What you need to do right now

To replace a lost or damaged Georgia driver's license, you must visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. Georgia does not allow online replacement or mail-in requests for lost licenses. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot if you pass the identity verification, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The fastest route is to find your nearest DDS location, bring the documents listed below, and go during off-peak hours (typically mid-morning on a weekday). If your license was stolen, you should also file a police report and bring that report number with you — it speeds up the process and protects you against fraud.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at a Georgia DDS office with a valid form of ID and proof of your current address to replace a lost or damaged license.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because DDS will verify your identity against state records before issuing a replacement.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to DDS — this protects you and may speed up processing.
  • You will pay a replacement fee (currently $32 for a standard license) and receive a temporary paper license when ready, with your permanent card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • DDS offices have different hours and wait times; checking online before you go saves you a wasted trip.

Documents you must bring to the DDS office

Bring one form of primary identification — a valid passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have any of those, you can bring two forms of secondary ID, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card, but this takes longer to process.

You also need proof of your current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax notice, court document) also works. The name on the address document must match the name on your ID.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it — your Social Security card itself, a tax return, or a W-2. DDS uses this to verify your identity against state records. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If your license was stolen, bring a copy of the police report or the report number. This is not required, but it protects you against someone using your stolen license and may move your case forward faster.

Finding a DDS office and scheduling your visit

Go to the Georgia DDS website (dds.ga.gov) and use the office locator tool to find the location nearest you. The site shows hours, phone numbers, and current wait times at each office. Some offices are busier than others — a location 20 minutes away with a 15-minute wait may be faster than your closest office with a 90-minute wait.

Georgia DDS does not require appointments for license replacement, but you can call ahead to ask about current wait times. Weekday mornings between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. are typically less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays. If you go during lunch or after 3 p.m., expect longer waits.

Some DDS offices are inside tag offices (where you register your vehicle). These locations often have shorter waits than standalone driver's license offices. The office locator will tell you which type each location is.

What happens when you arrive at the office

Check in at the front desk and tell the staff member that you need a replacement license. They will give you a number and direct you to a waiting area. When your number is called, you will go to a window where a DDS employee will verify your documents and take your photograph.

The employee will ask you to confirm your address, sign a form, and pay the replacement fee. The current fee for a standard driver's license is $32. You can pay by cash, check, or card — most offices accept all three, but call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific location.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license works everywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID, and show it to police if stopped. Your permanent plastic card will arrive at your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days.

If your address has changed since your last license

You can update your address during the replacement process. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your other documents. The DDS employee will update your address in the system at the same time they process your replacement.

If you do not update your address now, your new license will show your old address, and you will have to return to a DDS office later to change it. Doing both at once saves you a trip.

What to do if your permanent license does not arrive

Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. Have your temporary paper license number ready — you can find it on the temporary license itself.

DDS can check the status of your card and resend it if there was a delivery problem. If your card was lost in the mail, DDS will issue a replacement at no additional charge. If you need a new license before your permanent card arrives, you can return to a DDS office and request an expedited replacement, though this costs extra.

If you lost your license out of state

If you lost your Georgia license while traveling, you have two options. You can wait until you return to Georgia and follow the process above. Or, if you need to drive before then, you can contact a Georgia DDS office by phone to request that they mail a replacement to an out-of-state address — call 678-413-8400 and ask about out-of-state mailing. This takes longer (typically 10 to 14 days) and costs the same $32 fee, which you will pay by card over the phone.

Some people choose to get a temporary license from the state where they are stranded, but that does not replace your Georgia license and you will still need to get a Georgia replacement when you return home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Georgia requires you to appear in person at a DDS office with proof of identity and address. There is no mail-in or online replacement process for lost or damaged licenses.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. DDS will accept this in place of a Social Security card or document showing your number.

Can I use my temporary paper license to fly or cross state lines?

Your temporary paper Georgia license is valid for driving within Georgia and showing to police. It is not accepted as federal ID for flying or entering federal buildings. For air travel, bring your passport or another form of federal ID.

What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?

File a police report and bring the report number to DDS. You will still need one form of primary ID (passport or military ID) or two forms of secondary ID (birth certificate plus Social Security card). If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain them first — contact your local vital records office for a birth certificate or the Social Security Administration for a replacement Social Security card.

Do I have to replace my license in the county where I live?

No. You can visit any Georgia DDS office, regardless of which county you live in. Go to whichever location is most convenient for you.