written confirmation from the DDS.