What you need to do to replace your Georgia driver's license
To replace a lost or damaged Georgia driver's license, you will visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. Georgia does not allow you to renew or replace a license by mail or online — you must appear at a DDS location. The process typically takes about 30 minutes if you have all required documents, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid while your plastic card is being mailed to you.
The replacement fee is $32 for a standard driver's license valid for eight years. If your license was damaged rather than lost, you can bring the damaged card with you; if it was lost, you straightforward tell the DDS staff that during your visit. Either way, the process is the same.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DDS office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address — no online or mail replacement is available.
- Bring one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and one document proving your Georgia address (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 that works while your plastic card is mailed to you.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though processing can take longer during peak times.
- If you need your license sooner, some DDS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.
Documents you must bring to the DDS office
You will need one form of primary identification and one form of proof of residency. Primary identification includes a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or passport card. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of two secondary documents such as a Social Security card and a school or work ID, but this is slower and the DDS staff can reject the combination if they determine it is insufficient.
Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring the new document and explain the recent move to the DDS staff — they may ask you to fill out a change-of-address form.
Bring the originals, not copies. The DDS staff will examine them and return them to you.
Finding a DDS office near you and what to expect
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the nearest one by visiting the Georgia DDS website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 678-413-8400. Some offices are busier than others; offices in Atlanta and other major cities often have longer wait times, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, you will typically wait less than an hour.
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk, take a number, and wait to be called. A DDS staff member will review your documents, ask you to confirm your address and other information on your license, take a new photo, and process your payment. The entire interaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter. You will leave with a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days and looks like a receipt — keep it with you because it is your legal proof of a valid license until your plastic card arrives.
When your new license will arrive and what to do if it does not
Your new plastic driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DDS office. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days, though during busy periods it can take up to three weeks. You do not need to do anything while you wait — just keep your temporary paper license with you.
If your license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DDS by phone at 678-413-8400 or visit the DDS website to check the status. Have your driver's license number ready when you call. If the license was lost in the mail, the DDS can reissue it, though you may have to pay the replacement fee again depending on how long it has been since your original visit.
Expedited replacement if you need your license faster
Some DDS offices offer expedited service that produces a license in one to three business days instead of seven to ten. The cost is typically an additional $10 to $15 on top of the $32 replacement fee, though this varies by location. Not all offices offer expedited service, so call ahead or ask when you arrive at your local DDS office.
If you need a license the same day, Georgia does not offer that option through the DDS. Your only choice is to use the temporary paper license until your plastic card arrives. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and is accepted by police, banks, and other institutions as proof of a valid Georgia driver's license.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and damaged licenses
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DDS will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. The process is the same as a standard replacement.
If your license is damaged but not lost — for example, the plastic is cracked or the barcode is unreadable — bring the damaged card with you. You do not need to explain what happened; the DDS will straightforward issue a replacement. If your address has changed since your last license, you can update it during the replacement process by bringing proof of your new address.
Cost breakdown and payment methods
The replacement fee for a standard eight-year Georgia driver's license is $32. If you choose expedited service, add $10 to $15 depending on your location. The DDS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. You will pay at the counter after your documents are reviewed and approved.
If you are a Georgia resident over 65 years old, you may be may have access to to a reduced fee or waived fee for certain transactions — ask the DDS staff when you arrive. Military members and veterans may also have fee reductions; bring your military ID if you are currently serving or have recently separated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it was stolen?
Yes, the process is identical to replacing a lost license. You do not need a police report. straightforward visit a DDS office with your ID and proof of address, and tell the staff that your license was stolen. They will issue a replacement.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use two secondary documents instead, such as a Social Security card plus a school or work ID, or a Social Security card plus an insurance policy. The DDS staff will review the combination and decide if it is acceptable. Having a certified birth certificate is faster and more reliable.
Can someone else pick up my new license for me?
No. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DDS office. You cannot have it mailed to someone else or pick it up at an office other than the one where you applied. If you need it sent to a different address, contact the DDS before your visit.
What if my temporary paper license expires before my plastic card arrives?
The temporary license is valid for 30 days. If your plastic card has not arrived by then, contact the DDS to check the status. In most cases, your plastic card will arrive within that window. If there is a delay, the DDS can issue you another temporary license or help you troubleshoot the missing card.
Do I need an appointment to visit the DDS?
Most DDS offices do not require appointments for license replacement. You can walk in during business hours. However, some offices in high-traffic areas may offer appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the DDS website or call your local office to see if appointments are available in your area.