How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Georgia

Georgia replaces lost licenses through the Department of Driver Services, and the process takes about two weeks by mail or is when ready at a DDS office

If you have lost your Georgia driver's license, you can get a replacement without retaking the written or road test. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) handles replacements and offers two paths: explore in person at a DDS office for an when ready replacement, or mail in your request and receive a new license by post in roughly 10 to 14 business days. You will need to pay a replacement fee and provide proof of identity.

The in-person route is faster if you need to drive right away. The mail route is simpler if you can wait and do not have an office nearby. Both require the same basic documents, though the in-person process is straightforward and does not require notarization or witness signatures.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a lost Georgia license in person at any DDS office for an when ready replacement, or by mail for delivery in 10 to 14 business days.
The replacement fee is the same whether you explore in person or by mail, and you do not need to retake any tests.
You must provide a valid form of identification and proof of your Social Security number when you explore.
If your license was lost outside Georgia, you may need to file a police report or affidavit depending on the DDS office's requirements.

explore in person at a DDS office

Walk into any Georgia DDS office with your documents, and you can leave with a replacement license the same day. Bring a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You will also need to pay the replacement fee, which varies depending on how many years remain on your current license.

The DDS office will take a new photo, verify your information against their records, and print your license on the spot. You can then drive legally when ready. No appointment is required at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices tend to be less crowded early in the morning or mid-week. You can find your nearest DDS office and its hours on the Georgia DDS website.

Requesting a replacement by mail

Complete the DDS form for a duplicate license (Form T-7 or the online equivalent) and mail it with copies of your ID and proof of address to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Include the replacement fee as a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail. The DDS will process your request and mail your new license to the address on file, typically within 10 to 14 business days from the date they receive your packet.

Mail your request to the address listed on the DDS website for duplicate licenses. Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your license was lost outside Georgia, some DDS offices ask for a signed statement or police report confirming the loss, so call your local office before mailing to confirm what they need.

What the replacement fee covers

Georgia charges a replacement fee based on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact amount depends on your age and the expiration date of your original license. You can find the current fee schedule on the DDS website or ask when you call an office. The fee is the same whether you explore in person or by mail.

Some people choose to renew their license at the same time they replace it if their current license is close to expiring. This costs more upfront but means you will not need to return to renew within a year or two. Ask the DDS office or include a note with your mail request if you want to renew instead of straightforward replacing.

If you lost your license outside Georgia

If your license was lost while you were traveling or living temporarily out of state, you can still request a replacement by mail from Georgia. However, some DDS offices require a signed affidavit or police report stating that your license was lost, especially if you are requesting a replacement from out of state. Call the DDS office that handles your county before mailing your request to ask whether they need this documentation.

If you file a police report, bring a copy of the report number or the full report itself with your replacement request. If you sign an affidavit, have it notarized before mailing. These steps add time to the process, so plan accordingly if you need your license quickly.

Temporary driving while you wait for your replacement

If you applied by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, you have limited options. Georgia does not issue temporary paper licenses for lost replacements the way some states do. Your best option is to request an in-person replacement instead, which gives you a license the same day. If you must drive before your replacement arrives and cannot visit an office, carry a copy of your police report (if you filed one) or a signed statement explaining that your license is in the mail. This is not a legal substitute for a license, but it may help if you are stopped.

If you are stopped by police without a valid license, you can explain that you have a replacement in the mail and provide the DDS confirmation number or tracking information if you have it. The officer's response depends on the circumstances and their discretion, so the safest approach is to wait for your replacement or visit a DDS office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a police report to replace a lost license in Georgia?

No, a police report is not required for a standard replacement. However, if your license was lost outside Georgia or if a DDS office specifically requests one, you may need to provide a report number or affidavit. Call your local DDS office to confirm their requirements before you explore.

Can I replace my license if it expired while it was lost?

Yes. You can request a replacement for an expired license without retaking tests. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so explore in person if you need to drive when ready, or wait for your mail replacement to arrive before driving.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can show a W-2, tax return, or other official document that displays your Social Security number. The DDS needs to verify your number but does not require the card itself. Bring whatever document you have that shows your number.

How much does a replacement license cost in Georgia?

The fee depends on your age and how many years remain on your license. Check the current fee schedule on the Georgia DDS website or call your local office. The fee is the same for in-person and mail replacements.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license at a DDS office?

No. Georgia requires you to pick up your license in person at a DDS office if you applied in person. If you applied by mail, your license will be mailed to your address on file. You cannot have someone else collect it for you.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.