Check your license status through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website
The fastest way to learn about your Georgia license is suspended is to use the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) online license status tool. Go to dds.georgia.gov, find the "License Status" or "Check License Status" section, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
This online check works 24 hours a day and costs nothing. You do not need to create an account or provide a password. The information updates regularly as the DDS processes suspensions, so if you were recently notified of a suspension, allow a few business days for it to appear in the system.
If the online tool is unavailable or you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours. Have your license number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS website shows your license status when ready and is available any time of day without logging in.
- Common reasons for suspension in Georgia include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and medical suspension.
- You must resolve the underlying reason for suspension before the DDS will reinstate your license.
- Reinstatement usually requires paying a fee to the DDS, typically between $210 and $280 depending on the reason.
- If you were not notified of the suspension, you can request a hearing to challenge it within 10 days of receiving notice.
Why your Georgia license might be suspended
Georgia suspends licenses for many reasons, and knowing which one applies to you determines what you have to do to fix it. The most common cause is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you received a ticket, were convicted, and did not pay the fine by the due date, the court reports you to the DDS and your license is suspended automatically.
Other frequent reasons include failure to appear in court for a traffic case, unpaid child support ordered by a Georgia court, medical suspension (if a doctor reported you as unsafe to drive), and suspension for driving without insurance. Some suspensions come from out-of-state convictions or unpaid tolls on Georgia highways.
The DDS notice you receive in the mail should state the reason for suspension. If you did not receive a notice or cannot find it, the online status check or a call to customer service can tell you the cause.
How to find out what you owe and to whom
The reason for suspension tells you where to send payment. If it is unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the ticket or conviction. The court clerk can tell you the exact amount owed and whether you can pay by phone, online, or in person.
If the suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family Support Services, or the local child support enforcement office that handles your case. They will tell you the amount owed and payment options.
For medical suspensions, you will need to see a doctor and have them clear you to drive, then submit that clearance to the DDS. For insurance-related suspensions, you must obtain proof of current insurance and file it with the DDS.
Once you have paid what you owe or resolved the underlying issue, keep your receipt or proof of payment. You will need it when you explore for reinstatement.
The reinstatement process and fees
After you have resolved the reason for suspension, you must formally request reinstatement from the DDS. You can do this online at dds.georgia.gov, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. The online method is fastest and usually takes a few business days.
Georgia charges a reinstatement fee that varies by the reason for suspension. Most reinstatement fees range from $210 to $280. You must pay this fee to the DDS in addition to any fines, court costs, or child support you already paid to resolve the underlying issue.
When you request reinstatement, you will need to provide proof that you resolved the suspension cause. This might be a receipt showing payment of fines, a letter from child support enforcement confirming the debt is paid, a medical clearance form, or proof of insurance. Submit these documents with your reinstatement request.
After the DDS processes your reinstatement and you receive confirmation, your license is valid again. You do not need to take a new test or renew your license early unless your license was already set to expire.
What to do if you believe the suspension is a mistake
If you think your license was suspended in error — for example, you paid the fine but the court did not report it, or the suspension is for someone else with a similar name — you have the right to request a hearing. You must request this hearing within 10 days of receiving the DDS suspension notice.
To request a hearing, contact the DDS in writing or by phone and explain why you believe the suspension is wrong. Include any proof you have, such as a receipt showing payment or documentation that the debt belongs to someone else. The DDS will schedule a hearing before an administrative law judge.
At the hearing, you can present evidence that the suspension should not have been issued. If the judge agrees, the DDS will lift the suspension. If you miss the 10-day window, you can still challenge the suspension later, but the process is more difficult and may require an attorney.
Temporary driving permits while your license is suspended
Georgia does not issue temporary driving permits that allow you to drive while your license is suspended. Once your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive until reinstatement is complete.
If you need to drive for work or medical reasons while waiting for reinstatement, your only option is to request a hearing to challenge the suspension and ask the judge to allow limited driving. This is not may provide and depends on the reason for suspension and the judge's decision.
Some suspensions, such as those for unpaid child support, may be lifted faster if you make a payment arrangement with the agency owed money. Contact the relevant agency to ask whether a partial payment or payment plan can result in a temporary lift of the suspension while you pay the rest.
How long reinstatement takes
If you request reinstatement online and all your documents are in order, the DDS typically processes it within 3 to 5 business days. If you mail in your request, allow 7 to 10 business days. In person at a DDS office, you may receive confirmation the same day, though the license itself will be mailed to you.
The timeline can be longer if the DDS needs to verify that you resolved the underlying issue. For example, if you claim you paid a fine, the DDS may contact the court to confirm. This verification can add several days.
Once your reinstatement is approved, you can legally drive again. You do not have to wait for a new physical license to arrive in the mail, though you should carry your approval letter or confirmation number if stopped by police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Georgia and can result in criminal charges, fines up to $1,000, and jail time. Even if you did not know your license was suspended, you can still be charged. Check your status before driving if you think there might be a problem.
How long does a suspension stay on my record?
Once your license is reinstated, the suspension is lifted and you can drive legally again. However, the suspension may still appear on your driving record for several years, depending on the reason. This record can affect insurance rates and future license renewals.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
Georgia DDS does not offer fee waivers or payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if the suspension is for unpaid fines or child support, the court or child support agency may offer a payment plan. Contact them to ask about options before paying the DDS fee.
Will my insurance rates go up if my license was suspended?
Yes, most insurance companies will increase your rates after a suspension, especially if it was for driving without insurance or a serious violation. Shop around with multiple insurers, as rates vary. Some companies specialize in drivers with suspension history.
Can someone else check my license status for me?
Only you or someone with your written permission can check your license status online. If you give someone power of attorney or written authorization, they can call the DDS on your behalf, but you will need to provide them with your license number and date of birth.