How to find out whether your Georgia driver's license is valid, suspended, or expired
You can check your Georgia driver's license status online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website without visiting an office or calling. The fastest way is to go to dds.georgia.gov, select "License Status Check," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, expired, suspended, or revoked.
If you prefer not to use the online tool, you can call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours, or visit a local DDS office in person with your license or ID. The online check takes seconds and works 24 hours a day, so it is the fastest option for most people.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov has a free License Status Check tool that shows your license status in seconds.
- You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to use the online status check.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive; a revoked license requires you to reapply through DDS; an expired license can usually be renewed online or by mail.
- If your license is suspended, the status check will show the reason — such as unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or a medical hold — and what you need to do to restore it.
What each license status means
Active means your license is valid and you can legally drive. The status check will show your expiration date.
Expired means your license passed its expiration date and you cannot legally drive until you renew it. Georgia licenses expire on your birthday in the year shown on the card. You can renew online at dds.georgia.gov if you are between 18 and 70, have no medical restrictions, and your license has not been suspended or revoked. If you do not meet those conditions, you must renew in person at a DDS office.
Suspended means you cannot legally drive, and the suspension will remain in effect until you resolve the underlying issue. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets or fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions reported to DDS, or a failed drug test. The status check will show the reason and the agency that placed the hold. You must contact that agency to find out what steps restore your license.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled and you cannot drive. You must wait the period set by DDS (usually one to five years depending on the reason) before you can reapply. Revocation typically follows serious violations such as multiple DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or criminal convictions. You cannot restore a revoked license by paying a fee; you must wait out the period and then go through the full process process again.
Why your license might be suspended
Georgia suspends licenses for reasons beyond traffic violations. If the status check shows your license is suspended but you do not know why, the reason code on the status page will tell you which agency holds the suspension. Common suspension codes include:
- Court-related: Failure to appear in court, failure to pay a fine or court costs, or conviction of certain crimes.
- Child support: Arrears reported by the Georgia Department of Human Services.
- Medical: A doctor or hospital reported a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or you failed a medical examination.
- Administrative: You did not provide proof of insurance after an accident, did not pay a reinstatement fee, or did not complete a required course.
- Drug-related: A positive drug test result or a DUI-related suspension.
Once you know the reason, contact the agency listed on the status check. For court-related suspensions, contact the court that issued the suspension. For child support, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services. For medical suspensions, you may need to provide a doctor's clearance. For administrative issues, DDS can tell you what you need to do.
Steps to restore a suspended license
The steps depend on the reason for suspension. Start by checking your status online to see which agency holds the suspension and what the reason code means.
If the suspension is court-related, contact the court listed on your status check. You may need to pay outstanding fines, appear in court, or complete a required program. Once the court lifts the suspension, DDS will be notified automatically within a few business days.
If the suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or the agency listed on your status check. You will need to make a payment arrangement or pay the full amount owed. Once child support is current, the suspension lifts automatically.
If the suspension is medical, you will need to provide DDS with a letter from your doctor stating you are fit to drive, or you may need to pass a medical examination at a DDS office. Contact DDS directly at 678-413-8400 to find out what documentation is required.
After you resolve the underlying issue, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee to DDS. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension. You can pay online, by phone, or in person at a DDS office. Once you pay, your license is restored when ready if there are no other holds.
Renewing an expired Georgia license
If your license is expired but not suspended or revoked, you can renew it without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions. You must be between 18 and 70 years old, have no medical restrictions on your license, and have no active suspensions or revocations. You also cannot have changed your name or address since your last renewal.
To renew online, go to dds.georgia.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the steps. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a payment method. The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not meet the online renewal conditions, you must renew in person at a DDS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. You can find your nearest office and book an appointment at dds.georgia.gov.
What to do if you cannot access the online status check
If the Georgia DDS website is down or you do not have your license number, you can call 678-413-8400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). A representative can look up your status if you provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
You can also visit a DDS office in person. Bring your ID or license if you have it. Office hours and locations are listed at dds.georgia.gov. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to restore a suspended license?
It depends on the reason for suspension. If you resolve the issue (pay a fine, appear in court, or provide medical clearance), DDS is usually notified within a few business days and your license is restored automatically. If you need to pay a reinstatement fee, your license is restored the same day you pay if there are no other holds.
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary license at a DDS office. Bring your expired license and payment, and you will receive a paper temporary license valid for 30 days.
What if the status check says my license is suspended but I do not know why?
The status page will show a reason code and the agency that placed the hold. Call that agency directly — for example, the court if it is court-related, or the Georgia Department of Human Services if it is child support. DDS customer service can also explain the reason code if you call 678-413-8400.
Do I have to renew my license in person if I am over 70?
Yes. Georgia requires drivers over 70 to renew in person at a DDS office. You will need to pass a vision test and may be required to pass a written test or medical examination depending on your age and driving record.
What happens if I drive with a suspended license?
Driving with a suspended license is a crime in Georgia. You can be arrested, fined up to $1,000, and face jail time. Your vehicle can also be impounded. If you have been charged, contact a lawyer or your local public defender's office.