Georgia replaces lost driver's licenses through the Department of Driver Services, and you can start the process online or in person at any DDS office

When your Georgia driver's license goes missing, you have two main paths: order a replacement online through the DDS website if you need it mailed to you, or visit a local DDS office for an when ready replacement card. The online route takes about 7 to 10 business days; the in-person route gives you a temporary paper license on the spot and a plastic card within 2 to 3 weeks. Both cost the same: $32 for a standard replacement, or $20 if your license is still valid and you're only replacing the physical card itself.

You'll need to prove your identity and Georgia residency. A passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card works for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must provide proof of your new address — the DDS won't update your record without it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Department of Driver Services handles all lost license replacements, either online at dds.georgia.gov or at any DDS office location.
  • In-person replacement costs $32 and gives you a temporary paper license when ready, with the plastic card arriving in 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Online replacement costs $32 and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery; you cannot drive legally during this wait unless you have a temporary paper license from an office visit.
  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and proof of current Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your new address or the DDS will not process your replacement.

Replacing your license in person at a DDS office

Walk into any Georgia DDS office with your identity document, proof of residency, and $32. Tell the staff member you lost your license. They will verify your information against the DDS database, take a new photo if required, and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for the plastic card.

The plastic replacement card arrives by mail within 2 to 3 weeks. DDS offices do not require an appointment in most locations, but wait times vary widely — some offices have 15-minute waits, others have 45 minutes or longer. Check the DDS office locator at dds.georgia.gov to find the nearest location and see current wait times before you go. Bring your documents in a folder; the staff will not hold them while you wait.

Replacing your license online

Visit dds.georgia.gov and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. Select "Replace Lost License" from the menu. You will upload a photo of your identity document and proof of residency, then pay $32 by debit or credit card. The DDS will mail your replacement card to the address on file.

The online process takes 7 to 10 business days from the time DDS receives and approves your documents. You cannot legally drive during this period unless you already have a temporary paper license from a previous office visit. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must visit a DDS office in person to get the temporary paper license, even if you've already ordered online.

What happens if your address changed since your last license

The DDS will not issue a replacement without updating your address first. If you've moved, bring proof of your new Georgia address — a utility bill dated within the last 60 days, a lease or mortgage statement, or a bank or credit card statement with your current address. The DDS will update your record and then process your replacement in the same visit or online submission.

If you moved out of state and then back to Georgia, you may need to renew your license rather than replace it, depending on how long ago it expired. Check with the DDS office or call 678-413-8400 to confirm whether you can replace or must renew.

Replacing a license that is also expired or suspended

If your lost license was already expired, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it instead. Renewal requires a vision test and costs $32 for a standard five-year renewal. You can renew online at dds.georgia.gov if your license expired fewer than five years ago, or in person at any DDS office.

If your license was suspended or revoked, the DDS will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DDS directly at 678-413-8400 to check your status and learn what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. Suspended licenses often require payment of fines or completion of a defensive driving course before reinstatement.

Protecting yourself after a lost license

A lost driver's license can be used for identity theft or fraud if someone finds it. Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can also request a free credit report from annualcreditreport.com to check for unauthorized accounts.

If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report. This creates a record in case the license is used fraudulently, and some insurers or creditors will ask for a report number when you report identity theft. The report itself does not prevent fraud, but it documents the loss and can help you dispute fraudulent charges later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license to arrive?

Only if you have a temporary paper license from a DDS office visit. If you ordered online, you cannot legally drive until the plastic card arrives. If you need to drive before then, visit a DDS office in person to get the temporary paper license, which is valid for 30 days.

What if I lost my license and my address changed at the same time?

Bring proof of both your identity and your new address to the DDS office. The staff will update your address in the system and process your replacement in the same visit. If you order online, upload both documents during the replacement request.

How much does it cost to replace a lost Georgia driver's license?

A replacement costs $32 if your license is still valid. If your license is expired, you must renew instead of replace, which also costs $32 for a standard five-year renewal. Payment is by cash, debit, or credit card at offices; online orders accept debit or credit card only.

What if the DDS office says my license is suspended?

You cannot get a replacement until the suspension is lifted. Call 678-413-8400 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. The DDS mails replacement licenses directly to the address on file. You cannot have someone else collect it from an office. If you need the card urgently, visit a DDS office in person to get a temporary paper license while you wait for the mailed card.