What happens when your Georgia license is suspended
A suspended Georgia driver's license means the state has temporarily taken away your right to drive, but the license itself still exists and can be restored. Suspensions happen for specific reasons — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points, DUI convictions, or unpaid child support — and each reason has its own path to restoration. The state does not automatically lift a suspension when time passes; you have to take action to remove it.
Georgia suspensions fall into two categories: administrative suspensions (which the Georgia Department of Driver Services handles directly) and court-ordered suspensions (which require action through the court system). Knowing which type you have determines where you start. You can find out by calling the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 or checking your suspension notice if you have one.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia suspensions come from either the Department of Driver Services or a court, and you must contact the right agency to lift yours.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, fees, or child support before restoration is possible.
- Once you have resolved the underlying reason, you file a reinstatement request with the Department of Driver Services and pay a reinstatement fee.
- Some suspensions require a waiting period or completion of a defensive driving course before you can restore your license.
- You cannot legally drive until your suspension is lifted, even if you have a physical license card in your wallet.
Identify why your license was suspended
Before you can fix the suspension, you need to know what caused it. Call the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 and have your driver's license number ready. The representative will tell you the reason for suspension and what you must do to resolve it. Write down the exact reason and any case numbers or court information they give you.
Common suspension reasons in Georgia include failure to pay a traffic fine, failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket, accumulating 15 or more points on your driving record within 24 months, DUI or refusal to take a breath test, unpaid child support, or failure to maintain auto insurance. Each reason has different requirements for restoration. If the suspension is court-ordered, the representative will direct you to contact that specific court.
Pay outstanding fines or child support
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or child support, you must pay what you owe before the Department of Driver Services will restore your license. For traffic fines, contact the court listed on your ticket or suspension notice. Many Georgia courts allow payment by phone, online, or in person. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount owed, including any late fees or court costs.
For child support suspensions, contact the Georgia Division of Child Support Services or the specific court that ordered the support. Once you have paid in full, ask for written confirmation of payment. Keep this confirmation — you will need to show it when you request reinstatement. If you cannot pay the full amount, some courts offer payment plans, but the suspension remains in place until the balance is zero.
Resolve failure to appear charges
If you failed to appear in court for a traffic ticket, you must resolve that charge before your license can be restored. Contact the court listed on your ticket and explain that you want to address the failure to appear. You have two options: appear in court on a new date that the court sets, or resolve the ticket by mail or phone if the court allows it.
When you appear or contact the court, bring or mention your driver's license number and the ticket number. The court will either dismiss the charge, allow you to plead guilty and pay a fine, or set a new court date. Once the court resolves the case, ask for written confirmation. The court will notify the Department of Driver Services, but this can take several weeks, so keep your confirmation letter.
Handle point-based suspensions
Georgia suspends licenses when a driver accumulates 15 or more points within 24 months. Points come from traffic violations like speeding, reckless driving, or at-fault accidents. If this is your reason for suspension, you cannot straightforward pay a fee to restore your license — you must wait out a mandatory suspension period and then complete a defensive driving course.
The suspension period is typically 30 days for a first point-based suspension, 60 days for a second within five years, and 12 months for a third. After the suspension period ends, you must complete a Georgia-approved defensive driving course. The course costs between $20 and $50 and takes about four hours. Once you finish, you submit proof of completion along with your reinstatement request and fee to the Department of Driver Services.
Request reinstatement from the Department of Driver Services
After you have resolved the underlying reason for your suspension — paid fines, resolved court charges, completed a defensive driving course, or waited out a mandatory period — you can request reinstatement. You do this by submitting a reinstatement request to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. You can request reinstatement online at dds.georgia.gov, by mail, or in person at any DDS office.
Include your driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, and proof that you have resolved the issue (payment receipts, court confirmation, defensive driving certificate). The reinstatement fee is $210 for most suspensions, though some DUI-related suspensions have higher fees. Pay by check, money order, or credit card if you submit online or by mail. The Department of Driver Services will mail you a new license card within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
What to do while your license is suspended
Driving with a suspended license in Georgia is a crime. If you are stopped by police, you face fines starting at $250, possible jail time, and an extension of your suspension. If you need to drive during the suspension period, you can request a limited driving permit from the Department of Driver Services, though these are granted only in specific circumstances — such as driving to work, school, or medical appointments — and only if your suspension is not DUI-related.
To request a limited permit, contact the Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 and ask about your specific situation. You will need to show that you have a genuine need to drive and that you have taken steps to resolve the suspension. Limited permits are not may provide and depend on the reason for your suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to restore a suspended license in Georgia?
Once you have resolved the reason for suspension and submitted your reinstatement request, the Department of Driver Services typically approves it within 3 to 5 business days. Your new license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. If your suspension is court-ordered, add time for the court to notify the Department of Driver Services, which can take 2 to 4 weeks.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a valid license from another state?
No. A Georgia suspension applies to your driving privileges in Georgia, regardless of what license you hold. Driving with a suspended Georgia license is illegal even if you have a valid license from another state. You must resolve the suspension before you can legally drive in Georgia.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
The reinstatement fee is $210 for most suspensions and is required to restore your license. Some courts offer payment plans for traffic fines, but the Department of Driver Services does not waive or reduce the reinstatement fee. Contact the court that issued your fine to ask about payment plan options for the underlying debt.
Do I need a lawyer to restore my suspended license?
You do not need a lawyer for most suspensions. You can handle the process yourself by contacting the court or Department of Driver Services directly. However, if your suspension is related to a DUI conviction or a complex court case, consulting a lawyer may help you understand your options and requirements.
Will my suspension show up on a background check after it is lifted?
Your driving record will show that you had a suspension, but once it is lifted, your license is fully restored and you can legally drive. Employers and insurance companies can see your full driving history, including past suspensions, but the suspension itself no longer restricts your driving.