Check your Georgia 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 at dds.georgia.gov using your driver's license number and date of birth, or call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours. Both methods show you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired — and if there's a problem, what caused it.

The online tool is faster if you know your license number. The phone line is better if you need someone to explain what a suspension means or what steps come next. Either way, you'll get an answer in minutes rather than days.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit dds.georgia.gov and enter your driver's license number and date of birth to see your current status when ready.
  • Call 678-413-8400 during business hours if you prefer to speak with someone or need help understanding what your status means.
  • A suspension means you cannot legally drive but the license can be reinstated; a revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal appeal process.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, the DDS website or phone line will tell you the reason and what you need to do to resolve it.

Using the DDS online status checker

Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "Check License Status" link on the homepage. You'll need your Georgia driver's license number (the eight-digit number on the front of your card) and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information and the system will display your status within seconds.

The online tool shows one of four statuses: Valid (your license is current and you can drive), Expired (your license passed its expiration date and needs renewal), Suspended (you cannot drive legally, but the license can be restored), or Revoked (the license has been permanently cancelled). If your status is anything other than Valid, the tool will usually tell you why — for example, unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical disqualification.

Write down or screenshot the information the tool shows you. If you need to take action — like paying a fine or scheduling a medical exam — you'll want the details in front of you.

Calling DDS customer service for your status

The DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your driver's license number ready when you call. A representative will look up your status and read it to you over the phone. They can also explain what the status means and what you need to do next.

This option takes longer than the online tool — you may wait on hold — but it's useful if you're confused about your status or if the online system isn't working. Representatives can also tell you whether you need to visit a DDS office in person or if everything can be handled by mail or online.

What each license status means

Valid means your license is current and you are legally allowed to drive in Georgia. Your license is good until the expiration date printed on the front of the card.

Expired means your license passed its expiration date. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if the card is still in your wallet. You'll need to renew it at a DDS office or online (if you're renewing early, you can do this up to six months before expiration). An expired license is not the same as a suspension — it's straightforward outdated and needs to be updated.

Suspended means you temporarily cannot drive legally, but your license has not been cancelled. A suspension is usually caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, a medical issue, or too many points from traffic violations. The key difference from revocation is that a suspension can be lifted once you fix the underlying problem — pay the fine, resolve the child support issue, or pass a medical exam. You'll need to contact DDS or the agency that caused the suspension to find out exactly what to do.

Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled. This usually happens after a serious violation like a DUI conviction or multiple suspensions. A revoked license cannot straightforward be reinstated by paying a fine or waiting. You'll have to go through a formal reinstatement process, which may include a hearing, proof of completion of a safety course, or other requirements set by DDS. The status checker or a phone call to DDS will tell you what the revocation is for and what steps you need to take.

Why your license might be suspended or revoked

Georgia suspends or revokes licenses for many reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support, accumulating too many points from traffic violations (12 points in 24 months triggers a suspension), a DUI or reckless driving conviction, driving without insurance, or failing a medical exam required by DDS.

Less common reasons include fraud (lying on your license process), being declared medically unfit to drive, or violating the terms of a restricted license. When you check your status, the reason should be listed. If it's not clear, call DDS at 678-413-8400 and ask them to explain it.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

First, find out the exact reason by checking your status online or calling DDS. Then contact the agency responsible for the suspension. If it's unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket. If it's child support, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services. If it's a medical issue, you may need to see a doctor and submit a form to DDS. If it's a DUI or serious violation, you'll likely need to contact DDS directly to learn about reinstatement requirements.

Do not drive while your license is suspended or revoked. Driving on a suspended license is a separate crime in Georgia and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Once you've resolved the underlying issue, contact DDS or the relevant agency to confirm your license has been restored. You can then check your status again online to verify it shows Valid.

If you can't find your license number

Your Georgia driver's license number is the eight-digit number printed on the front of your card. If you've lost your card or don't have it with you, you can still call DDS at 678-413-8400 and provide your name and date of birth instead. A representative will look up your number and check your status for you.

If you need a replacement card because yours is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can order one online at dds.georgia.gov or visit a DDS office. A replacement card costs $32 and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days if ordered online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my license status?

You only need to check if you think there might be a problem — for example, if you received a ticket and aren't sure whether you paid it, or if you got a notice in the mail about your license. If your status is Valid and your license hasn't expired, you don't need to check again until closer to your expiration date.

Can I check someone else's license status?

No. The DDS status checker requires the license number and date of birth of the person whose license you're checking. You cannot look up another person's status without their permission and information. If you need to know someone else's status, ask them to check it themselves or call DDS on their behalf if they give you permission.

What if the website says my status is suspended but I didn't know?

This happens sometimes — a suspension can take effect without you receiving a notice, especially if your address on file with DDS is outdated. Contact DDS when ready at 678-413-8400 to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to fix it. Do not drive until it's resolved.

How long does it take to restore a suspended license?

It depends on the reason for the suspension. If you owe a fine, it may be restored within hours of payment. If you owe child support, it may take a few business days after the debt is paid. If it's a medical issue, it depends on how quickly you can schedule and pass an exam. Call DDS or the responsible agency to ask for a timeline specific to your situation.

Is there a fee to check my license status?

No. Checking your status online or by phone is free. DDS does not charge for status checks.