Check your Georgia driver's license status through the DDS website

Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you look up your license status online without calling or visiting an office. You go to the DDS website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and see whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked. The check takes about 30 seconds and works from any computer or phone with internet access.

The status you get back tells you whether you can legally drive in Georgia right now. A valid license means you're clear to drive. A suspended license means you cannot drive, but the suspension is temporary — it will lift on a specific date or once you meet a requirement (like paying a fine or completing a course). A revoked license means the state has permanently taken away your driving privilege, and you'll need to go through a formal reinstatement process to drive again.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia DDS website has a free status checker that shows whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked in seconds.
  • You need your driver's license number and date of birth to run the check — nothing else.
  • A suspended license is temporary and will lift on a set date or after you complete a requirement; a revoked license requires formal reinstatement.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, the DDS website usually shows the reason and what you need to do next.

What information you need before you check

Gather your Georgia driver's license number and your date of birth. That's all the DDS status checker requires. You don't need your Social Security number, address, or any other personal information.

If you don't have your license number handy, look at your physical license card — it's printed on the front. If you've lost your license and don't remember the number, you can still call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 to ask them to look it up for you, though the online check is faster if you have the number.

Steps to check your status on the DDS website

Step 1: Go to the Georgia DDS website. Open a web browser and navigate to dds.georgia.gov. Look for a link or button labeled "Check License Status" or "License Status Inquiry" — it's usually on the homepage or under a "Services" menu.

Step 2: Enter your license number. Type your Georgia driver's license number into the first field. Make sure you enter it exactly as it appears on your card, with no extra spaces or dashes.

Step 3: Enter your date of birth. Type your date of birth in the format the website asks for — usually MM/DD/YYYY. Double-check the numbers before you submit.

Step 4: Submit the form. Click the "Check Status" or "Submit" button. The website will search its database and return your status within seconds.

Step 5: Read your result. The page will display your license status and usually the reason if your license is suspended or revoked. Write down or screenshot the information in case you need it later.

What each license status means

Valid: Your license is current and you can drive legally in Georgia. If the status shows a date, that's when your license expires — you'll need to renew before that date.

Suspended: You cannot drive, but the suspension is temporary. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or not completing a required course. The status page usually shows the suspension end date or what you need to do to lift it (like paying a fine or submitting proof of insurance). Once you meet the requirement or the date passes, your license becomes valid again automatically — you don't need to reapply.

Revoked: The state has permanently taken away your driving privilege. This usually happens after multiple suspensions, a serious violation like a DUI, or failure to pay child support. A revoked license requires formal reinstatement through the DDS, not just waiting or paying a fine. The status page will explain what steps you need to take.

Cancelled: Your license was cancelled, usually because you didn't renew it before it expired or because you requested cancellation yourself. You'll need to renew your license to drive again.

What to do if your license is suspended

The status page should tell you why your license is suspended and what lifts it. If it says a date, mark that date on your calendar — your license will become valid automatically when that date arrives. If it says you need to complete an action (pay a fine, submit proof of insurance, or complete a course), contact the DDS or the court listed on the notice to find out how to do it.

Do not drive while your license is suspended. Driving on a suspended license is a separate crime in Georgia and carries fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive before the suspension lifts, ask the DDS about a limited permit — some suspensions allow you to get a permit that lets you drive to work or school.

What to do if your license is revoked

A revoked license requires you to go through a reinstatement process, not just wait for a date. The DDS website should explain what you need to do — this might include paying a reinstatement fee, passing a written test, passing a driving test, or submitting documents like proof of insurance or completion of a DUI course.

Contact the DDS directly at 678-413-8400 or visit a DDS office in person to start the reinstatement process. They'll tell you exactly what documents and fees you need and how long the process takes. Reinstatement usually takes several weeks.

If the website doesn't work or you need more help

If the online status checker is down or won't load, you can call the Georgia DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. They're open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your license number and date of birth ready when you call.

You can also visit a DDS office in person. Find your local office at dds.georgia.gov — search by county or city. Bring your license or a photo ID. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so calling ahead is a good idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I check my license status?

You can check as many times as you want. The status checker is free and available 24/7. If you're waiting for a suspension to lift or for a reinstatement to process, checking every few days is normal.

Why does the website say my license is suspended when I just renewed it?

A renewal doesn't automatically lift a suspension. If you renewed your license but it's still suspended, the suspension was active before the renewal and remains active. You need to resolve the underlying issue (pay a fine, complete a course, appear in court) before the suspension lifts. Contact the DDS to find out what's holding it up.

Can I drive if my license is suspended but I'm waiting for reinstatement?

No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and carries criminal penalties. If you need to drive before your license is valid again, ask the DDS about a limited permit or hardship license — some suspensions allow these, but you have to request them.

What if the status checker says my license is valid but a police officer says it's suspended?

This is rare but can happen if the DDS database hasn't updated yet. Ask the officer to call dispatch to verify, or contact the DDS when ready after. Keep a screenshot or printout of the status page you checked. If there's a discrepancy, the DDS can correct it.

Do I need to renew my license if it's suspended?

No. A suspension pauses your driving privilege but doesn't affect your renewal date. If your license expires while it's suspended, you'll need to renew it once the suspension lifts. Don't renew early — it won't lift the suspension.