What you need to do to get your Georgia license back
To reinstate a suspended Georgia driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete whatever requirement caused the suspension — usually paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a child support issue. After that, you submit a reinstatement request to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) with the required fee, which is typically $210 for a standard reinstatement. The process takes about two weeks once DDS receives your paperwork.
The reason your license was suspended matters because it determines what you have to do before you can even ask for reinstatement. Georgia suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, failure to appear in court, drug convictions, medical conditions reported by a doctor, and several other reasons. You cannot skip the underlying requirement and go straight to paying the reinstatement fee — DDS will reject your request if the suspension cause is not resolved.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services or the court that suspended your license to learn the specific reason for suspension before taking any other step.
- Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue — pay a fine, complete a course, or clear a child support debt — before DDS will process a reinstatement request.
- The reinstatement fee is typically $210, but you may owe additional money to the court or another agency depending on why your license was suspended.
- After you submit your reinstatement request with proof that the suspension cause is resolved, DDS usually processes it within two weeks.
Find out why your license was suspended
Call the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 or visit a DDS office in person to ask why your license is suspended. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. DDS will tell you the specific reason — for example, "unpaid traffic fine in Fulton County Superior Court" or "failure to pay child support." Write down the reason and any case number or court information they give you, because you will need it to resolve the suspension.
If DDS tells you the suspension was ordered by a court, call that court's traffic or civil division directly to confirm what you owe and to whom. Courts sometimes suspend licenses for unpaid fines, unpaid court costs, or failure to appear. If the suspension is related to child support, contact the Georgia Division of Family Support Services at 404-657-3851. If it is a medical suspension (for example, after a seizure or serious accident), you will need a doctor's letter clearing you to drive before DDS will reinstate you.
Resolve the reason for suspension
Once you know why your license was suspended, take the action required to clear it. If you owe a fine or court costs, pay the court that issued the suspension. Most Georgia courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person — ask the court clerk which methods they use. Keep a receipt or confirmation number showing the payment was received, because you will need to show DDS that the debt is paid.
If the suspension is for failure to appear in court, contact the court and ask what you need to do to resolve the failure to appear charge. You may need to appear in person or the court may allow you to resolve it by phone or mail. If the suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Georgia Division of Family Support Services or the court that ordered support and arrange a payment plan or lump-sum payment. If the suspension is medical, obtain a letter from your doctor stating you are medically fit to drive and submit it to DDS along with your reinstatement request.
Some suspensions are triggered by a drug conviction or a serious traffic violation like a DUI. In these cases, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course or substance abuse program before reinstatement is possible. DDS will tell you which course is required and which providers are approved. Complete the course and obtain a certificate of completion, which you will submit with your reinstatement request.
Gather documents and submit your reinstatement request
Collect the following before you contact DDS: your driver's license number, proof that you resolved the suspension cause (a court receipt, child support payment confirmation, medical clearance letter, or course completion certificate), and the $210 reinstatement fee. You can submit your reinstatement request online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office.
To reinstate online, visit the Georgia DDS website, select "License Reinstatement" from the services menu, and follow the prompts. You will upload your proof documents and pay the fee by credit or debit card. To reinstate by mail, print the DDS reinstatement form (available on the DDS website), include copies of your proof documents, and mail everything to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $210. To reinstate in person, visit a DDS office with your documents and fee — bring your original driver's license if you still have it.
What happens after you submit your request
DDS will review your reinstatement request within two weeks. If your documents are complete and show that the suspension cause is resolved, DDS will process your reinstatement and mail you a new license or a temporary driving permit. If DDS needs more information, they will contact you by phone or mail. If your documents are incomplete or do not show that the suspension is resolved, DDS will deny your request and explain what is missing.
While you are waiting for reinstatement, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Georgia and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, ask DDS whether a temporary driving permit is available for your situation — some suspension types allow a limited permit for work or medical appointments, but not all do.
If your reinstatement request is denied
If DDS denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a written explanation of why. The most common reasons are incomplete documents, proof that the suspension cause was not fully resolved, or a second suspension that occurred while the first one was active. Read the denial letter carefully and contact DDS to ask what specific documents or actions are needed to resubmit.
If you believe DDS made an error, you have the right to request a hearing before a DDS hearing officer. The denial letter will include instructions for requesting a hearing. You will have the opportunity to present documents and explain your situation. If the hearing officer agrees with you, your license will be reinstated. If not, you can appeal to the Georgia Superior Court, though this is rare and usually requires an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a job that requires it?
No, driving on a suspended license is illegal in Georgia regardless of the reason. However, some suspension types allow DDS to issue a limited work permit that lets you drive only to and from work or for medical appointments. Ask DDS when you call about your suspension whether a work permit is available for your situation.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
DDS typically processes a reinstatement request within two weeks of receiving it. If you submit online or in person, the timeline may be shorter. If you mail your request, add time for mail delivery. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to you, which takes another week or so.
What if I owe money to multiple courts or agencies?
You must resolve all debts that caused the suspension before DDS will reinstate your license. If you owe fines to one court and child support to another, you need to pay both. Contact each court or agency separately to confirm the amount owed and arrange payment.
Do I have to pay the $210 reinstatement fee even if the suspension was a mistake?
If DDS determines the suspension was issued in error, you may not owe the reinstatement fee. Contact DDS to explain the error and ask whether the fee can be waived. If you have already paid it, DDS may refund it, though this requires a separate request.
What if I moved out of Georgia after my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your Georgia license from out of state by mail or online. You do not need to be in Georgia to submit your reinstatement request or to receive your new license. However, if your suspension was ordered by a Georgia court, you may need to resolve the underlying issue (such as a fine or failure to appear) before DDS will process reinstatement.