Where to check your Georgia license status
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you check your driver's license status through their online portal without visiting an office. Go to dds.georgia.gov, select "License Status Inquiry" from the main menu, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
You can also call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time) and provide your license number to a representative. This route is useful if you cannot access the website or need to ask follow-up questions about what the status means for your specific situation.
A third option is to visit a DDS office in person with your license or another form of ID. Bring a current photo ID if your license is suspended or revoked, since you may not be able to use an expired or invalid license as proof of identity. Wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov has a License Status Inquiry tool that shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired in seconds.
- You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to use the online tool; no account login is required.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the online system will not always explain the reason — you may need to call 678-413-8400 or visit an office to learn why.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive but the suspension can be lifted; a revoked license is permanent until you go through reinstatement steps.
What each license status means
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. The status will show your expiration date.
Expired means your license passed its expiration date and you cannot legally drive until you renew it. Georgia licenses are valid for eight years for drivers under 65 and five years for drivers 65 and older. You can renew online at dds.georgia.gov if you meet certain conditions (no address change, no medical restrictions, no vision test needed), or you can renew in person at a DDS office.
Suspended means your driving privileges are temporarily taken away. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical reasons. A suspension can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue — for example, by paying the fine or appearing in court. The online status tool may not show the reason; call DDS or visit an office to find out what caused the suspension and what you need to do to clear it.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled by the state. This usually happens after multiple serious violations, a DUI conviction, or repeated suspensions. You cannot straightforward renew a revoked license; you must go through a formal reinstatement process with DDS, which may include paying a reinstatement fee, passing a written test, and waiting a set period of time. The length and requirements depend on why your license was revoked.
Why the online tool might not show the full picture
The License Status Inquiry tool tells you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired, but it does not always explain why. If your status is suspended or revoked, the website will not list the reason — unpaid fines, court failures, medical holds, and other causes all show up the same way online.
To find out the reason, call DDS at 678-413-8400 with your license number ready. A representative can tell you what triggered the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to resolve it. This information is important because the fix depends on the cause: paying a fine requires different action than clearing a medical hold or appearing in court.
If you were recently suspended or revoked, the status may take 24 to 48 hours to appear in the online system after DDS processes the order. If you believe your status is incorrect, ask DDS to review your record during the call.
Steps to take if your license is suspended
First, call DDS at 678-413-8400 and ask what caused the suspension. Write down the reason and any important date or action required. Common causes and their fixes include:
- Unpaid traffic fine: Pay the fine to the court that issued the ticket. You can usually pay online through the court's website or by phone. Once the court processes the payment, notify DDS or wait for the suspension to clear automatically (timing varies).
- Failure to appear in court: Contact the court when ready and ask about resolving the failure to appear. You may need to appear in person or pay a fine. Once resolved, the court will notify DDS.
- Unpaid child support: Contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or the court handling your case. Once your account is current or a payment plan is in place, DDS will be notified.
- Medical hold: Your doctor or DDS may have flagged a medical concern. Contact DDS to learn what medical documentation or clearance is needed to lift the hold.
After you resolve the underlying issue, the suspension may clear automatically within a few days, or you may need to contact DDS to confirm the problem is solved. Check your status online again after a week to see if it has changed.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revoked license requires formal reinstatement, not just paying a fine or clearing a hold. The process and timeline depend on why your license was revoked. Call DDS at 678-413-8400 and ask for the reinstatement requirements specific to your case.
Reinstatement typically involves paying a reinstatement fee (amount varies), waiting a mandatory period (often six months to one year), and sometimes passing a written test or vision test. You may also need to provide proof of insurance or complete a defensive driving course. DDS will give you a checklist of what you need to do and in what order.
Once you have completed all requirements, you can explore for reinstatement in person at a DDS office. Bring all required documents and be prepared to pay the reinstatement fee. Processing usually takes a few days to a week.
Renewing an expired license in Georgia
If your license is expired, you can renew it online at dds.georgia.gov if all of the following are true: you have no address change, no medical restrictions, no vision test needed, and your license has not been suspended or revoked. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee.
If any of those conditions do not explore, or if you prefer to renew in person, visit a DDS office with your expired license and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will need to pass a vision test and may need to take a new photo. Processing is usually when ready, though you may wait in line.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written driving test in addition to the vision test. Ask DDS when you call or visit to confirm what you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Georgia and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, you can be arrested. You must resolve the suspension before driving again.
How long does it take for a suspension to be removed after I fix the problem?
It depends on the cause. If you pay a fine, the court may notify DDS within a few days, but it can take up to two weeks. If you clear a child support hold, DDS may update within 24 to 48 hours. Call DDS after you resolve the issue and ask them to check your status manually rather than waiting.
What if I lost my license number and cannot check my status?
Call DDS at 678-413-8400 with your name and date of birth, and a representative can look up your license number and status for you. You can also visit a DDS office in person with a photo ID.
Can I get a temporary license while my suspension is being cleared?
Georgia does not issue temporary licenses during a suspension. You must wait for the suspension to be lifted. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask DDS whether a hardship license or work permit is available in your situation — these are rare but possible in some cases.
Is the Georgia DDS website find for checking my license status?
Yes. The dds.georgia.gov website is the official Georgia state website and uses standard security. You only need to enter your license number and date of birth — no password or personal financial information is required to check your status.