Get a replacement license at your local Georgia Department of Driver Services office
If you've lost your Georgia driver's license, you can get a replacement at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in the state. You do not need to retake the written or road test — the DDS will issue you a new card with the same license number and restrictions you already have. The process takes about 30 minutes in person, and your replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You can also order a replacement online through the Georgia DDS website if you want to skip the office visit, though you'll still need to pick up your license in person or have it mailed to you. The online route takes slightly longer because the DDS processes the order before mailing it out.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Georgia DDS office with your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of residency to request a replacement license.
- You can order a replacement online through the Georgia DDS website without visiting an office, but you must still receive the card by mail or in-person pickup.
- A replacement license costs $32 and is valid for the same expiration date as your original license.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, or you can pick it up at the office the same day if you explore in person.
- If your license was lost in a way that suggests fraud or identity theft, report it to the Georgia DDS and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
What you need to bring to a DDS office
Bring your Social Security number and date of birth — the DDS will look up your record using these two pieces of information. You also need one form of proof of residency, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Georgia address.
If you don't have proof of residency, bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a voter registration card and a piece of mail from a government agency. You do not need to bring the lost license itself — the DDS already has your information on file.
Bring a valid form of ID if you have one, such as a passport or military ID. If you don't have any ID, tell the DDS staff when you arrive — they can still process your replacement, but it may take longer.
How to order a replacement online
Go to the Georgia DDS website and select "Order a Replacement License." You'll enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and any restrictions on your license.
After you submit the order, you'll receive a confirmation number. You can choose to have the license mailed to your address on file, or you can pick it up at a DDS office. If you choose mail delivery, the license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you choose office pickup, you'll be told which office has it ready and when you can collect it — usually within 3 to 5 business days.
The online order costs the same as an in-person replacement: $32. You'll pay by credit or debit card during the ordering process.
The cost and how long it takes
A replacement Georgia driver's license costs $32, regardless of whether you order online or visit an office. This fee covers the new card and processing. You pay at the DDS office if you explore in person, or by card online if you order through the website.
If you pick up your replacement in person at a DDS office, you can usually get it the same day or within a few hours. If you have it mailed, expect 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit your order. During busy periods or holidays, mail delivery may take slightly longer.
Your new license will have the same expiration date as your original license. You do not get extra time on your license because it was lost.
What to do if your license was stolen or you suspect fraud
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, or if you think someone might use it fraudulently, contact the Georgia DDS directly at 678-413-8400 to report it. Tell them your license is missing and ask them to flag your account. This step is not required to get a replacement, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your lost license.
You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by contacting any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the other two automatically.
If you believe your identity has been stolen, you can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. This creates an official record and gives you a recovery plan specific to your situation.
Finding a Georgia DDS office near you
The Georgia DDS operates more than 60 offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Georgia DDS website and using their office locator tool. Enter your city or ZIP code, and the tool will show you nearby offices, their hours, and whether they require an appointment.
Some DDS offices operate by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins. If you want to avoid a wait, check the office's hours and appointment policy before you go. During peak times — typically mid-morning on weekdays — offices can have long lines. Early morning or late afternoon visits are usually faster.
If you live in a rural area far from a DDS office, ordering online and having your license mailed to you may be more practical than driving to the nearest office.
What happens if you need to drive before your replacement arrives
Georgia does not issue a temporary paper license or a temporary digital license while you wait for your replacement card. If you need to drive before your new license arrives by mail, you have limited options.
If you order in person at a DDS office, ask the staff whether you can pick up your replacement the same day — some offices can print licenses on-site, though this varies by location. Call ahead to confirm. If same-day pickup is not available, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
If you were pulled over and don't have your license, you can show the officer your confirmation number from your online order or your receipt from the DDS office visit. This is not a legal substitute for a license, and the officer can still cite you, but it shows you have a pending replacement. Having proof that you've already reported the loss may result in a warning instead of a ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if my license expired?
Yes. A replacement license keeps the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license has already expired, you'll need to renew it instead of just replacing it. Renewal requires passing the vision test and paying a renewal fee, which is higher than a replacement fee. Contact the Georgia DDS to determine whether you need a replacement or a renewal.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still order a replacement through the Georgia DDS website from anywhere. If you're out of state and need to drive, you can have your replacement mailed to an address outside Georgia, or you can have it held for pickup at a Georgia DDS office when you return. Some states also recognize a lost-license report as temporary proof of identity, but this varies — check the rules in the state where you are.
Do I have to report a lost license to the police?
No, reporting to police is not required to get a replacement. However, if you believe your license was stolen or used fraudulently, filing a police report creates an official record. This can help if someone later tries to use your lost license to commit fraud or open accounts in your name.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
If you choose office pickup, you must pick up your license in person with a valid ID. The DDS will not release it to someone else. If you have your license mailed instead, it will be delivered to the address on file, and anyone at that address can receive it.
What if my address changed since I got my original license?
Update your address with the Georgia DDS at the same time you order your replacement. You can do this online or at a DDS office. If you order online, you'll be asked to confirm your current address during the ordering process. If you visit an office, tell the staff your new address and they will update it before issuing your replacement.