How to learn about your Georgia license is suspended
You can check your Georgia driver's license status through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website without paying a fee. The fastest method is the online status checker at the DDS homepage, which tells you in seconds whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked. If you prefer to call, the DDS customer service line can also confirm your status, though you will need your driver's license number or date of birth ready.
A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid — you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. Georgia suspends licenses for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, drug convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. The suspension stays in place until you resolve the underlying issue, which varies depending on why it was suspended.
If you discover your license is suspended, you will need to know the reason before you can fix it. The DDS website and phone line both tell you the reason, and that information determines what you do next — whether you need to pay a fine, complete a course, or contact another agency.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS online status checker at dds.georgia.gov is free and shows your license status in real time without logging in.
- You can also call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 to confirm your status by phone during business hours.
- The status checker tells you not just whether your license is suspended, but the specific reason — which determines how to resolve it.
- A suspension is temporary and lifts once you address the underlying issue, such as paying a fine or completing a required course.
Using the Georgia DDS online status checker
Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "Check Your Driver's License Status" link on the homepage. You do not need to create an account or log in. Enter your driver's license number or your date of birth and last name, then click the search button.
The page will display your license status when ready. If your license is active, it will say so. If it is suspended or revoked, the page will show the reason code and a brief description of why. Write down this reason code — you will need it to know what steps to take next.
If the search does not find your information, double-check that you entered your driver's license number or birth date correctly. If you still get no result, call the DDS customer service line to verify your information is in the system.
Calling the Georgia DDS to confirm your status
The Georgia Department of Driver Services customer service line is 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number or date of birth and last name ready before you call. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, and closed on state holidays.
When you reach a representative, tell them you want to check your driver's license status. They will ask for your identifying information and then tell you whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked. If it is suspended, ask them to explain the reason code and what you need to do to lift the suspension.
Keep a record of the date you called and the name of the representative if they provide it. If you need to dispute the suspension later, this documentation helps.
Understanding common suspension reasons
Georgia suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one requires a different action to resolve. Unpaid traffic fines and court costs are the most common reason — you pay the amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Failure to pay child support triggers a suspension through the Georgia Department of Human Services, and you must contact them to arrange payment or a payment plan.
Drug convictions result in a mandatory suspension period set by state law; you cannot lift this suspension early, but it ends automatically after the required time passes. Accumulating 15 or more points from traffic violations within 24 months causes a suspension, and you must complete a defensive driving course and pay a reinstatement fee to restore your license.
Failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket also suspends your license. You must contact the court that issued the ticket, resolve the case (usually by paying the fine or appearing in court), and then request reinstatement from the DDS.
What to do after you find out your license is suspended
Once you know the reason for the suspension, contact the agency responsible for lifting it. If it is an unpaid fine, contact the court listed on your ticket or the DDS notice. If it is child support, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services. If it is a point suspension, you will need to complete a defensive driving course through an approved provider and pay the reinstatement fee to the DDS.
After you resolve the underlying issue, you may need to request reinstatement from the DDS. Some suspensions lift automatically once the issue is resolved, but others require you to submit a formal request. Ask the agency handling your case whether you need to take this step, and get written confirmation that the issue is resolved so you can show it to the DDS if needed.
Reinstatement fees vary depending on the reason for suspension. The DDS website lists current fees, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office.
Reinstating your license after suspension
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you can request reinstatement through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. If your suspension was for unpaid fines or child support, you will need proof that you paid or made arrangements to pay. If it was for a point suspension, you will need proof that you completed a defensive driving course.
The DDS processes reinstatement requests within one to two business days if you submit them online or in person. Mail requests take longer — typically five to seven business days. Once your reinstatement is approved, your license is valid again and you can drive legally.
If you paid a reinstatement fee, keep your receipt. If the DDS denies your reinstatement request, the receipt and your proof of payment help you dispute the denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if 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 will be cited for driving with a suspended license in addition to any other violations.
How long does a suspension last?
The length depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines end once you pay. Point suspensions typically last until you complete a defensive driving course and pay the reinstatement fee. Drug conviction suspensions last for a set period determined by state law. Contact the DDS or the agency handling your case for the specific timeline.
What if I disagree with the suspension?
You have the right to request a hearing with the DDS to dispute the suspension. Contact the DDS customer service line or visit a local DDS office to request a hearing. You will need to provide evidence supporting your case, such as proof that you paid a fine or documentation that the underlying issue was resolved.
Do I have to pay a fee to check my license status?
No. The online status checker and the customer service phone line are both free. You only pay fees if you need to reinstate your license after a suspension is lifted.
What if the DDS website is down or I cannot reach the phone line?
Visit a local DDS office in person. Every county has at least one office, and staff can check your status on the spot. Bring your driver's license or proof of identity. Office hours and locations are listed on the DDS website.