Where to check your Georgia driver's license status
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you check your license status through their online portal without visiting an office. Go to dds.georgia.gov, find the "License Status" or "Check License Status" link on the homepage, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
You can also call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time) and speak to someone who can look up your status over the phone. Have your license number ready when you call.
If you prefer to check in person, you can visit any DDS office in Georgia. Bring your license or a form of identification, and staff will pull up your record at no charge. Wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov has an online tool where you enter your license number and birth date to see your current status when ready.
- You can call DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400 during weekday business hours if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone.
- A suspension or revocation appears in the system when ready after the court or DDS takes action, so checking online is faster than waiting for mail.
- If your status shows suspended or revoked, the online result will usually tell you the reason and what you need to do next.
What different license statuses mean
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. Expired means the date printed on your card has passed; you cannot drive on an expired license, but renewal is usually straightforward. Suspended means your driving privileges are temporarily taken away, usually because of unpaid fines, missed court dates, or too many traffic violations. A suspension can be lifted once you meet the conditions (pay what you owe, complete a course, or wait out the suspension period).
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled by the state, typically after serious violations like multiple DUIs or reckless driving convictions. Reinstatement after revocation is more complex than lifting a suspension and may require a hearing or a waiting period.
Cancelled means you requested the cancellation yourself, or DDS cancelled it because you moved out of state or did not renew. You can usually reapply, but you may need to pass the written test again depending on how long ago it was cancelled.
Why your license might be suspended
Georgia suspends licenses for several reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket, too many points on your driving record within a certain time period, or a conviction for driving under the influence. Child support arrears can also trigger a suspension, as can failing to maintain car insurance after an accident.
If you received a notice in the mail about a suspension, it will say the reason and what you must do to get your license back. If you did not receive a notice but the online check shows a suspension, contact DDS or the court listed in your status to find out what happened and what steps come next.
How to read your online status result
When you search on the DDS website, the result page will display your name, license number, and current status in plain language. Below that, you will usually see the reason for the status (if it is not "Valid") and sometimes the date the status took effect or when it will be lifted.
If the reason is unclear or you need more detail, the page may include a phone number or link to contact the specific agency responsible — for example, the court that issued a suspension or the child support office. Write down that contact information and reach out to them directly; they can explain what you owe and how to resolve it.
Print or save a screenshot of your status result if you need proof for your employer, insurance company, or a court. Some organizations accept the online result as documentation; others may ask you to request an official letter from DDS instead.
Getting an official status letter from DDS
If you need a formal document rather than an online result, you can request a License Status Letter from the Georgia DDS. Visit any DDS office in person, call 678-413-8400, or mail a written request to the DDS address listed on their website. Include your full name, date of birth, and driver's license number.
An official letter costs a small fee (typically a few dollars) and takes a few business days to arrive by mail if you request it by phone or in writing. If you request it in person at an office, you may receive it the same day. This letter is useful if you need to show your status to a court, employer, or insurance company and they do not accept the online result.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
First, find out the exact reason by checking your online status or calling DDS. Then contact the organization listed as responsible — this might be a traffic court, the DDS itself, or a child support enforcement office. Ask them what you must do to resolve the suspension: pay a fine, complete a defensive driving course, attend a hearing, or wait out a suspension period.
Once you have completed the required steps, contact that same organization to confirm the suspension has been lifted. Then check your status online again to verify the change has been recorded in the DDS system. This can take a few business days to show up, so do not assume it is resolved when ready after you complete your part.
If you are unsure whether you have done everything required, ask DDS or the responsible agency for a checklist before you pay anything or take action. Some suspensions require multiple steps, and missing one can delay reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a suspension to show up online?
A suspension usually appears in the DDS system within one to three business days after the court or agency issues it. If you were just notified by mail, the suspension may already be in the system even if you just received the letter. Check online to be sure before you drive.
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Georgia and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, you will face criminal charges. If your license is suspended, do not drive until it is reinstated.
What if the online status does not match the notice I received in the mail?
The online status is usually more current than a mailed notice. If the online status shows "Valid" but your notice says "Suspended," contact DDS to confirm. If the online status shows "Suspended" but you have not received a notice, call DDS or the court when ready to find out what you owe and how to fix it.
Do I need to renew my license if it is suspended?
No. Your license cannot be renewed while it is suspended. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew if your license is also expired. If your license expires while it is suspended, you must lift the suspension first, then renew before you can drive legally.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The DDS online tool requires the license holder's license number and date of birth for security reasons. Only the license holder or someone with legal authority (like a lawyer or court) can request another person's status information.