What you need to do to replace your Georgia driver's license
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 pay a replacement fee (currently $32 for a standard license) and receive a temporary paper license on the spot, with your new plastic card arriving by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but missing even one can send you back home. This guide walks you through exactly what to bring, where to go, and what happens at each step.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a DDS office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Georgia address — online and mail replacement are not available.
- Bring one primary ID document (passport, military ID, or birth certificate) plus one proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
- The replacement fee is $32, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail in about a week.
- DDS offices have varying hours and wait times; checking online before you go saves time, and some locations take appointments while others operate first-come, first-served.
Documents you must bring to the DDS office
Georgia requires one primary form of identification and one proof of your current address. Your primary ID must be valid and show your name and date of birth. Acceptable primary IDs include a U.S. passport, military ID card, certified birth certificate, or an out-of-state driver's license.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Georgia address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in a household member's name plus a notarized affidavit stating you live there, though this adds a step.
Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace easily — DDS does not return birth certificates or passports. Bring copies or be prepared to leave them temporarily while staff verify them.
Finding a DDS office and scheduling your visit
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the official Georgia DDS website (dds.georgia.gov). Some offices accept appointments through an online scheduling system; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead to confirm hours and whether appointments are available takes five minutes and can save you a wasted trip.
Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Urban offices during lunch hours or late afternoon often have longer lines. If you have flexibility, visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter waits. Some smaller county offices have minimal wait times year-round.
What happens when you arrive at the DDS office
When you check in, staff will verify your documents and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. They will take a new photo for your license (dress as you would for any ID photo). You will then pay the $32 replacement fee — DDS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most locations, though calling ahead confirms payment methods at your specific office.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal standing as your plastic license and works for driving, voting, or any other purpose. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact DDS to report it.
If your license was damaged rather than lost
If your license is damaged but you still have it, bring it with you to the DDS office along with your proof of identity and residency. The process is identical to a lost license replacement — you pay the same $32 fee and receive the same temporary and permanent licenses. Staff will destroy the damaged card in front of you.
Damage that qualifies includes water damage, fading, cracking, or any condition that makes the license unreadable or unusable. If you are unsure whether your damage qualifies, bring the license anyway; staff will make the information.
Special situations: name changes, address updates, and renewals
If you lost your license and your name or address has changed since it was issued, you still follow the replacement process, but you must bring additional documents. For a name change (marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the court order or marriage certificate. For an address change, your proof of residency document serves that purpose.
If your license has also expired, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it instead. Renewal requires a vision test and costs more than replacement. Contact DDS or visit their website to determine whether you need renewal or replacement, as the distinction affects both cost and process.
What to do if you cannot visit a DDS office in person
Georgia does not offer remote replacement for lost licenses. If you are unable to visit an office due to disability or medical condition, you can request a home visit through DDS. Contact your local DDS office directly to discuss this option; approval is not may provide and depends on your specific circumstances.
If you are temporarily out of state, you can still use your temporary paper license for up to 30 days. If your permanent license arrives while you are away, it will be held at the DDS office where you applied. You can pick it up when you return or request that it be mailed to an out-of-state address (call DDS to arrange this).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
No. DDS will not issue a replacement license if you have an outstanding suspension related to unpaid fines, child support, or other court-ordered obligations. You must resolve the underlying issue first. Contact the court or agency listed on your suspension notice to find out what payment or action is required.
How much does it cost to replace a Georgia driver's license?
The replacement fee is $32 for a standard driver's license. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the fee is $35. The fee is the same whether your license was lost or damaged.
What if my temporary paper license gets lost or damaged before my permanent card arrives?
Return to the DDS office where you applied and request a replacement temporary license. Bring your proof of identity again. You will not pay another fee. If your permanent card arrives while you are waiting for a replacement temporary, you can pick it up at the office instead.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license on my behalf?
No. You must be present at the DDS office to explore for replacement. However, once your permanent license arrives by mail, anyone can retrieve it from the office if you provide written authorization and they show ID. Call your local DDS office to confirm their specific policy on authorized pickups.
What if I moved out of Georgia after losing my license?
If you no longer live in Georgia, you cannot replace a Georgia license. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Your Georgia license will eventually expire and become invalid. If you plan to return to Georgia later, you can explore for a new Georgia license at that time.