How to learn about your Georgia license is suspended right now
You can check your Georgia driver's license status online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website without calling or visiting an office. Go to dds.georgia.gov, find the "License Status" or "Check License Status" tool, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
If you cannot access the online tool or need to speak with someone, call the Georgia DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number ready. They can confirm your status and tell you the specific reason for any suspension — which matters because the steps to restore your license depend on why it was suspended in the first place.
A suspension means you cannot legally drive in Georgia or any other state during the suspension period. It is different from a revocation, which is permanent until you go through a formal reinstatement process. Knowing which one applies to you is the first step toward getting back on the road.
Key Takeaways
- Check your license status online at dds.georgia.gov using your license number and date of birth, or call 678-413-8400 to confirm your status by phone.
- A suspension is temporary and ends on a specific date; a revocation is permanent and requires formal reinstatement through the DDS.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and medical suspension for certain conditions.
- Once you know the reason for suspension, you must address that specific issue — paying fines, appearing in court, or providing medical clearance — before your license can be restored.
- Georgia DDS can tell you the exact date your suspension ends and what you need to do to restore your driving privileges.
Common reasons your Georgia license might be suspended
Traffic-related suspensions are the most common. If you did not pay a traffic fine, failed to appear in court for a traffic ticket, or accumulated too many points on your driving record, your license will be suspended. Georgia suspends licenses for accumulating 15 points within 24 months for drivers under 21, or 24 points within 24 months for drivers 21 and older.
Non-traffic suspensions also happen regularly. These include unpaid child support, failure to pay court-ordered fines or restitution, unpaid court costs, or a medical suspension ordered by a doctor or the DDS if you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely. Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you are convicted of certain drug offenses, your license is suspended by law.
Administrative suspensions can result from refusing a breath test during a DUI stop, being arrested for DUI, or having an accident while uninsured. Each type of suspension has different rules for how long it lasts and what you must do to restore your license, which is why knowing the specific reason matters.
What to do if your license is suspended for unpaid fines or court costs
Contact the court that issued the fine or the traffic citation to find out the exact amount owed. You can often pay online through the court's website, by phone, or in person at the courthouse. Once you pay in full, the court sends notice to the Georgia DDS that the debt is cleared.
After the DDS receives the court's notice, your suspension will be lifted. This usually happens within a few business days, but call the DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm your status has been updated. Do not drive until you have verified that your license is no longer suspended, even if you have paid the fine — driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay in installments, which may allow your suspension to be lifted once you begin the plan, though this varies by court.
What to do if your license is suspended for failure to appear in court
You must contact the court that issued the ticket or summons and resolve the case. This means either appearing in court on a new date, paying the fine if you are pleading guilty, or working with the court to handle the matter by phone or mail if the court allows it. Call the courthouse directly — the phone number is on your ticket or citation.
Explain to the court clerk that you missed your appearance and ask what you need to do to reschedule or resolve the case. Many courts will work with you if you contact them before a warrant is issued. Once the case is resolved, the court notifies the DDS and your suspension is lifted.
If a warrant has already been issued for your arrest, you will need to turn yourself in or have an attorney help you resolve the matter. This is more serious and more time-consuming, so contacting the court as soon as you realize you missed a date is important.
What to do if your license is suspended for unpaid child support
Contact the Georgia Division of Child Support Services or the court that handles your child support case. You will need to either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan. Once you are current on your payments or have an approved plan in place, the DDS will be notified and your suspension will be lifted.
If you are having trouble paying, explain your situation to the child support office — they may be able to adjust your payment amount based on your current income. Do not ignore the suspension; the longer you wait, the more arrears accumulate and the harder it becomes to resolve.
What to do if your license is suspended for medical reasons
The DDS or a healthcare provider reported a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely. You must obtain medical clearance from a doctor and submit it to the DDS. The specific documentation required depends on the condition — for example, if the suspension is related to seizures, you may need a letter from your neurologist stating that you are seizure-free and safe to drive.
Contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out exactly what medical documentation they need. Once you submit the required paperwork and it is approved, your suspension will be lifted. Some medical suspensions are temporary and will be lifted once the condition is resolved; others require ongoing monitoring.
What to do if your license is suspended for DUI or refusing a breath test
DUI-related suspensions have specific timelines and requirements. An administrative suspension for refusing a breath test lasts six months for a first offense. A suspension for being arrested for DUI lasts 30 days for a first offense, after which you may be able to obtain a limited permit to drive to work or school while your case is pending.
To restore your license after a DUI suspension, you typically must complete a DUI education program, pay a reinstatement fee to the DDS, and provide proof of insurance. The exact requirements depend on whether you were convicted, whether it was your first offense, and the specific circumstances of your case. Contact the DDS or speak with a DUI attorney to understand your specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a good reason?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Georgia, regardless of the reason. If you are caught, you face criminal charges, fines, and additional suspension time. Some suspensions allow you to obtain a limited permit for specific purposes like work or school, but you must request this from the DDS and meet their requirements.
How long does a suspension usually last?
Suspension length varies by reason. Traffic-related suspensions typically last 30 days to six months. Child support suspensions last until you are current. Medical suspensions depend on the condition. DUI suspensions range from 30 days to several years depending on your history. The DDS can tell you the exact end date when you check your status.
What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary and ends on a specific date or once you meet certain conditions. A revocation is permanent and requires you to explore for reinstatement through a formal process, which may include a new written test, vision test, or other requirements. The DDS will tell you which one applies to your case.
Do I have to pay a fee to restore my license after suspension?
It depends on the reason for suspension. Some suspensions are lifted automatically once the underlying issue is resolved, with no fee. Others, like DUI suspensions, require a reinstatement fee paid to the DDS. Call 678-413-8400 to find out whether a fee applies to your situation.
What happens if I move out of Georgia while my license is suspended?
Your Georgia suspension follows you. Most states share suspension information through the National Driver Register, so other states will recognize your Georgia suspension. You cannot legally drive in any state until your Georgia license is restored. Resolve the suspension before moving or as soon as possible after.