Georgia issues a replacement license through the Department of Driver Services, and the process takes about two weeks by mail or same-day in person

If you have lost your Georgia driver's license, you will need to request a replacement from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. The fastest route is in-person at any DDS location — you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks. Online and mail requests take longer and require you to mail in documents.

You do not need to retake the written or road test to get a replacement. DDS treats a lost license as a duplicate of your existing record, not a new license process. The fee is the same whether you lost the card or it was stolen.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Georgia license online, by mail, or in person; in-person is fastest and gives you a temporary license on the spot.
  • Bring a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof of your Social Security number to any DDS office.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license and covers the plastic card mailed to you plus a temporary paper license issued when ready.
  • If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • You can check DDS office wait times online before you go, and many offices now use appointment scheduling to reduce lines.

Replacing your license in person at a DDS office

Walk into any Georgia DDS office with your ID, proof of Social Security number, and the $32 fee. DDS will print a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address on file. If your address has changed, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current address.

DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Many offices now allow you to schedule an appointment online, which cuts your wait time significantly. If you walk in without an appointment, expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and location.

Bring your Social Security number memorized or written down. If you do not have it memorized, bring your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099 form, or a bank statement showing your number. A passport or military ID works as your primary ID. A state ID card also works. A birth certificate alone does not count as valid ID for this transaction.

Requesting a replacement online through the DDS website

Go to dds.georgia.gov and select "Order a Duplicate License" under the Driver Services section. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. DDS will verify this information against your record and charge the $32 fee to a debit or credit card.

After you submit the online request, DDS mails your replacement license to the address on file. This process takes seven to ten business days from the time DDS processes your request. You do not receive a temporary paper license with an online order, so if you need to drive before the card arrives, you will need to go in person instead.

The online option works best if your address has not changed and you do not need to drive when ready. If your address has changed since your last license renewal, you must go in person or mail in a form with proof of your new address.

Mailing in a replacement request with documents

read form DL 43 (process for Duplicate Driver's License) from the DDS website. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a copy of your ID and proof of your Social Security number. Include a check or money order for $32 made payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

Processing by mail takes ten to fourteen business days after DDS receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time in both directions. This is the slowest option and carries the risk that DDS will reject your request if your documents are unclear or incomplete, forcing you to mail them again.

Use the mail option only if you cannot reach a DDS office and do not need the license urgently. If your address has changed, include a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement as proof of your current address.

What to do if your license was stolen or used fraudulently

If someone stole your license or you believe it has been used fraudulently, report it to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or your local police department. Get a copy of the police report. Then follow the standard replacement process above — DDS does not charge extra or require special forms for a stolen license.

If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the lost license, place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling 1-888-397-3742. You can also request a free credit report from annualcreditreport.com to check for unauthorized accounts.

Replacing your license if your name or address has changed

If you have changed your name since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a certified copy of the document showing the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have moved, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days showing your new address.

You must go in person or mail in these documents; the online option does not allow you to update your name or address at the same time you request a duplicate. DDS will update your record and issue the replacement license with your current information.

Temporary paper license and driving while you wait

If you get your replacement in person, DDS gives you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license — police will accept it as proof of a valid license during a traffic stop. Keep it in your wallet or vehicle until your plastic card arrives.

If you ordered online or by mail and do not have a temporary license, you cannot legally drive until your replacement card arrives. If you need to drive before then, you must go to a DDS office in person to get the temporary paper license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement license cost?

The fee is $32 for a standard driver's license. This covers both the temporary paper license issued on the spot (if you go in person) and the plastic card mailed to you. There is no extra charge if your license was stolen or lost.

Can I use my temporary paper license to fly or cross state lines?

No. A temporary Georgia paper license is valid only for driving within Georgia. For air travel or crossing state lines, you will need your plastic license card or a passport. If you need to fly before your replacement arrives, bring your passport to the airport instead.

What if I never received my replacement license in the mail?

Contact the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 to report the missing card. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. DDS can check whether the card was mailed and resend it if needed. If it was lost in the mail, DDS will issue a replacement at no extra charge.

Do I need an appointment to replace my license in person?

Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended. Many DDS offices now allow online scheduling through dds.georgia.gov, which reduces your wait time from one to two hours down to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted but may face longer waits during peak hours.

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. DDS will not issue a replacement if your license is suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by DDS. Contact DDS to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension before requesting a replacement.