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 website without visiting an office. Go to dds.georgia.gov, find the "License Status" or "Check License Status" option in the main menu, 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, visit any DDS office in Georgia. You'll need to bring a valid form of identification. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so calling ahead or checking online first saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to check your Georgia license status is the online tool at dds.georgia.gov, which gives you an answer in seconds.
  • You can also call DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400 during weekday business hours to have someone check your status by 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 course.
  • A revoked license is more serious and typically requires you to reapply for a new license after a waiting period, which varies depending on why it was revoked.
  • If your license is expired, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person depending on how long it has been expired and your age.

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 legally until you renew. Suspended means your driving privileges are temporarily taken away, usually because of unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical condition. Once you resolve the reason for the suspension, you can often get your license back.

Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled, usually for serious violations like multiple DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or accumulating too many points on your record. You cannot drive legally and must wait a set period before you can reapply for a new license. The waiting period depends on why your license was revoked.

The status check will tell you which of these applies to you. If your license is suspended or revoked, the online tool or the person you speak to by phone may also tell you the reason and what you need to do next.

What to do if your license is suspended

A suspension is temporary. The first step is to find out why it was suspended—the DDS website or phone line will usually tell you. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or a medical hold placed by a doctor or the DDS.

Once you know the reason, take action to resolve it. If it is unpaid fines, pay them to the court that issued the ticket. If it is a failure to appear, contact the court to reschedule or resolve the case. If it is child support, contact your local child support enforcement office. If it is medical, you may need to provide updated medical documentation to the DDS.

After you resolve the issue, contact the DDS to request reinstatement of your license. Some suspensions are lifted automatically once the underlying problem is fixed; others require you to file paperwork or pay a reinstatement fee. The DDS can tell you which applies to your situation.

What to do if your license is revoked

A revocation is more serious than a suspension because it means your license has been cancelled, not just temporarily suspended. You cannot legally drive, and you must wait before you can reapply. The waiting period varies: it may be one year, five years, or longer depending on the reason for revocation.

During the waiting period, you cannot hold a Georgia driver's license. After the waiting period ends, you can explore for a new license by visiting a DDS office, taking a written test and vision test, and paying the license fee. You may also need to provide proof of completion of a defensive driving course or other requirements, depending on why your license was revoked.

If you need to drive before your waiting period ends, you may be able to request a limited driving permit for specific purposes like driving to work or medical appointments. Contact the DDS to ask whether you may have access to and how to request one.

Renewing an expired Georgia license

If your license is expired but not suspended or revoked, you can renew it. Georgia offers three ways to renew: online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Which method you can use depends on how long your license has been expired and your age.

If your license expired less than two years ago and you are between 18 and 64, you can renew online at dds.georgia.gov. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you are under 18, or you are 65 or older, you must renew in person at a DDS office or by mail. In-person renewal requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. By-mail renewal requires you to complete an process form and mail it with copies of your documents to the address on the form.

Understanding points on your Georgia license

Georgia uses a point system to track traffic violations on your driving record. Each type of violation carries a certain number of points. For example, speeding carries 2 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit you were; reckless driving carries 4 points; and a DUI carries 4 points.

If you accumulate 15 points within 24 months, your license will be suspended. The suspension lasts until you complete a defensive driving course, which removes 4 points from your record. You can take the course once every 12 months.

You can check how many points are on your record by visiting dds.georgia.gov or calling 678-413-8400. Knowing your point total helps you understand how close you are to suspension and whether you should take a defensive driving course to reduce your points before you reach 15.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn about my license is suspended?

The online status check at dds.georgia.gov gives you an answer when ready. If you call the DDS phone line, you will get an answer within a few minutes once you reach someone. In-person checks at a DDS office usually take 5 to 15 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Can I drive if my license is suspended?

No, driving with 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 can be arrested. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the DDS whether you may have access to for a limited driving permit.

What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?

A suspension is temporary and can usually be lifted once you resolve the underlying problem, like paying a fine or attending court. A revocation is permanent cancellation of your license, and you must wait a set period before you can reapply. Revocations are typically issued for serious violations like multiple DUIs.

Do I need to pay a fee to check my license status?

No, checking your status online or by phone is free. You only pay fees if you need to renew your license, pay a reinstatement fee after a suspension, or request a limited driving permit.

What documents do I need to bring if I check my status in person?

Bring a valid form of identification, such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. You do not need to bring your driver's license itself. If you are there to renew an expired license, you will also need proof of residency and your Social Security number.