How to Verify a Georgia Driver's License or ID Card

What Georgia License Verification Does and Who Can Do It

Georgia license verification means checking whether a driver's license or ID card issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services is real, currently valid, and belongs to the person presenting it. You cannot verify someone else's license yourself — only the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and certain authorized businesses can do this through official channels.

If you need to confirm a license is genuine for employment, rental housing, age verification at a business, or another lawful reason, you have two paths: contact DDS directly, or use a third-party verification service that DDS has authorized. The method you choose depends on who you are, what you need to know, and how quickly you need the answer.

Key Takeaways

The Georgia Department of Driver Services is the only government body that can officially verify whether a Georgia license or ID is valid and belongs to the person who holds it.
Employers, landlords, and businesses can request verification through DDS's official channels or through authorized third-party vendors that DDS has contracted with.
DDS verification requests typically require the person's full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a signed consent form from the license holder.
Third-party verification services are faster than contacting DDS directly but charge a fee, while DDS itself may verify at no cost depending on the request type.
You cannot legally verify someone's license without their knowledge or consent, and doing so can violate Georgia privacy law.

Contacting the Georgia Department of Driver Services Directly

The Georgia Department of Driver Services handles verification requests through its main office in Atlanta and regional locations across the state. To request verification, you will need to contact DDS by phone, mail, or in person. The main DDS number is 678-413-8400. When you call, have ready the full name of the person whose license you want to verify, their date of birth, and their driver's license number if you have it.

DDS will ask whether the license holder has given you written permission to verify their license. This is a legal requirement — you cannot verify someone's license without their consent. If you have that consent in writing, DDS can tell you whether the license is valid, whether it is suspended or revoked, and whether the person's address and other details on file match what you have.

The turnaround time for a DDS verification request is typically three to five business days. If you need the information faster, DDS recommends using an authorized third-party vendor instead. You can also visit a DDS office in person with the license holder's written consent, though this requires a trip and may involve a wait.

Using Third-Party Verification Services Authorized by DDS

Georgia DDS has authorized several third-party companies to verify licenses on behalf of employers, landlords, and other businesses. These vendors can return results in hours rather than days, but they charge a fee per verification — typically between $5 and $15 depending on the vendor and the depth of the check.

Common authorized vendors include LexisNexis, Clarity Services, and several employment screening companies. To use one of these services, you will need to set up an account with the vendor, provide the person's license information and written consent, and pay the verification fee. The vendor then queries DDS's database and returns a report showing whether the license is valid, suspended, or revoked.

Before choosing a vendor, confirm that they are currently authorized by DDS. You can ask DDS directly at 678-413-8400, or check the vendor's website for their DDS authorization status. Using an unauthorized vendor to verify a Georgia license is illegal and can expose you to liability.

What Information You Need to Provide for Verification

Whether you go through DDS directly or a third-party vendor, you will need to gather specific information about the person whose license you want to verify. At minimum, have their full legal name exactly as it appears on their license, their date of birth, and their driver's license number. If you do not have the license number, DDS and most vendors can search by name and date of birth, but this takes longer.

You will also need written consent from the license holder. This can be a signed form, an email, or a signed statement saying they allow you to verify their Georgia license. Some employers and landlords include this consent in their process forms. Keep this consent on file — if DDS or a vendor asks for proof that you had permission, you will need to show it.

Do not attempt to verify a license without the holder's knowledge. Georgia law treats unauthorized license verification as a privacy violation, and you can face civil liability or criminal charges depending on the circumstances.

Verification for Employment and Background Checks

Employers often need to verify that a job candidate's driver's license is real and valid, especially for positions involving driving or handling sensitive information. If you are an employer, you can request verification through DDS or use an employment screening company that DDS has authorized.

Many employment screening vendors bundle license verification with other background checks — criminal history, address history, and previous employment verification. This bundled approach is often faster and cheaper than requesting each item separately. The candidate must sign a consent form that specifically allows the employer to verify their license and run other background checks.

Keep in mind that verification only confirms the license is valid; it does not tell you whether the person has been in accidents, received traffic citations, or has points on their driving record. If you need that information, you will have to request a driving record separately, which requires additional consent and goes through a different process.

Verification for Rental Housing and Tenant Screening

Landlords and property managers often verify a tenant's license as part of the rental process process. This confirms the person's identity and that they are who they claim to be. Some landlords do this through DDS directly; others use tenant screening companies that DDS has authorized.

Tenant screening vendors typically charge $15 to $30 per applicant and can return results within 24 hours. The report will show whether the license is valid and current, and whether the name and date of birth on file match the process. Some vendors also cross-check the address on the license against the rental property address to flag potential fraud.

Include a line in your rental process that says the applicant consents to license verification. Have them sign and date it. This protects you legally and ensures you have documented consent before you request verification.

What Happens If a License Cannot Be Verified

If DDS or a third-party vendor cannot verify a license, the report will say so clearly. This can happen for several reasons: the license number does not exist in DDS's system, the name and date of birth do not match any record, the license has been suspended or revoked, or the license has expired and the person has not renewed it.

If you receive a report that a license cannot be verified, do not assume the person is lying or committing fraud. Ask them to check their license number, confirm their date of birth, and verify that the name on the license matches exactly what they provided. Typos and name changes are common reasons for verification failures.

If the person says their information is correct but the license still will not verify, they may need to contact DDS directly to resolve an issue with their record. They can call 678-413-8400 or visit a DDS office. Do not make a hiring or rental decision based on a failed verification without giving the person a chance to explain or correct the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I verify a Georgia license online myself?

No. Only the Georgia Department of Driver Services and authorized third-party vendors can access DDS's verification system. You cannot look up someone's license status through a public website. You must contact DDS or use an authorized vendor, and you must have the person's written consent.

How much does it cost to verify a Georgia license?

Contacting DDS directly may be free or low-cost depending on the request type, but the process takes three to five business days. Third-party vendors typically charge $5 to $15 per verification and return results within 24 hours. Employment and tenant screening companies may charge $15 to $30 if they bundle license verification with other checks.

What if the person's license is suspended or revoked?

The verification report will state that the license is suspended or revoked. You can then decide whether to hire or rent to that person based on your own policies. A suspended license does not automatically disqualify someone — that depends on the job or rental situation and your company's rules.

Do I need the person's permission to verify their license?

Yes. Georgia law requires written consent before you verify someone's license. This consent can be part of a job process, rental process, or a separate signed form. Verifying without consent is illegal and can result in civil liability.

How long does verification take?

DDS direct requests take three to five business days. Third-party vendors typically return results within 24 hours, sometimes the same day. The speed depends on the vendor and how quickly they process requests.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.