How Georgia reinstates a suspended or revoked license
To reinstate your Georgia driver's license after suspension or revocation, you must first resolve the reason it was suspended — usually unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a lapsed medical certification — then submit a reinstatement request to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). The process involves paying reinstatement fees, providing proof that the underlying issue is resolved, and sometimes passing a written or driving test. Most people complete this through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a local DDS office.
The specific steps and fees depend on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid fines works differently from a suspension for a medical reason or a suspended sentence. Georgia does not automatically reinstate your license once the suspension period ends — you must take action to request it back.
Key Takeaways
- You must resolve the reason for suspension before requesting reinstatement — paying fines, appearing in court, or providing medical documentation.
- Georgia charges a reinstatement fee that varies by suspension type, typically between $210 and $250.
- You can request reinstatement online through the DDS website, by mail with required documents, or in person at a DDS office.
- Some suspensions require you to pass a written or driving test before reinstatement is granted.
- Processing time is usually one to two weeks if you submit by mail or online, or same-day if you go in person with all documents.
Why your Georgia license was suspended
Georgia suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one has its own reinstatement path. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a court date, a suspended sentence (meaning you were convicted but the license suspension was part of your sentence), a medical condition that makes you unsafe to drive, or accumulation of too many points on your driving record.
You can find out exactly why your license was suspended by checking your DDS record online through the Georgia DDS website, calling the DDS at 678-413-8400, or visiting a DDS office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. Knowing the specific reason matters because it determines what documents you need to submit and whether you must pay court fines, obtain a doctor's clearance, or complete other steps before reinstatement.
Resolving the underlying issue before you request reinstatement
You cannot reinstate your license until the reason for suspension is resolved. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay them in full. Contact the court that issued the fine or the traffic violations bureau in the county where the violation occurred. Some courts allow payment by phone or online; others require payment in person or by mail.
If your suspension was due to failure to appear in court, you must appear in court or have an attorney appear on your behalf. Contact the court listed on your citation to reschedule. If your suspension was medical-related, you must obtain a letter from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive and submit it to DDS. If your suspension was part of a sentence, the court must lift the suspension before DDS can reinstate your license — contact the court that sentenced you to request this.
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, keep proof of resolution. This might be a receipt showing payment, a court document showing you appeared, a doctor's letter, or a court order lifting the suspension. You will need to show this proof when you request reinstatement.
Submitting your reinstatement request to Georgia DDS
Georgia offers three ways to request reinstatement: online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. The online method is fastest if your suspension reason allows it — not all do. Visit the Georgia DDS website and look for the reinstatement section. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and proof that the suspension reason has been resolved. You can upload documents directly or mail them afterward.
If you prefer to mail your request, send a letter to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, Georgia 30013. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, and copies of proof that the issue is resolved. Do not send original documents — send copies only. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee payable to "Georgia DDS." Mail typically takes one to two weeks to process.
For in-person reinstatement, visit your nearest DDS office with your driver's license, proof of identity, proof of residence (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof that the suspension reason is resolved. Bring the reinstatement fee in cash, check, or debit card. Many offices can process reinstatement same-day if all documents are in order, though some may require you to return for a test.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Georgia charges a reinstatement fee that depends on the type of suspension. Most reinstatement fees range from $210 to $250. A suspension for unpaid fines typically costs $210 to reinstate. A suspension for a medical reason or a suspended sentence may cost more. Some suspensions have additional fees if you must retake a written or driving test.
The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or other payments you owe related to the original violation. For example, if you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay both the original fine and the reinstatement fee. Ask DDS or the court exactly what you owe before you submit payment, so you do not send too little and have your request delayed.
Tests you may need to pass before reinstatement
Depending on why your license was suspended, you may need to pass a written test, a driving test, or both before DDS will reinstate your license. A written test is usually required if your suspension was due to accumulating too many points on your driving record or if you were convicted of certain traffic violations. A driving test may be required if your suspension was medical-related and you needed a doctor's clearance to return to driving.
If a test is required, DDS will tell you when you submit your reinstatement request. You can study for the written test using the Georgia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DDS website. The driving test is similar to the test you took to get your original license. If you fail either test, you can retake it after a waiting period, usually a few days to a week.
Timeline for reinstatement and what to expect
Processing time depends on how you submit your request. Online requests are usually processed within one to two business days if all documents are complete and correct. Mail requests take one to two weeks from the date DDS receives them — add time for mail delivery both ways. In-person requests at a DDS office are often processed same-day, though if a test is required or documents are incomplete, you may need to return another day.
Once your reinstatement is approved, DDS will mail you a new driver's license or a temporary driving permit that you can use when ready while your new license is in the mail. If you submitted your request in person and all documents were complete, you may receive your new license on the spot. If your request is denied, DDS will send you a letter explaining why and what additional steps you need to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
Not legally. Driving with a suspended license is a crime in Georgia. If you need to drive during the reinstatement process, ask DDS whether you can receive a temporary driving permit. Some suspensions allow a permit; others do not. A permit is usually issued in person at a DDS office and is valid for a limited time.
What if I lost my proof that the suspension reason is resolved?
Contact the source of the proof. If you paid a fine, ask the court or traffic violations bureau for a receipt or payment confirmation. If you had a court appearance, ask the court for a document showing you appeared. If you have a doctor's clearance, ask your doctor's office for another copy. DDS may accept a letter from the court or agency confirming the issue is resolved if you cannot locate the original proof.
How long does a suspension stay on my record after reinstatement?
A suspension itself does not disappear from your record, but once your license is reinstated, you can legally drive again. The suspension history may affect your insurance rates or future license actions, but it does not prevent reinstatement. If you have questions about how a past suspension affects your driving record, contact DDS directly.
What if I moved out of Georgia after my license was suspended?
You can still request reinstatement by mail or online, even if you no longer live in Georgia. You will need to provide a current address and follow the same process. If you want to get a Georgia license again after moving, you may need to take a new written and driving test depending on your new state's requirements.
Can I reinstate my license if I still owe money on the original fine?
No. You must pay the full amount owed before DDS will reinstate your license. If you cannot pay in full, contact the court about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have a payment plan in place and have made the agreed payments, you may be able to request reinstatement — ask the court whether the suspension will be lifted once you begin payments or only after you pay in full.