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 at dds.georgia.gov. You can look up whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked without creating an account — you just need your driver's license number and date of birth.
The online check takes about two minutes and shows your current status when ready. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can 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). You can also visit a DDS office in person with your license or ID.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's Department of Driver Services website at dds.georgia.gov has a free online tool to check your license status using your license number and date of birth.
- A status check shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired, and usually displays the reason if there is a problem.
- If your license is suspended, the online tool often shows what caused it — unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or medical suspension — and what you need to do to restore it.
- You can also call DDS at 678-413-8400 or visit a local DDS office, though the online check is fastest if you need an answer right away.
What the status check will tell you
When you run a status check, Georgia's system returns one of several possible results. A valid status means your license is current and you can legally drive. An expired status means your license has passed its renewal date — you cannot drive on an expired license, and you need to renew it before getting behind the wheel.
A suspended status means your driving privileges have been temporarily removed, usually because of unpaid fines, child support arrears, a medical condition, or a conviction-related reason. A revoked status is more serious — it means your license has been permanently cancelled and you must go through a formal reinstatement process, which typically includes a new written test and sometimes a driving test.
The online tool usually displays the reason for a suspension or revocation. Common reasons include failure to pay traffic citations, failure to maintain child support payments, DUI convictions, accumulation of too many points from traffic violations, or medical suspension due to a reported health condition. Knowing the reason tells you what step you need to take next.
Steps to check your status online
Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "License Status" or "Check License Status" link on the homepage. Click it to open the lookup tool. You will see two fields: one for your driver's license number and one for your date of birth.
Enter your information exactly as it appears on your license. The system is case-sensitive for some fields, so match the spelling and format carefully. Once you submit, the tool will return your status within seconds. If the system cannot find your record, double-check that you entered your license number and birth date correctly — typos are the most common reason for a "no record found" result.
If you do not have your license number handy, you can call DDS at 678-413-8400 and provide your name and date of birth to a representative, who can look it up for you. You can also visit any DDS office with a photo ID and ask staff to check your status in person.
What to do if your license is suspended
If your status shows suspended, the online tool or a DDS representative can tell you the reason. The next step depends on what caused the suspension. If it is due to unpaid traffic fines, you need to pay the fine to the court that issued the ticket — DDS does not collect these payments. Contact the court directly or search for your case online through Georgia's court system.
If the suspension is due to child support arrears, you must contact the Georgia Division of Family Support Services or the attorney handling your case to bring your account current. Medical suspensions require you to submit a medical evaluation or clearance form from a doctor to DDS. Once you resolve the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement through DDS, which usually takes one to two weeks.
Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you accumulate too many points from traffic violations, your license suspends automatically. In these cases, you may need to complete a defensive driving course or wait out a suspension period before you can drive again. DDS will specify the requirement when you check your status or call them.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revoked license is more complex than a suspension. Revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process. The most common reason for revocation in Georgia is a DUI conviction, but it can also result from multiple serious violations or a habitual traffic offender designation.
To reinstate a revoked license, you typically must wait a minimum period (which varies by reason — often one to five years), pay a reinstatement fee to DDS, and pass a written knowledge test and sometimes a driving test. Some people also need to complete a DUI education program or substance abuse treatment, depending on why the license was revoked. Contact DDS directly at 678-413-8400 to learn the specific requirements for your situation.
If your license is expired
An expired license means your renewal date has passed. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if the expiration was recent. Georgia driver's licenses are valid for eight years for most adults, and renewal is straightforward.
You can renew online at dds.georgia.gov if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must not have any medical restrictions, and you must not be changing your name or address. If you do not meet these conditions, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number. The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get results from an online status check?
The online tool returns your status when ready — usually within seconds of submitting your information. If you call DDS, a representative can tell you your status during the call, though wait times vary depending on call volume.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The online tool requires the license holder's license number and date of birth. DDS does not release license information to third parties without a court order or legal authority. If you need to verify someone's status for employment or insurance purposes, ask them to provide it directly.
What if the online tool says "no record found"?
This usually means you entered your license number or date of birth incorrectly. Check your license and try again, paying attention to spacing and punctuation. If you still get no result, call DDS at 678-413-8400 — your license may not be in the system yet if it was recently issued.
Does checking my status online affect my driving record?
No. Looking up your status does not change anything about your license or record. It is a read-only lookup with no side effects.
What if I disagree with the status shown?
Call DDS at 678-413-8400 and explain the issue. If you believe there is an error — for example, if you paid a fine but the suspension is still showing — DDS can investigate. Bring documentation of your payment or resolution. If DDS made a mistake, they can correct it, though it may take a few business days to update in the system.