What to Do When You Lose Your Driver's License in Georgia

How to replace a lost Georgia driver's license

If your Georgia driver's license is lost, you need to report it to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and request a replacement. You can do this in person at a DDS office, by mail, or online through the Georgia DDS website. The fastest route is usually online or in person, which takes about 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail. By mail takes longer — typically three to four weeks.

You will need to pay a replacement fee. As of now, a standard replacement costs money, though the exact amount depends on how much time remains on your current license. Check the Georgia DDS website or call your local office for the current fee, since it can change.

Before you go, gather your documents. You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or other state ID), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current Georgia address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may need additional documents — ask DDS when you start the process.

Key Takeaways

Report your lost license to Georgia DDS by going online, visiting an office in person, or mailing a request — online is usually fastest.
You will need proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address before you can get a replacement.
A replacement license arrives by mail in about 10 business days if you explore online or in person, or three to four weeks if you mail your request.
You can drive legally while your replacement is in the mail if you have a receipt showing you requested it, though some officers may not accept this — carry your receipt with you.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it; you must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DDS.

explore online through the Georgia DDS website

The Georgia DDS website lets you request a replacement license without visiting an office. Go to the DDS homepage, find the option for a replacement license, and follow the steps. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and other identifying information. You will also upload images of your documents — proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

After you submit, you will pay the replacement fee online using a credit or debit card. DDS will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 10 business days. Keep the confirmation number or receipt they give you — if your license arrives damaged or does not arrive at all, you will need it to file a claim or request a reprint.

Replacing your license in person at a DDS office

You can walk into any Georgia DDS office with your documents and request a replacement on the spot. Bring your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. You will fill out a form (the DL 44), pay the fee, and have your photo taken. The office will mail your new license to you, and it should arrive within 10 business days.

DDS offices are located throughout Georgia. You can find the one nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait. Call ahead if you want to know how busy the office is.

Mailing in a replacement request

If you cannot go online or visit an office, you can mail a request to DDS. You will need to fill out the DL 44 form (available on the Georgia DDS website), include copies of your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address, and include a check or money order for the replacement fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the DDS website.

Processing by mail takes longer than online or in-person — usually three to four weeks from the time DDS receives your envelope. Mail can also get lost, so consider sending it certified mail with a return receipt so you know it arrived. Keep a copy of everything you send.

Driving while you wait for your replacement

Georgia law allows you to drive while your replacement license is in the mail, but only if you have proof that you requested it. This proof is usually a receipt or confirmation number from your online request, or a receipt from the DDS office if you applied in person. Keep this receipt with you when you drive.

Some police officers will accept this receipt as proof that your license is on the way; others may not. The safest approach is to carry the receipt, your old license if you still have it, and your proof of identity documents. If you are stopped, explain that your replacement is in the mail and show the officer your receipt.

What to do if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked — for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, or another reason — you cannot straightforward order a replacement. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DDS. This might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a defensive driving course, paying a reinstatement fee, or waiting out a suspension period.

Contact Georgia DDS directly to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it. Once you have resolved the issue, you can then request a replacement. If you are unsure of your status, DDS can look it up for you over the phone or online.

If your replacement license never arrives

If more than 10 business days have passed since you applied online or in person, or more than four weeks since you mailed your request, contact Georgia DDS. Have your confirmation number or receipt ready. DDS can check whether your license was mailed and, if it was, can file a claim with the postal service or issue you a replacement.

If your replacement arrives damaged or unreadable, you can request another one. DDS usually does not charge a second fee for a damaged license if you report it right away. Contact them with your confirmation number and explain the damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

Georgia does not issue temporary paper licenses. However, your receipt from explore online or in person serves as proof that you requested a replacement, and you can drive with it. Some officers may question it, so carry your receipt and proof of identity together.

What if I lost my license and it was already expired?

You will need to renew it rather than straightforward replace it. The process is similar, but you may need to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long it has been expired. Contact Georgia DDS to find out what is required for your situation.

Do I have to replace my license in Georgia, or can I do it online from another state?

You must explore through Georgia DDS, but you can do it online from anywhere. You will need to upload copies of your documents, and your new license will be mailed to your Georgia address. If you have moved out of state, contact DDS to discuss your options.

What happens if someone finds my lost license and tries to use it?

Report it to Georgia DDS as soon as you realize it is lost. DDS can flag it in their system so it cannot be used. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and monitor your credit report.

Is there a fee to report my license lost, or only to replace it?

You only pay the replacement fee — there is no separate fee for reporting it lost. The replacement fee covers both the report and the new license.

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.