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

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you look up your license status without visiting an office. You can check online through their website, call their customer service line, or visit a DDS location in person. The online method is fastest — you'll get an answer in seconds — and you only need your driver's license number or Social Security number.

Your license status tells you whether it's valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. Knowing the status matters because driving on a suspended or revoked license is illegal in Georgia and can result in fines, arrest, or both. If you're unsure whether your license is still good, checking before you drive protects you.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov and use the License Status Inquiry tool with your driver's license number or Social Security number.
  • Call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours to speak with someone who can look up your status over the phone.
  • A suspended license means you cannot legally drive but the suspension may be lifted once you meet certain conditions, like paying fines or completing a program.
  • A revoked license is more serious and typically requires you to reapply for a new license after a waiting period set by Georgia law.
  • If your license expired, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person depending on how long ago it expired.

Using the Georgia DDS online status tool

Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "License Status Inquiry" option on the homepage. You'll be asked to enter either your Georgia driver's license number or your Social Security number, plus your date of birth. The system will pull up your current status when ready.

The online tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. It may also display the reason for a suspension or revocation — for example, unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical condition. If the reason is listed, you'll know what step to take next.

This method works 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can check at any time. You don't need to create an account or provide any information beyond what's already on your license.

Calling DDS customer service for your status

If you prefer to speak with someone, call the Georgia DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. A representative will look up your status and explain what it means.

Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Call times can be long during peak hours, usually mid-morning and early afternoon. If you call early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you may reach someone faster.

What a suspended license means and how to fix it

A suspended license means you are not allowed to drive legally in Georgia. The suspension is temporary — it will end once you meet the conditions that caused it. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points on your driving record, or not maintaining car insurance.

To lift a suspension, you must address the underlying reason. If it's unpaid fines, you pay them. If it's a failure to appear, you contact the court. If it's points, you may need to wait out a suspension period or take a defensive driving course. Once you've met the requirement, contact DDS or the agency that suspended your license to confirm the suspension is removed.

Some suspensions are lifted automatically once the condition is met, but others require you to request reinstatement. The DDS status tool or a phone call to customer service will tell you what action you need to take.

What a revoked license means and what comes next

A revoked license is more serious than a suspension. It means Georgia has cancelled your license, and you cannot drive legally. Revocations typically happen for serious violations like multiple DUI convictions, reckless driving, or habitual traffic offender status.

If your license is revoked, you cannot straightforward pay a fine or wait for it to expire. You must reapply for a new license after a waiting period set by Georgia law. The waiting period varies depending on the reason for revocation — it can range from one year to a lifetime in extreme cases. When you reapply, you'll need to pass the written test, vision test, and road test again, just as if you were getting your first license.

Renewing an expired Georgia driver's license

If your status check shows your license is expired, you have three ways to renew: online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Online renewal is available if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical restrictions. You'll pay the renewal fee and receive a new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but lets you avoid a trip to the DDS office. In-person renewal at a DDS location is fastest if you need your new license when ready, though you'll need to schedule an appointment or wait in line.

Your license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. If you're within a few months of expiration, you can renew early to avoid driving on an expired license.

What to do if your status shows a problem you don't understand

If the status tool shows your license is suspended or revoked but you don't know why, call DDS customer service at 678-413-8400. A representative can explain the reason and tell you exactly what you need to do to resolve it. Write down the reason they give you so you have it for reference.

If the reason involves a court case, unpaid fines, or a failure to appear, you may need to contact the court or the agency that reported the issue to DDS. DDS customer service can usually provide you with contact information for the right agency. Don't wait to address a suspension or revocation — the longer you drive illegally, the greater the risk of arrest or additional penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to check my license status online?

The online status tool gives you an answer when ready. You'll see your status as soon as you enter your information and submit the search. No waiting period or processing time is involved.

Can I check someone else's license status?

No. The DDS status tool requires your own driver's license number or Social Security number. You cannot look up another person's status through the public tool. If you need information about someone else's license, they must check it themselves or give you written permission to inquire on their behalf.

What if the online tool says my license is valid but I was told it's suspended?

Contact DDS customer service when ready at 678-413-8400. There may be a delay in the system updating, or the suspension may have been entered incorrectly. A representative can confirm your actual status and help resolve any discrepancy.

Do I have to renew my license in person if it's expired?

Not necessarily. If your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew online or by mail. In-person renewal is required only if you have medical restrictions, your license expired more than five years ago, or you need a new photo.

What happens if I drive with a suspended license?

Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Georgia. You can be stopped, cited, arrested, and face fines up to $1,000 or jail time. Your vehicle may be impounded, and additional charges may be added to your record. It's important to check your status and resolve any suspension before driving.