How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Driver's License in Georgia

Georgia replaces lost licenses through the Department of Driver Services, and the fastest route is in person at a local DDS office

You can replace a lost or damaged Georgia driver's license by visiting a Department of Driver Services office with proof of identity and paying a replacement fee. The state does not process replacements by mail or online. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot if you pass the identity check, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is valid when ready.

The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license and $57 for a REAL ID-compliant license. Georgia does not charge extra for a replacement versus a renewal. If your license was damaged rather than lost — torn, faded, or unreadable — you follow the same process and pay the same fee.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Department of Driver Services office in person; there is no mail-in or online replacement option in Georgia.
Bring a valid form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card, plus proof of your current address.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after your identity is verified, valid for driving until your permanent card arrives.
The permanent replacement card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail, and the fee is $32 for a standard license or $57 for REAL ID.
If you do not have a valid form of ID, you can bring an expired Georgia license plus a secondary document like a utility bill or bank statement.

What documents you need to bring

The Department of Driver Services requires one primary form of identification and proof of your current address. A valid passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID all work as primary ID. If you do not have any of those, an expired Georgia driver's license counts as primary ID if you also bring a secondary document.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the most straightforward option. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a notarized letter from them stating you live at that address, plus the utility bill.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace quickly — the DDS office will not return them. If you must provide your birth certificate or passport, bring certified copies if you have them, or be prepared to request replacements afterward if the office keeps the original.

Finding the nearest DDS office and what to expect

Georgia has Department of Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. Some offices are busier than others; offices in rural areas often have shorter wait times than those in Atlanta or other major cities.

Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the Georgia DDS website. Scheduling an appointment typically reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes, while walk-ins may wait an hour or more depending on the time of day and location. Appointments fill up quickly during lunch hours and late afternoon, so early morning or mid-week visits often move faster.

When you arrive, bring all your documents to the counter. A DDS employee will verify your identity, check that your address is current, and take a new photo if your license photo is more than eight years old. You will pay the replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. After payment, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent card is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Temporary license validity and what to do while you wait

The temporary paper license you receive at the DDS office is a legal driving document. You can use it to drive, rent a car, or show as proof of identity when ready. Keep it in your wallet or vehicle at all times while you wait for the permanent card. If you lose the temporary license before the permanent one arrives, return to the DDS office and request a replacement; there is no additional fee.

The permanent card is mailed to the address you provided at the DDS office. If you move before it arrives, do not open a mail forwarding request with the post office — the card will not forward. Instead, contact the DDS office where you applied and provide your new address. They can update your mailing address and remail the card at no charge. This process takes an additional 5 to 7 business days.

If your permanent card does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the DDS office where you applied. Bring your temporary license and a photo ID. The office can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

REAL ID versus standard license: which one to replace

When you replace your license, you can choose between a standard Georgia driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for airport security and federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used as ID for domestic flights or entry to federal facilities after May 7, 2025.

The REAL ID replacement fee is $57, compared to $32 for a standard license. If you choose REAL ID, you must bring additional documents: your birth certificate or passport, plus proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You also need two proofs of your current address instead of one.

If you are unsure which to choose, a standard replacement is faster and cheaper. You can upgrade to REAL ID later by visiting a DDS office again and paying the difference in fees. Many people replace with a standard license now and upgrade to REAL ID when they renew in a few years.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your Georgia license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DDS office will tell you when ready if there is a hold on your license when you attempt to replace it. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support.

Contact the court or agency that issued the suspension to find out what you must do to clear it. Once the suspension is resolved, you can return to the DDS office and complete the replacement. Bring proof that the suspension has been lifted — usually a letter from the court or agency, or a confirmation number you can provide to the DDS employee.

Replacing a license if you have changed your name

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring documentation of the name change along with your other required documents. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order from the name change proceeding.

The DDS office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current legal name. This counts as a replacement, so you pay the standard replacement fee. The process is the same as a standard replacement and takes the same amount of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can replace your license with a valid passport or birth certificate as your primary ID. You do not need a Social Security number for a standard replacement. If you want a REAL ID license, you will need proof of your Social Security number, so a standard replacement is your option in that case.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must replace it in Georgia, where it was issued. Visit a Georgia DDS office with your documents. If you are currently out of state and cannot travel to Georgia when ready, you can request a temporary extension by mail — contact the DDS office where your license was issued to ask about this option, though it is not may provide.

Do I have to take a new photo when I replace my license?

Only if your current license photo is more than eight years old. If your photo is recent, the DDS office will use it on your replacement card. You cannot request to keep an old photo if it is outdated; the office makes this decision based on the date on your license.

How much does it cost to replace a Georgia driver's license?

A standard replacement costs $32, and a REAL ID replacement costs $57. These are the only two options. There are no additional fees for rush processing or expedited mail, and Georgia does not offer mail-in replacement at any price.

What if my permanent license arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact the DDS office where you applied and bring your damaged or incorrect license plus a photo ID. The office will issue a replacement at no additional charge if the error was made by the DDS. If the damage happened after you received it, the office may charge a replacement fee depending on the circumstances.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.