What happens if you drive with a suspended or revoked license in Georgia
Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Georgia is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. If you are stopped, you face arrest, jail time, fines, and a longer suspension. A first offense typically results in up to 12 months in jail and fines between $250 and $1,000. A second offense within five years carries up to 12 months in jail and fines between $500 and $1,000. A third or subsequent offense can mean up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $1,000.
The distinction between suspension and revocation matters for how you get your driving privileges back. A suspended license is temporary — it will be reinstated automatically after the suspension period ends, or you can petition for early reinstatement. A revoked license is permanent until you go through a formal reinstatement process with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You cannot straightforward wait out a revocation.
Key Takeaways
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license in Georgia is a crime that can result in jail time, fines up to $1,000, and an even longer suspension or revocation.
- A suspension is temporary and ends on its own or through early reinstatement; a revocation requires you to petition the Georgia Department of Driver Services to restore your license.
- You can check your license status for free on the Georgia DDS website or by calling 678-413-8400 before you drive.
- If your license is suspended, you may be able to request a limited permit to drive to work, school, or court, depending on the reason for suspension.
- Reinstatement fees range from $210 to $405 depending on the reason your license was suspended or revoked.
Why your license gets suspended or revoked in Georgia
Georgia suspends or revokes licenses for many reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points on your driving record, driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and failure to maintain car insurance. The Georgia DDS also suspends licenses for non-driving reasons: unpaid child support, unpaid court fines, failure to pay taxes, or failure to maintain a valid vehicle registration.
Each reason carries a different suspension length and reinstatement process. A suspension for unpaid fines might last 30 days; a suspension for a DUI conviction can last six months to three years depending on whether it is your first, second, or third offense. A revocation for a serious offense like a third DUI within ten years can last up to five years or longer.
How to learn about your Georgia license is suspended or revoked
Before you drive, check your license status on the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Click "Check Driver License Status" and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked, and if suspended, when it will be reinstated.
You can also call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). Have your driver's license number ready. If you cannot reach the DDS by phone, you can visit a DDS office in person — there are locations in most Georgia counties.
The difference between reinstatement and a limited permit
If your license is suspended, you have two options: wait for the suspension to end, or request early reinstatement if the reason for suspension allows it. Early reinstatement requires paying a reinstatement fee (typically $210 to $405) and meeting any other conditions — such as paying outstanding fines or completing a defensive driving course. You submit a reinstatement request to the Georgia DDS by mail or in person.
A limited permit is different. It allows you to drive only for specific purposes — usually to and from work, school, medical appointments, or court — while your license remains suspended. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a limited permit. Suspensions for unpaid fines, failure to appear, or failure to maintain insurance may may have access to; suspensions for DUI or reckless driving typically do not. You request a limited permit at a DDS office, and approval is not may provide.
Reinstatement steps for a suspended license
To reinstate a suspended license, first confirm the suspension reason and end date by checking your status online or calling the DDS. If the suspension has ended, your license is automatically reinstated — you do not need to do anything. If you want to reinstate before the suspension ends, or if conditions must be met, follow these steps:
- Pay any outstanding fines, child support, or court costs related to the suspension reason.
- Complete any required courses (such as a defensive driving course or DUI education program).
- Pay the reinstatement fee ($210 to $405, depending on the reason).
- Submit your reinstatement request to the Georgia DDS by mail or in person with proof of payment and course completion.
- Wait for the DDS to process your request — this typically takes one to two weeks by mail.
Once your reinstatement is approved, the DDS will mail you a new license or a notice that your license is restored. You can then legally drive again.
Reinstatement steps for a revoked license
Reinstatement after revocation is more complex and takes longer. You must petition the Georgia DDS, and approval is not automatic. The process depends on the reason for revocation — a revocation for a third DUI, for example, requires more steps than a revocation for unpaid fines.
For most revocations, you will need to submit a written petition to the Georgia DDS explaining why your license should be restored. You may need to provide proof that you have completed any required programs (such as a substance abuse treatment program for a DUI revocation), paid all fines and restitution, and maintained a clean driving record since the revocation. Some revocations require a hearing before a DDS hearing officer.
The DDS will review your petition and either approve or deny reinstatement. If approved, you will receive a new license. If denied, you can request another hearing or petition again after a set period. The entire process can take several months.
What to do if you are stopped while driving on a suspended or revoked license
If a police officer stops you and discovers your license is suspended or revoked, you will be arrested. Do not argue or resist. Provide your identification and be polite. You have the right to remain silent — do not answer questions about why you were driving or where you were going beyond basic identification. Tell the officer you want to speak to a lawyer.
You will be taken to jail for booking. At that point, you may be released on your own recognizance (without bail), held on bail, or held without bail depending on the severity of the offense and your criminal history. You will have an initial appearance before a judge within 72 hours, where bail will be set or you will be released. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible — many offer free consultations.
A conviction for driving on a suspended or revoked license will result in additional fines and jail time, and your license suspension or revocation will be extended. A second or third offense carries harsher penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my license is revoked for a DUI?
Georgia does not call it a hardship license, but you may be able to get a limited permit after a DUI revocation if you meet certain conditions. You must wait at least 120 days after the revocation begins, complete a DUI education program, and show proof of insurance. A limited permit allows driving to work, school, or medical appointments only. Ask the Georgia DDS about your specific situation.
What if I was suspended for unpaid child support but I have paid it now?
Once you have paid the child support in full, contact the Georgia DDS to request reinstatement. You will need to provide proof of payment from the child support enforcement agency. The DDS will verify payment and reinstate your license, usually within one to two weeks. You may still owe a reinstatement fee.
How long does reinstatement take?
Reinstatement for a suspension typically takes one to two weeks if you submit by mail or in person. If your suspension has already ended, your license is automatically reinstated with no action needed. Reinstatement after a revocation takes much longer — usually two to six months — because it requires a petition and review by the DDS.
Can I drive to the DDS office to request reinstatement if my license is suspended?
Technically, driving on a suspended license is illegal even to reach the DDS office. However, many people do so. If you are stopped, you risk arrest and additional charges. A safer option is to have someone else drive you, use public transportation, or submit your reinstatement request by mail instead.
What if I did not know my license was suspended?
Lack of knowledge is not a legal defense. Georgia sends suspension notices by mail to the address on file with the DDS. If you did not receive notice, you are still responsible for checking your license status. Ignorance of a suspension does not prevent arrest or criminal charges if you are stopped while driving.