Where to check your Georgia driver's license status
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you check your license status online through their official website without visiting an office. Go to dds.georgia.gov, find the "License Status" or "Check License Status" tool, 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). Have your license number ready when you call. A representative can tell you your current status and explain any holds or restrictions on your record.
If you prefer to check in person, visit any DDS office in Georgia. Bring your license or state ID. Staff can print a status report on the spot, which is useful if you need documentation for an employer or court.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov has a free online tool to check your license status using your license number and date of birth.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive but the suspension may be lifted once you meet certain conditions, such as paying fines or completing a course.
- A revoked license is more serious and typically requires you to retest and reapply through DDS before you can drive again.
- If your status shows a hold or restriction, the online tool or a phone call to 678-413-8400 will tell you what action is needed to clear it.
What different license statuses mean in Georgia
Valid means your license is current and you are legally allowed to drive. Your license remains valid until the expiration date printed on the card.
Expired means the date on your license has passed. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if it expired yesterday. You must renew it through DDS before driving again. Georgia licenses are valid for eight years for most drivers.
Suspended means your driving privilege has been temporarily taken away, usually because of unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or accumulation of points from traffic violations. A suspension is not permanent — once you resolve the underlying issue (pay the fine, appear in court, or complete a required course), you can request reinstatement. The length of a suspension varies depending on the reason.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled by the state. This typically happens after serious violations such as multiple DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or habitual traffic offender status. To drive again after a revocation, you must wait the required period (which varies by reason), then reapply and pass the written and driving tests as if you were a new driver.
Common reasons for suspension or revocation in Georgia
Traffic violations that accumulate points can lead to suspension. Georgia uses a point system: accumulating 15 points within 24 months results in a suspension. Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation — typically three to seven years.
Unpaid traffic fines and failure to appear in court are among the most common reasons for suspension. If you received a ticket and did not pay or did not show up for your court date, DDS will suspend your license. Paying the fine or resolving the court case will clear this hold.
DUI (driving under the influence) convictions trigger automatic suspension or revocation depending on whether it is your first offense and the circumstances. A first DUI conviction results in a suspension of at least 120 days; subsequent convictions can lead to revocation.
Medical conditions reported to DDS, such as seizures or loss of consciousness, can result in suspension pending medical clearance. You may need to provide a doctor's statement before reinstatement.
Unpaid child support obligations can trigger a license suspension through the Georgia Department of Human Services. Resolving the child support debt will clear this suspension.
How to reinstate a suspended license
The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended. Check the online status tool or call DDS to find out the specific reason and what you must do.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court fees, you must pay them in full. Contact the court listed on your ticket or citation to confirm the exact amount owed, then pay through the court's payment system. Once the court processes the payment, notify DDS or wait for the suspension to clear automatically (this can take a few business days).
If the suspension is due to failure to appear in court, you must appear before the judge or resolve the case. Contact the court to reschedule or resolve the matter. Once resolved, the court will notify DDS and your suspension will be lifted.
If the suspension is due to accumulated points, you must wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days for a first suspension) and then request reinstatement through DDS. You may also need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies but is typically under $200.
If the suspension is medical-related, you must obtain clearance from your doctor and submit it to DDS. The clearance form is available on the DDS website or at any DDS office.
Reinstatement fees and what to bring
Georgia charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privilege after a suspension. The fee is typically $210 for a standard reinstatement, though the amount can vary depending on the reason for suspension and whether you have multiple suspensions on your record. Some suspensions (such as those for medical reasons) may have different fees.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DDS website, by phone at 678-413-8400, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Payment must be received before your license is reinstated.
If you choose to reinstate in person at a DDS office, bring your driver's license (if you still have it), proof of payment of any fines or fees, and proof of any required completion (such as a traffic safety course certificate). If your license was suspended for medical reasons, bring the medical clearance form signed by your doctor.
Renewing an expired Georgia license
If your license is expired but not suspended or revoked, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Online renewal is available if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.
To renew online, visit dds.georgia.gov, select the renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will need your license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The fee for an eight-year renewal is $32. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by completing Form DL-44 (available on the DDS website), including a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mailing it to the address on the form along with the renewal fee. Processing by mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is fastest if you need your license when ready. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 days.
What to do if your status shows an error
If the online status tool or a DDS representative tells you your license status is incorrect — for example, if it shows suspended when you believe you paid all fines — contact DDS when ready to dispute the error.
Call 678-413-8400 and explain the discrepancy. Have documentation ready, such as proof of payment, court records, or medical clearance. DDS may ask you to submit documents by mail or in person to verify your claim.
If you paid a fine or resolved a court case but the suspension has not been cleared from the system, ask DDS how long it typically takes for the court's notification to reach their records. Court-to-DDS communication can take several business days. If it has been longer than a week, ask DDS to contact the court directly on your behalf.
If you believe the error is a system mistake, request a written explanation from DDS and ask what steps you can take to have it corrected. Keep all documentation of your communications with DDS and the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Georgia and can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and jail time. If you are stopped by police while driving on a suspended license, you may face arrest and your vehicle may be impounded.
How long does a suspension last in Georgia?
The length varies by reason. Suspensions for accumulated points typically last 30 days for a first offense. Suspensions for unpaid fines or failure to appear last until you resolve the underlying issue. DUI suspensions last at least 120 days for a first offense. Check your status online or call DDS to find out the specific duration for your suspension.
What is the difference between suspension and revocation?
A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you meet the conditions set by DDS or the court. A revocation is permanent cancellation of your license. After a revocation, you must wait a set period and then reapply and pass all tests to drive again, as if you were a new driver.
Do I have to go to a DDS office to check my status?
No. The online status tool at dds.georgia.gov is free and available 24/7. You can also call 678-413-8400 during business hours. In-person visits are only necessary if you need to renew your license, reinstate it, or obtain official documentation of your status.
What if I lost my license and need to know its status?
You can still check your status online using your license number and date of birth, or by calling DDS. You do not need to have the physical card. If you need to reinstate or renew, you can do so without it, though you may need to pay an additional fee for a replacement card if your license was lost.