Where to check your Georgia license status
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you check your license status through their online portal at mvd.georgia.gov. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to look up your record. The system shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired — and if there is a hold or restriction on it.
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 speak to someone who can pull your status. If you are outside Georgia, you may reach a local DDS office directly; their phone numbers are listed on the mvd.georgia.gov website under "Contact Us."
A third option is to visit a DDS office in person. Bring your current ID and your license number if you have it. Staff can print your driving record on the spot, which shows your status and any violations or holds.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS online portal at mvd.georgia.gov shows your license status without charge and works 24/7.
- You need your driver's license number and date of birth to search online; no password or account creation is required.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the system will tell you the reason and whether you can restore it or must wait out a period.
- The DDS phone line and local offices can provide the same information and answer questions about next steps if your license has a hold.
What the status results mean
Valid means your license is current and you can drive legally. The system will show your expiration date.
Expired means your license passed its expiration date. You cannot drive on an expired license in Georgia; you must renew it before getting behind the wheel. Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office, depending on your age and how long it has been expired.
Suspended means your driving privilege has been temporarily taken away. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulation of points from violations, or failure to maintain insurance. A suspension is usually for a set period — once that time passes and any conditions are met (such as paying fines), you can restore your license. The online status will often show the reason and the date you become may be able to access to restore it.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled by the state. Revocation is more serious than suspension and usually results from serious violations such as DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status. Restoration after revocation is possible but requires meeting specific conditions set by DDS, which may include a waiting period, completion of a safety course, or payment of reinstatement fees.
What to do if your license is suspended
If the status shows your license is suspended, the online record or your DDS printout should list the reason. Common reasons include unpaid court fines, failure to pay a traffic ticket, or points accumulation. Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you do not pay a ticket within the time allowed, DDS suspends your license without a separate notice.
To restore a suspended license, you must first address the underlying cause. If it is unpaid fines, you pay them. If it is failure to appear in court, you contact the court and resolve the case. Once you have satisfied the requirement, you can request reinstatement through DDS. Some reinstatements happen automatically once the condition is met; others require you to submit a form or pay a reinstatement fee (currently $210 in Georgia for most suspensions). The DDS website has a reinstatement guide that walks through the specific steps for your reason.
Do not drive while your license is suspended. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Georgia and can result in fines, jail time, and further license penalties.
What to do if your license is revoked
Revocation is permanent unless you meet the conditions for restoration set by DDS. The most common reason for revocation is a DUI conviction. If your license was revoked for DUI, Georgia law requires a waiting period (usually one year from the date of revocation) before you can even request restoration. You must also complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program, pay a reinstatement fee, and provide proof of insurance.
Other reasons for revocation include habitual traffic offender status (three major violations within five years) or medical suspension due to a condition that makes driving unsafe. Each reason has its own restoration path. The DDS website lists the requirements for each type of revocation, or you can call 678-413-8400 to ask what you need to do.
If you believe your license was revoked in error, you can request a hearing with DDS. The request must be made within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days from the notice of revocation). Contact DDS directly to find out how to file a hearing request.
Understanding license holds and restrictions
A hold is a flag on your license that prevents renewal or reinstatement until a specific issue is resolved. Holds are often placed by courts (for unpaid fines or failure to appear), child support agencies (for unpaid child support), or the Department of Revenue (for unpaid taxes). Your online status may show that your license has a hold without showing the specific reason, because different agencies place holds for different reasons.
To find out what hold is on your license, call 678-413-8400 and provide your license number. DDS can tell you which agency placed the hold and direct you to contact them. You must resolve the underlying issue with that agency before DDS can lift the hold.
A restriction is different from a hold or suspension. Restrictions are conditions on your license that limit how you can drive — for example, corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, or daylight driving only. Restrictions appear on your license card itself and in your driving record. If you have a restriction you believe is incorrect, you can request a vision or medical exam through DDS to have it removed.
How to renew an expired license online
If your status shows your license is expired and you are within the renewal window (usually up to one year after expiration), you can renew online at mvd.georgia.gov without visiting an office. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee (currently $32 for an eight-year license for adults).
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print a temporary license from the website after completing your renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online and must visit a DDS office in person. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license renewal is being processed?
If you renewed online, you can print a temporary license when ready after completing your process. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is in the mail. If you renewed in person at a DDS office, you receive your new license on the spot.
Why does the online system say my license is suspended when I paid my ticket?
The online system updates after the court or ticket processor reports the payment to DDS, which can take several business days. If you paid recently, check again in a few days. If it still shows suspended after a week, call 678-413-8400 with your payment confirmation number so DDS can investigate.
What if I lost my license number and need to check my status?
You can call DDS at 678-413-8400 with your name and date of birth, and they will look up your status. You can also visit a local DDS office with a photo ID and they will pull your record for you.
Does checking my status online affect my license in any way?
No. Looking up your status is a read-only action and does not change anything about your license or driving record. You can check as many times as you want without any consequence.