Check your Georgia driver's license status online or by phone
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you look up your license status without visiting an office. You can check whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked using the DDS website or by calling their automated phone line. The online method is faster and shows your status when ready.
To check online, go to dds.georgia.gov and select "License Status Check" from the main menu. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is suspended or revoked, the result will usually explain why — for example, unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical suspension.
If you prefer to call, dial the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. An automated system will ask for your license number and date of birth, then read your status aloud. This method works during business hours and takes about two minutes.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov has a free License Status Check tool that shows your license status in seconds.
- You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to check your status online or by phone.
- A suspended license usually means you owe fines, failed to appear in court, or have a medical issue; a revoked license is more serious and typically requires DDS action to restore.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the status result will usually state the reason and direct you to the next step.
- Visiting a DDS office in person is necessary only if you need to resolve the suspension or revocation, not just to check the status.
What each license status means
Active means your license is valid and you can drive legally. The status will also show your expiration date.
Expired means your license is no longer valid and you cannot drive. You will need to renew it at a DDS office or online if you are renewing a standard license (not a commercial license). Georgia allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses expired within the past five years.
Suspended means your driving privileges are temporarily taken away, usually because of unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical condition. A suspension can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue — for example, by paying the fine or appearing in court. The status check will often tell you what caused the suspension.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled by DDS. This is more serious than a suspension and usually results from serious violations like multiple DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status. You cannot drive until DDS restores your license, which requires meeting specific conditions set by the state.
Why your license might be suspended
Georgia suspends licenses for several reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear at a court hearing, or failure to pay child support. Medical suspensions happen when DDS receives a report that you have a condition affecting your ability to drive safely.
Other reasons include accumulating too many points on your driving record within a set time period, being convicted of certain drug offenses, or failing to maintain car insurance after an accident. If you are under 18, your license can be suspended for school truancy or certain violations.
The status check result should tell you the reason for the suspension. If it does not, call DDS at 678-413-8400 and ask for details. Knowing the reason is the first step toward fixing it.
How to fix a suspended license
The steps to restore your license depend on why it was suspended. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay what you owe to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court directly — DDS cannot collect the payment.
If you failed to appear in court, you must appear or have your attorney appear on your behalf. Once the court resolves the case, it will notify DDS, and your suspension will be lifted within a few business days.
For child support suspensions, you must contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or the court handling your case to arrange payment or a payment plan. Medical suspensions require you to visit a DDS office with documentation from a doctor stating you are fit to drive.
After you resolve the underlying issue, check your status again online or by phone to confirm the suspension has been lifted. DDS usually processes the removal within three to five business days after the court or agency notifies them.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revoked license is harder to restore than a suspended one. You cannot straightforward pay a fine or appear in court — you must follow DDS's specific reinstatement process. The steps vary depending on why your license was revoked.
For DUI-related revocations, you typically must wait a set period (often one to five years depending on the number of convictions), complete a DUI education program, pay a reinstatement fee, and provide proof of insurance. For habitual traffic offender status, you must wait at least five years and meet other conditions.
Visit a DDS office in person to begin the reinstatement process. Bring your ID, proof of insurance, and any completion certificates for required programs. DDS staff can tell you exactly what you need to do and what documents to bring.
Checking your driving record for points
Your license status and your driving record are different things. The status check tells you whether you can legally drive. Your driving record shows the violations and points on your license, which affect your insurance rates and can eventually lead to suspension.
To see your full driving record, you can order it from DDS for a fee (usually around $7 to $10). Visit dds.georgia.gov and select "Driving Record" to order online, or visit a DDS office in person. You can also request your record by mail.
Georgia uses a point system: minor violations like speeding add 2 to 3 points, while serious violations like reckless driving add 4 to 6 points. If you accumulate 15 points within 24 months, your license will be suspended. Checking your record helps you understand how close you are to suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see my status change after I pay a fine?
Once the court receives your payment, it usually notifies DDS within one to three business days. Your status should update online within three to five business days after that. If more than a week has passed, call DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm the court sent the notification.
Can I drive if my license is suspended but I have not received a notice?
No. Your license status is what matters legally, not whether you received a notice. If the status check shows your license is suspended, you cannot drive. Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Georgia and can result in arrest, fines, and jail time.
What if the status check says my license is suspended but I do not know why?
Call DDS at 678-413-8400 and provide your license number. They can tell you the reason and direct you to the right agency or court to resolve it. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, the court that issued the ticket will have details about the amount owed.
Can I renew my license online if it is suspended?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license online. You must visit a DDS office in person after the suspension is lifted. Once your status returns to active, you can renew online if your license expired within the last five years.
Is there a fee to check my license status?
No. Checking your status online at dds.georgia.gov or by phone is free. You only pay a fee if you order an official copy of your driving record or if you need to pay a reinstatement fee to restore a revoked license.