What a bond is and why Georgia requires one for a suspended license
A bond in Georgia is a financial may provide you post with the state to show you can pay for damages if you cause an accident while driving on a suspended license. It is not a fine or a fee — it is money held by the state as insurance. Georgia requires this bond before the Department of Driver Services (DDS) will restore your driving privileges after certain suspensions.
The bond amount depends on why your license was suspended. If you were suspended for a traffic violation or unpaid traffic fines, the bond is typically $150 to $300. If you were suspended because you did not pay a judgment from a car accident (called a "financial responsibility" suspension), the bond amount matches the judgment against you — sometimes several thousand dollars. The state holds this money until your suspension period ends and you meet all other requirements for reinstatement.
You do not pay this money directly to Georgia. Instead, you purchase a surety bond from a bonding company, which charges you a percentage of the bond amount as a fee. That company then guarantees the state that the full amount is available if needed.
Key Takeaways
- A bond is a financial may provide held by Georgia to cover potential damages from accidents while your license is suspended.
- Bond amounts range from $150 to $300 for most suspensions, but can be much higher if you owe a judgment from an accident.
- You buy the bond from a surety bonding company, which charges you a fee (usually 10 to 15 percent of the bond amount) and files it with DDS.
- The bond must be in place before DDS will restore your license, even if you have completed your suspension period.
- Once your suspension ends and the bond period expires, the bonding company releases the bond and you get no refund of the fee you paid.
How to find and purchase a surety bond in Georgia
Start by calling the Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 to confirm the exact bond amount required for your suspension. DDS will tell you the dollar amount and the reason for the suspension. Write this down — you will need it when you contact a bonding company.
Search online for "surety bond Georgia" or "driver license bond Georgia" to find bonding companies that operate in the state. Many insurance agencies and bail bond companies also sell surety bonds. Call at least two or three to compare fees, since the percentage they charge can vary. A company charging 10 percent of a $300 bond costs $30, while one charging 15 percent costs $45 — the difference adds up if your bond is larger.
When you contact a bonding company, have your driver's license number and the bond amount ready. The company will ask for your name, address, and the reason for the suspension. Some companies can file the bond with DDS electronically the same day; others mail it. Ask how long filing takes before you pay, so you know when to expect DDS to process your reinstatement.
What happens after you purchase the bond
Once you buy the bond, the bonding company files it with the Department of Driver Services. DDS records the bond in your file and sends you a confirmation letter. Keep this letter — it proves the bond is in place if you are stopped by police while your license is still technically suspended but the bond has been filed.
You can then contact DDS to request reinstatement of your license. If you have completed your suspension period and the bond is on file, DDS will restore your driving privileges. This usually happens within a few business days of your request. You will receive a new license in the mail or can pick one up at a DDS office.
The bond remains active for the duration of the suspension period set by the court or DDS. Once that period ends, the bonding company releases the bond automatically — you do not need to do anything. However, the fee you paid to the bonding company is not refunded. That fee is their payment for providing the may provide.
Bonds for financial responsibility suspensions
If your suspension is due to a judgment from an accident — meaning you were found liable for damages but did not pay — the bond amount will be much higher, often $5,000 to $25,000 or more depending on the judgment. This type of suspension is called a "financial responsibility" suspension.
For these larger bonds, you have two options. You can purchase a surety bond from a bonding company, which will charge you a percentage fee just as with smaller bonds. Alternatively, you can deposit the full cash amount with DDS instead of buying a bond. Some people choose to deposit cash if they have the money available, since they avoid paying the bonding company's fee. However, that cash is held by the state and not returned until the suspension ends.
If you cannot afford the full bond amount or the bonding company's fee, you can request a hearing with DDS to ask for a reduction. Bring documentation of your income and expenses to show financial hardship. DDS has authority to lower the bond amount in some cases, though approval is not may provide.
What to do if you cannot afford the bond
If the bond fee is beyond your budget, contact DDS and ask about a payment plan or a reduction hearing. Explain your situation in writing and include proof of income. DDS will schedule a hearing where you can present your case to a hearing officer.
Some bonding companies also offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fee in installments rather than all at once. Call several companies and ask whether they offer this option. A $300 bond with a 15 percent fee ($45) might be split into three $15 payments, for example.
Another option is to ask a family member or friend to help pay the bond fee. Since the fee is typically small compared to the bond amount itself, this may be more manageable than asking someone to loan you the full bond amount.
Common mistakes to avoid when posting a bond
Do not assume your suspension is over just because you have paid the bond fee. The bond only allows reinstatement — it does not shorten your suspension period. If you were suspended for 12 months, you must wait the full 12 months before requesting reinstatement, even with the bond in place.
Do not ignore other requirements for reinstatement. Some suspensions require you to complete a defensive driving course, pay outstanding fines, or provide proof of insurance before DDS will restore your license. The bond is one piece of the puzzle, not the only one. Contact DDS and ask for a complete list of what you need to do.
Do not drive before your license is officially reinstated, even if the bond is filed. Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Georgia, and the bond does not give you permission to drive. Wait for DDS to send you confirmation that your license has been restored.
How long the bond stays in effect
The bond remains active for the length of your suspension period. If you were suspended for six months, the bond lasts six months. If the suspension was indefinite (meaning it has no set end date), the bond stays in place until you complete whatever requirements DDS set for reinstatement — such as paying fines or completing a course.
Once the suspension period ends and you have met all other requirements, you can contact DDS to request reinstatement. The bonding company will automatically release the bond after DDS confirms that your suspension has ended. You will not receive the bond fee back, but you will no longer owe anything to the bonding company or the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my bond is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DDS officially reinstates it. The bond allows reinstatement to happen, but does not give you permission to drive before that. Wait for written confirmation from DDS that your license has been restored before you drive.
What if I cannot find a bonding company that will sell me a bond?
Call DDS directly at 678-413-8400 and explain the situation. DDS can sometimes refer you to bonding companies that work with suspended drivers, or advise you on alternative options such as depositing cash instead of purchasing a bond.
Do I get my money back when the suspension ends?
The bond itself is released by the bonding company, but the fee you paid them is not refunded. That fee is their payment for providing the may provide to the state. Think of it like an insurance premium — you pay it for the service, and it does not come back.
What if I move out of Georgia while my license is suspended?
Contact DDS before you move. Your bond is tied to your Georgia license, and moving may affect your reinstatement process. DDS can advise you on whether you need to maintain the bond or whether your suspension will transfer to your new state.
Can I get my license back without posting a bond?
No. For most suspensions in Georgia, a bond is required before DDS will reinstate your license. The only exception is if you deposit the full cash amount with DDS instead, but that amount is held by the state just as a bond would be.