The Georgia Department of Driver Services handles your driver's license, ID card, and driving record

Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) is the state agency that issues driver's licenses, ID cards, and maintains your driving record. It is part of Georgia's Department of Revenue. If you need a new license, a replacement, a renewal, or a copy of your driving record, DDS is where you go — either in person at a local office or online for certain transactions.

DDS operates about 60 locations across Georgia, from Atlanta to smaller towns. Not every location offers every service, so knowing which office handles what you need and what documents to bring saves time and frustration.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's Department of Driver Services is a division of the Department of Revenue and handles all driver's licenses, ID cards, and driving records.
  • You can renew your license online through the DDS website if you meet certain conditions, but new licenses and replacements usually require an in-person visit.
  • DDS offices vary in which services they offer, so check the office locator on the DDS website before you go.
  • You will need a valid form of identification and proof of residency for most transactions, and the specific documents depend on whether you are getting a new license or renewing.

What you can do online versus in person

The DDS website lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions. You can also order a duplicate license or ID card online if yours was lost or stolen. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

If you are getting your first Georgia license, replacing one that is suspended or revoked, or need to change information like your address or name, you must visit a DDS office in person. The same applies if your license has been expired for more than a certain period — the DDS website will tell you whether you are may be able to access to renew online when you start the process.

Finding the right DDS office and what to bring

The DDS office locator on the Georgia Department of Revenue website shows all locations, their hours, and which services each one offers. Some smaller offices handle renewals and ID cards but not commercial licenses or hazmat endorsements. Calling ahead or checking the locator saves a wasted trip.

For a new driver's license, bring a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current Georgia address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). For a renewal, you typically need just your current license and proof of address if your address has changed. Requirements can shift, so check the DDS website or call your local office before you go.

Getting a copy of your driving record

Your driving record shows your license status, violations, accidents, and suspensions. You can order a copy online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at any DDS office. Online orders are usually the fastest and cost less than ordering by mail.

You will need to provide your driver's license number or Social Security number to order your record. If you are ordering for someone else, you may need their written permission or a power of attorney, depending on the reason. Insurance companies, employers, and courts sometimes request driving records, so knowing how to get one is useful.

Contacting DDS by phone or mail

The main DDS phone line is 678-413-8400. This number connects you to general information and can direct you to a specific office. Wait times vary, especially during renewal season. If you prefer not to call, you can mail questions to the Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, Georgia 30013.

For urgent matters like a suspended license or a question about a ticket, calling is faster than mailing. The DDS website also has a contact form for non-urgent questions, though responses can take several business days.

Understanding license suspension and reinstatement

A suspended license means you cannot legally drive, and the suspension stays on your record until it is lifted. Suspensions happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical conditions, or too many violations. The DDS website shows your current license status, and you can check it anytime using your license number.

To reinstate a suspended license, you must first resolve the reason for the suspension — paying fines, completing a court requirement, or getting medical clearance. Then you go to a DDS office with proof that the issue is resolved. Some reinstatements require a fee. If you are unsure why your license is suspended, call DDS or check your status online.

Commercial licenses and special endorsements

If you drive a commercial vehicle or need a hazmat endorsement, you must get a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) from DDS. CDL testing is more involved than a regular license test and requires knowledge of larger vehicles and safety rules. Not all DDS offices administer CDL tests, so use the office locator to find one that does.

You will need to pass a written test and a road test to get a CDL. Some endorsements, like hazmat, require additional background checks and fees. The DDS website has study materials and details about CDL requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new driver's license in Georgia?

If you explore in person, you usually get your license the same day or within a few days. Online renewals take about one to two weeks for the card to arrive by mail. The exact timing depends on how busy the office is and whether your process needs additional review.

What do I do if my license was suspended and I do not know why?

Check your license status on the DDS website using your license number, or call 678-413-8400. The website or phone line will tell you the reason and what you need to do to resolve it. Common reasons are unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or medical issues.

Can I renew my license by mail?

Georgia does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew online if you meet the requirements, or you must visit a DDS office in person. Online renewal is usually faster and cheaper than going to an office.

Where do I go if I need to change my address on my license?

You can change your address online through the DDS website if your license is not expired. If your license is expired or you prefer to do it in person, visit any DDS office with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

How much does a driver's license cost in Georgia?

Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard driver's license costs one amount, and a commercial license costs more. Check the DDS website or call your local office for current fees, as they can change.