What you need to do to replace your Georgia license
To replace a lost or damaged Georgia driver's license, you 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. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace your license by mail, phone, or online — Georgia requires you to appear in person. The one exception is if you have a valid out-of-state license and are moving to Georgia; in that case, you can renew rather than replace, which has different requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DDS office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Georgia address to replace your license.
- The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because DDS will verify it during the replacement process.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until that status is cleared with the Georgia court system.
Documents to bring to the DDS office
Bring one form of valid photo ID — your passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. You also need proof that you live in Georgia right now. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will satisfy this requirement. If your address on your ID does not match your current address, bring both documents.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card with you, bring a document that shows it — a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form. DDS verifies your Social Security number against federal records before issuing your new license.
If you are replacing a license that was damaged (rather than lost), bring the damaged card itself. DDS will take it and destroy it. If your license was lost and you cannot produce it, you will fill out a form at the office stating that it was lost; you do not need a police report.
Finding a DDS office near you and what to expect
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you and check its hours on the official Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Some offices are busier than others; offices in larger cities often have longer wait times, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. Arriving early in the day or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means a shorter wait.
When you arrive, you will take a number and wait to be called. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they are straightforward to hand over. The staff member will review your documents, ask you to sign a form confirming your information, take a new photo of you, and process your payment. The entire transaction usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used anywhere a regular license is accepted — for driving, as ID at a bar or airport, or for any other purpose. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail; if it does not arrive within 14 business days, contact DDS to report it.
The replacement fee and payment methods
The replacement fee for a standard Georgia driver's license is $32. This fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new card. DDS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer than assuming.
If you are replacing a license because it was damaged or defective due to a DDS error (for example, the card arrived with a printing defect), you may not have to pay the replacement fee. Bring the damaged card and explain the situation to the staff member; they can check whether you are may have access to to a free replacement. In most cases, however, a lost or damaged license costs $32 to replace.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
If your Georgia license was suspended or revoked — for example, due to unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, or points accumulation — you cannot replace it until that status is cleared. DDS will check your record when you arrive at the office, and if a suspension or revocation is active, the staff member will tell you and refuse to process your replacement.
To clear a suspension, you typically need to pay outstanding fines to the court that issued the suspension, or complete a required program (such as a defensive driving course or substance abuse program). To clear a revocation, the process is more involved and depends on the reason for the revocation; you may need to petition the court or wait out a mandatory revocation period. Contact the Georgia court that handled your case, or call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 to find out what steps you need to take.
Replacing your license if you have changed your name
If you have changed your name since your current license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you will need to bring proof of the name change along with your other documents. For a marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For a divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order from the name change proceeding.
DDS will update your name on your new license at the time of replacement. You do not need to visit the office twice or complete any separate name-change process. Bring the name-change document, your old license, and your other required documents, and the staff member will handle the update as part of the replacement transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have a current address in Georgia?
No. You must provide proof of a current Georgia address dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved to Georgia and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, a bank statement or credit card statement showing your new address will work. If you have no documents yet, wait until you receive one before visiting DDS.
What if I lost my license out of state and I am not in Georgia right now?
You must return to Georgia and visit a DDS office in person to replace your license. You cannot do this by mail or from another state. If you need to drive before you can return to Georgia, you can request a temporary driving permit from a DDS office, but you still have to appear in person to request it.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your plastic license card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after your visit. Mail delivery time varies, so allow an additional 3 to 5 business days for it to reach you. If your card does not arrive within 14 business days of your office visit, contact DDS at 678-413-8400 to report it and request a replacement.
Can I use my temporary paper license to fly on an airplane?
Yes. The temporary paper license is a valid form of ID for domestic air travel. The TSA accepts it at airport security. However, some airlines have their own ID policies, so contact your airline before your flight to confirm they will accept a temporary Georgia license.
What if I need my license replaced urgently?
DDS does not offer expedited replacement or rush processing. Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days, which covers most situations where you need to drive or use your license as ID. If you have a specific need — such as international travel — that requires your permanent card sooner, contact a DDS office to discuss your situation; staff may be able to suggest alternatives.