What You Need to Do Right Now

To get a replacement driver's license in Georgia, you visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot renew or replace a Georgia license online or by mail — you must appear at a physical location. The process takes about 30 minutes on average, and your new license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You have two paths: replace a lost or stolen license, or replace a damaged one. Both require the same documents and follow the same steps, but the fee differs slightly depending on which situation applies to you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your current Georgia address.
  • A replacement license costs $32 if your current license is lost or stolen, or $20 if it is damaged but you still have it.
  • Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, arriving within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DDS office.
  • DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering extended hours on certain days.

Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current address in Georgia. For identity, the DDS accepts a U.S. passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, or a Social Security card. If you bring a birth certificate or Social Security card, you will also need a second form of ID — a school ID, employee badge, or utility bill works for this purpose.

For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Do not bring a driver's license as your proof of address — it does not count because you are replacing it.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report if you filed one. You do not need it to get your replacement, but having it on file with DDS can help if someone uses your old license fraudulently. If your license is damaged, bring it with you so the DDS staff can see the damage.

Finding a DDS Office and Checking Wait Times

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. Visit the official Georgia DDS website and use the office locator tool to find the location nearest you. The site shows hours, phone numbers, and whether each office takes walk-ins or requires an appointment.

Many DDS offices now use an online appointment system. You can book a time slot through the website, which usually reduces your wait time to 15 to 20 minutes. If you walk in without an appointment, wait times vary by location and time of day — early mornings and mid-week visits tend to be faster. Some offices are busier than others; if your nearest location has a long wait, check whether a neighboring county's office has shorter times.

Call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific office handles replacements or has any special requirements. Some smaller offices have limited services, and a quick phone call can save you a trip.

The Step-by-Step Process at the DDS Office

Step 1: Check in. When you arrive, tell the staff member that you need a replacement license. They will direct you to the right line or window.

Step 2: Present your documents. Hand over your proof of identity and proof of address. The staff will verify both documents and may ask follow-up questions about your address if it differs from what is on file.

Step 3: Pay the fee. A replacement for a lost or stolen license costs $32. A replacement for a damaged license costs $20. The DDS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices, but call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific location.

Step 4: Have your photo taken. You will sit for a new photo. Wear something you are comfortable with — the photo will be on your license for the next eight years. Remove hats and sunglasses, and avoid red-eye by looking directly at the camera.

Step 5: Sign the digital signature pad. You will sign electronically to confirm the information on your new license is correct.

Step 6: Receive your receipt. The staff will give you a receipt showing your transaction. Keep this until your new license arrives in case you need to prove you have ordered a replacement.

Getting a Temporary License to Drive Before Your Replacement Arrives

If you need to drive before your new license arrives in the mail, ask the DDS staff for a temporary paper license at the time you submit your replacement order. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for the permanent one. The temporary license is printed on the spot and costs no extra fee.

The temporary license is not a physical card — it is a printed document you must carry with you. Keep it in your wallet or vehicle. Police will accept it as proof of a valid license during a traffic stop, but some businesses (like banks or rental car companies) may not accept it for identification purposes. If you need a photo ID for something other than driving, you will still need to bring another document.

What Happens After You Leave the DDS Office

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DDS office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that window, contact the DDS office where you applied. They can check the status of your order and reissue if necessary.

Your old license is no longer valid once you receive the replacement. You do not need to return the old one to the DDS — straightforward destroy it or keep it as a keepsake. If your old license was stolen, the DDS has already flagged it in their system, so someone else cannot use it to obtain a duplicate.

Your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one. If your old license was set to expire soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you pick up your replacement. You can ask the DDS staff about renewal options while you are there, though renewal is a separate transaction with its own fee.

Special Situations and Exceptions

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The DDS will update your name on the new license at no extra cost.

If you are a non-citizen with a valid visa or work permit, you can still get a replacement license. Bring your passport and visa or work authorization document along with your proof of address. The replacement process is the same, and the fee is the same.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the replacement process is slightly different and takes longer because it involves additional testing and medical certification. Visit a DDS office that handles CDL services — not all offices do — and bring your medical certificate along with your other documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I do not have proof of my current address?

No, the DDS requires proof of a current Georgia address dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on official letterhead confirming your address. Some DDS offices will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for official documents to arrive.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still follow the same process — visit a Georgia DDS office with proof of identity and Georgia address. The DDS does not require you to file a police report, though having one on file can help if your license is used fraudulently. If you lost it in another state, you do not need to report it to that state's DMV.

How long does a replacement license stay valid?

Your replacement license is valid until the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in two years, your replacement is also valid for two years from the date you receive it. You do not get extra time because you had to replace it.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No, you must pick it up yourself or have it mailed to your address on file. The DDS does not allow third parties to collect licenses. Your replacement will be mailed automatically, so you do not need to do anything after you leave the office.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with wrong information?

Contact the DDS office where you applied and explain the problem. They can issue a corrected replacement at no extra charge if the error was made by the DDS. If the license arrived damaged in the mail, the DDS may reissue it. Bring your receipt from your original replacement order to speed up the process.