The cost to reinstate a Georgia driver's license after a failure to appear (FTA) depends on what you owe the court, not on a fixed reinstatement fee
When you miss a court date in Georgia, the court suspends your license automatically. To get it back, you do not pay the Georgia Department of Driver Services a reinstatement fee. Instead, you resolve the underlying case — usually by paying fines, court costs, or restitution — and then the court notifies the Department of Driver Services that your suspension is lifted.
The total amount you owe varies widely. It includes the original fine for whatever you were charged with, court costs (which Georgia courts set locally, so they differ by county), and sometimes restitution if the case involved a victim. An FTA itself may carry an additional fine on top of the original charge. You may also owe a failure to appear bond or warrant fee, depending on how the court handled your case.
The fastest way to find out exactly what you owe is to contact the court that issued the warrant. You can also call the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 470-378-7000 to confirm your license is suspended and get the case number, then call that specific court's clerk's office with the case number in hand.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia does not charge a separate reinstatement fee for an FTA suspension; you pay what the court says you owe on the underlying case.
- The amount owed includes the original fine, court costs set by your county, and sometimes an additional FTA fine or warrant fee.
- You must resolve the case with the court before the Department of Driver Services will lift the suspension.
- Contact the court clerk's office with your case number to learn the exact amount owed and your payment options.
- Some courts allow payment plans; others require payment in full before the suspension is cleared.
How the FTA suspension works in Georgia
When you miss a court date, the judge issues a bench warrant for your arrest and the court automatically suspends your driver's license. This suspension stays in place until the court resolves the case — either by you appearing in court, paying what you owe, or the charges being dismissed.
The suspension is not a separate penalty; it is a tool to encourage you to show up or resolve the case. Once you do, the court sends a clearance to the Department of Driver Services, and your license becomes valid again. There is no additional step you take with the Department of Driver Services itself.
What makes up the total amount you owe
The court bill includes several parts. The original fine is set by the judge based on the charge. Court costs are administrative fees that vary by county — they might be $50 to $200 or more, depending on where you were charged. An FTA fine is an additional penalty specifically for missing the court date, and it is separate from the original charge.
If your case involved a victim — for example, a theft or assault charge — you may owe restitution, which is money paid to the victim to cover their losses. Some courts also charge a warrant fee if a bench warrant was issued, though this is less common in Georgia than in other states.
You will not know the exact breakdown until you contact the court. The clerk's office can read you the full amount and explain what each part covers.
How to find out what you owe
Start by calling the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 470-378-7000. Tell them your name and date of birth. They will confirm that your license is suspended for an FTA and give you the case number and the court name.
Then call the court clerk's office for that court. Have your case number ready. The clerk will tell you the exact amount owed, what it covers, and whether the court accepts payment plans or requires payment in full. Some courts allow you to pay over time; others do not.
If you cannot reach the court by phone, you can visit in person during business hours. Bring your ID and case number. Many Georgia courts also allow you to look up your case online through the court's website, though the online system usually shows the case status, not the payment amount.
Payment options and what happens after you pay
Most Georgia courts accept payment by phone, in person, or by mail. Some accept credit or debit cards; others take cash or check only. Ask the clerk what methods the court uses and whether there is a fee for paying by card.
Once you pay the full amount owed, the court will clear the warrant and notify the Department of Driver Services. The Department of Driver Services then removes the suspension from your record. This process usually takes a few business days, but it can take longer if the court is backlogged.
You do not need to do anything else. You do not need to visit the Department of Driver Services office or submit any paperwork. Your license will be valid again once the court's clearance reaches the department's system.
If you cannot pay the full amount right away
If the court will not accept a payment plan, you have a few options. You can ask the judge to reduce the fine or allow you to pay over time — this is called a payment arrangement or installment agreement. You will need to appear in court or call the court to request this.
Some courts will lift the suspension temporarily if you show good faith by making a partial payment and agreeing to a payment plan. Ask the clerk whether this is possible in your case.
If you are facing financial hardship, you can also ask the court about a waiver of court costs or a reduction in fines based on your income. Courts are not required to grant this, but they can consider it if you ask.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving on a suspended license in Georgia is a separate crime. If you are pulled over, you can be arrested, fined up to $1,000, and sentenced to up to 12 months in jail for a first offense. A second offense within five years carries steeper penalties.
It is not worth the risk. Contact the court and work out a payment plan or ask about a temporary lift of the suspension while you resolve the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my license to be reinstated after I pay?
The court usually notifies the Department of Driver Services within one to three business days of receiving your payment. The department then processes the clearance, which typically takes another one to five business days. In total, expect one to two weeks, though it can be faster if the court processes payments quickly.
Can I get a temporary license while my case is pending?
No. Georgia does not issue temporary licenses for FTA suspensions. Your only option is to resolve the case with the court. Some courts may lift the suspension temporarily if you make a partial payment and agree to a plan, but this is at the judge's discretion.
What if I cannot find the court that issued the warrant?
Call the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 470-378-7000 with your name and date of birth. They will tell you which court suspended your license and provide the court's phone number. If you were charged in multiple counties, you may have multiple suspensions.
Do I have to appear in court to resolve an FTA, or can I just pay?
Most courts allow you to resolve an FTA by phone or mail without appearing in person, especially if you are paying the full amount owed. Call the clerk's office and ask. If the court requires an appearance, the clerk will tell you when you can come in.
Will paying the FTA fine remove the charge from my record?
No. Paying the fine resolves the court case and lifts the license suspension, but it does not erase the charge from your criminal record. The conviction or charge will remain on your record unless you later petition the court to have it dismissed or expunged.