Check your Georgia driver's license status through the Department of Driver Services website
You can look up your Georgia driver's license information online without visiting an office or calling. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) operates a free status checker on its website where you enter your license number and date of birth to see whether your license is valid, suspended, or expired.
The tool shows you the current status when ready. It does not let you renew or update your address — it only displays what the state's records show. If you need to make changes to your license, you will need to visit a DDS office or use their online renewal system separately.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS website has a free license status checker that works 24 hours a day and shows whether your license is valid, suspended, or expired.
- You will need your Georgia driver's license number and your date of birth to use the status checker.
- The status checker only displays information — it does not process renewals, address changes, or other transactions.
- If your license is suspended, the status checker will not tell you why; you must contact DDS directly or visit an office to learn the reason and what steps to take.
What information you need before you start
Gather your Georgia driver's license number and your date of birth before you go to the DDS website. The status checker requires both pieces of information to pull up your record. Your license number appears on the front of your physical license, usually in the upper right corner.
If you do not have your license number memorized and your physical license is not available, you cannot use the online status checker. In that case, you would need to contact the DDS customer service line or visit a local DDS office in person.
Steps to check your license status online
- Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website (dds.georgia.gov).
- Look for the "License Status" or "Check License Status" link on the homepage. This link is usually in the main navigation menu or under a "Services" section.
- Enter your Georgia driver's license number in the first field.
- Enter your date of birth in the format the website requests (typically MM/DD/YYYY).
- Click the button to search or check status.
- Read the result on the screen. It will show whether your license is valid, suspended, expired, or in another status.
The search result appears when ready after you submit your information. You do not need to create an account, log in, or wait for an email. If the system cannot find a record matching your license number and date of birth, it will display a message saying so — this usually means the number was entered incorrectly or the record does not exist in the Georgia system.
What each license status means
Valid means your license is current and you are legally permitted to drive in Georgia. A valid license has not expired and has no suspensions or holds against it.
Expired means your license passed its expiration date and is no longer legal to use for driving. You can renew an expired license online through the DDS website if you meet certain conditions, or you can visit a DDS office. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation.
Suspended means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privileges. A suspension can happen for many reasons — unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical reasons, or accumulation of points from traffic violations. The status checker will not tell you why your license is suspended. You must contact DDS or visit an office to learn the reason and what you need to do to restore your driving privileges.
Revoked means the state has permanently cancelled your license. A revocation is more serious than a suspension and typically requires you to reapply for a new license after a waiting period. Like a suspension, the online status checker will not explain the reason — you need to contact DDS directly.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If the status checker shows your license is suspended or revoked, contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services to find out why and what steps you can take. You can call their customer service line during business hours or visit a local DDS office in person. Have your license number and date of birth ready when you call.
The DDS office can tell you whether the suspension is temporary and when it will be lifted, or whether you need to complete a specific action (such as paying a fine or completing a defensive driving course) to restore your privileges. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period; others require you to take action.
Do not drive while your license is suspended or revoked. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a separate criminal offense and can result in arrest, additional fines, and jail time.
If the status checker does not find your record
If you enter your license number and date of birth and the system says it cannot find a matching record, first double-check that you entered both pieces of information correctly. License numbers can be straightforward to misread, especially if you are reading from a worn or damaged card.
If you are certain the information is correct and the system still cannot find your record, your license may not be in the Georgia DDS database yet. This can happen if you recently moved to Georgia and obtained your license, or if there is a delay in the system updating. Contact DDS directly by phone or visit an office to confirm your license status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license using the status checker?
No. The status checker only displays your current license information. To renew your license, you must use the separate online renewal system on the DDS website, or visit a DDS office in person. The renewal system is a different tool from the status checker.
Does checking my license status cost money?
No. The Georgia DDS status checker is free to use. You do not need to pay any fee to look up your license information online.
Will checking my status affect my license or driving record?
No. Looking up your license status does not change anything about your license or record. It is a read-only tool that straightforward displays information the state already has on file.
What if I lost my license number and cannot find it?
If you do not have your license number and your physical license is not available, you cannot use the online status checker. You will need to contact the Georgia DDS customer service line or visit a local office in person. Bring a photo ID and they can look up your information for you.
How often is the status checker updated?
The status checker pulls information from the DDS database in real time, so it shows your current status as it exists in the state system. However, if you recently completed an action (such as paying a fine to lift a suspension), there may be a delay of one to two business days before the change appears in the system.