Where to go and what you need

To get a replacement Georgia driver's license, you visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. Georgia does not mail replacement licenses or let you renew by phone or online if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. You must show up with documents, pay a fee, and have your photo taken on the same day.

The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license (as of the most recent update, though fees can change). You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the state mails your plastic card, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person with a government-issued ID and proof you live in Georgia — no online or phone replacement is available.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because DDS will verify it before issuing a new license.
  • The replacement fee is $32, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to DDS at the same visit, which may help if someone tries to use your number fraudulently.
  • DDS offices have varying hours and wait times; checking online or calling ahead can save you a trip during a busy period.

Documents you must bring

Bring one government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have a government ID, DDS accepts a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, but the rules are strict. Call your local DDS office before you go if you are unsure whether your documents will work.

You also need proof that you live in Georgia. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will do. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill counts only if it shows your service address.

Bring your Social Security number or a document with it on it — your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. DDS verifies your number against federal records before issuing the license.

Finding your nearest DDS office and hours

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. The fastest way to find yours is to visit the Georgia DDS website and use their office locator tool, which shows addresses, phone numbers, and hours. You can also call 678-413-8400 to ask which office is closest to you and whether they are currently accepting walk-ins or if you need an appointment.

Many DDS offices now use an appointment system, especially in urban areas. If you can book an appointment online through the DDS website, do so — it cuts your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are still accepted at most locations, but you may wait 1 to 3 hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Tuesday through Thursday mornings tend to be less crowded than Friday afternoons or Monday mornings.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, check in at the counter and tell staff you need a replacement license. They will review your documents, verify your Social Security number, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. If everything matches, you will pay the $32 fee and have your photo taken.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot — this is valid for driving and counts as your license until the plastic card arrives. The paper license shows your license number, expiration date, and restrictions or endorsements (like corrective lenses). Keep it with you while you drive.

Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though occasionally it takes longer. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call DDS to check the status.

If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

Tell the DDS staff that your license was stolen when you explore for the replacement. They can flag your old license number in the system, which may help prevent someone else from using it. This does not prevent fraud entirely, but it creates a record that the license was reported missing.

If you are concerned that someone has already used your license or your identity, you can also file a report with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or contact the Federal Trade Commission's identity theft hotline at 1-877-438-4338. These steps are separate from getting your replacement license, but they create an official record if fraudulent activity occurs later.

Replacing a license that is damaged or unreadable

If your license is torn, faded, or otherwise damaged but not lost, bring it with you to the DDS office. You still need the same documents — ID and proof of residency — and you still pay the $32 fee. The process is identical to a lost or stolen replacement; DDS will take your damaged license and issue you a new one.

Do not try to repair a damaged license with tape or glue. DDS will not accept a repaired license as valid ID, and you will need the replacement anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must be present at the DDS office to have your photo taken and sign the process. A family member or friend cannot do this on your behalf, even with a power of attorney.

What if I moved to Georgia recently and have an out-of-state license?

You need to exchange your out-of-state license for a Georgia one, not get a replacement. The process is similar — bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Georgia, and your Social Security number — but you will also take a vision test and answer questions about traffic laws. Call DDS to confirm whether you need an appointment for an exchange.

How much does a replacement cost if my license expires soon?

The replacement fee is $32 regardless of how much time is left on your current license. You will receive a new license with a fresh expiration date (typically eight years from the date of replacement for a standard driver's license).

Can I get a replacement if I have unpaid traffic tickets or child support arrears?

DDS may suspend or deny your license if you have certain outstanding court orders or unpaid child support. Call DDS or your local court before you go to the office to find out whether your license is suspended. If it is, you will need to resolve the underlying issue before DDS can issue a replacement.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DDS will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. The $32 replacement fee still applies.