How to learn about your Georgia license is suspended right now
You can check your Georgia driver's license status in three ways: online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by phone, or in person at a DDS office. The fastest method is the online check, which takes about two minutes and requires your driver's license number and date of birth. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DDS Customer Service line or visit a local office.
A suspended license means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privileges. The suspension stays on your record until you complete whatever action caused it — paying a fine, completing a court requirement, or resolving a traffic violation. Until you do, you cannot legally drive in Georgia or most other states.
Key Takeaways
- Check your license status online at the Georgia DDS website using your license number and date of birth, or call the DDS Customer Service line.
- A suspension is temporary and stays in place until you complete the action that triggered it, such as paying a fine or attending traffic school.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points, and unpaid child support.
- Once you resolve the underlying issue, you must request reinstatement through DDS, which may involve paying a reinstatement fee.
- Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Georgia and can result in arrest, fines, and jail time.
Check your status online through the Georgia DDS website
Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and look for the "Check Driver's License Status" tool. You will need your Georgia driver's license number and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information and the system will show you whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
The online system updates regularly but may lag by a day or two, so if you were recently cited or had a court date, the status might not reflect when ready. If the system shows your license is suspended, it will typically tell you the reason — though the reason code may be brief, such as "FTA" (failure to appear) or "SUSP" (suspension).
Call the Georgia DDS Customer Service line
If you prefer to speak with someone or cannot access the online system, call the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number ready. Customer service representatives can tell you your current status and, in many cases, explain what action you need to take to clear the suspension.
Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning calls typically have shorter waits. The line is open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday.
Visit a Georgia DDS office in person
You can walk into any Georgia Department of Driver Services office and ask a staff member to check your license status. Bring your driver's license or state ID. Staff can look up your record on the spot and tell you exactly why your license is suspended and what you need to do next.
This option takes longer than calling or checking online, but it gives you a chance to ask follow-up questions and sometimes to handle the next step when ready. Some offices allow you to pay reinstatement fees or submit documents in person.
Common reasons your Georgia license might be suspended
Unpaid traffic fines are the most common reason for suspension. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine by the due date, the court reports this to DDS and your license is suspended. You must pay the fine to clear the suspension.
Failure to appear in court (FTA) also triggers suspension. If you were ordered to appear for a traffic or criminal hearing and did not show up, the court suspends your license. You will need to contact the court, explain your absence, and resolve the case.
Accumulating too many points on your driving record can result in suspension. Georgia assigns points for traffic violations — speeding, reckless driving, and other infractions each carry a point value. If you reach 15 points within 24 months, your license is suspended for a period set by DDS.
Unpaid child support also triggers license suspension in Georgia. If you are behind on child support payments, the state can suspend your driver's license as a way to encourage payment. Resolving the child support debt will clear this suspension.
Other reasons include driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, refusing a breathalyzer test, being convicted of certain drug offenses, or not maintaining car insurance after an accident.
What to do once you know your license is suspended
First, identify the exact reason for the suspension. The online tool, phone line, or DDS office staff will tell you this. Write down the reason and any case or ticket number provided.
Second, take the action required to clear the suspension. If it is an unpaid fine, pay it to the court listed. If it is failure to appear, contact the court and reschedule or resolve the case. If it is child support, contact your local child support enforcement office. If it is too many points, you may need to wait out a suspension period or complete a defensive driving course, depending on the circumstances.
Third, request reinstatement once you have resolved the underlying issue. You can do this online through the Georgia DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Some suspensions clear automatically once the issue is resolved, but others require you to formally request reinstatement. DDS may charge a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension.
Do not drive until your license status shows as valid. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Georgia and can result in arrest, fines up to $1,000, and jail time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive anywhere in Georgia for any reason. Driving to work, to the store, or to court is all illegal and can result in arrest. Some states offer restricted licenses that allow driving to work or court, but Georgia does not issue these for most suspensions.
How long does a suspension usually last?
The length depends on the reason. Unpaid fines are suspended until you pay. Failure to appear is suspended until you resolve the court case. Point-based suspensions typically last 30 days to one year, depending on how many points you accumulated. Child support suspensions last until the debt is paid. DDS will tell you the specific duration when you check your status.
Do I have to pay a fee to get my license back?
Most suspensions require a reinstatement fee when you clear the underlying issue. The fee varies — typically between $100 and $210 — depending on the reason for suspension. You pay this fee when you request reinstatement, either online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office.
What if I think my license was suspended by mistake?
Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services directly by phone or in person. Explain the situation and ask them to review your record. If there is an error, DDS can correct it. If the suspension is related to a court case or unpaid fine, you may also need to contact the court or the agency that reported the issue.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Georgia does not issue hardship or restricted licenses for most suspensions. Your only option is to resolve the underlying issue and request full reinstatement. If your suspension is related to a DUI, you may be able to request a limited permit for specific purposes, but this requires a separate process through DDS.