What you need to do to get your Georgia license back
To reinstate a suspended Georgia driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you do next. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) suspends licenses for different reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or accumulating too many points. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back. You have to address the underlying reason, then submit a reinstatement request to DDS.
The fastest way to find out why your license is suspended is to check your DDS record online through the Georgia DDS website, or call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. Once you know the reason, you will know what steps to take — and whether you need to contact a court, a child support office, or a medical examiner before DDS will reinstate you.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension reason determines what you must do before reinstatement — unpaid fines, court failures, child support arrears, and medical issues each require different actions.
- Check your suspension reason through the Georgia DDS website or by calling 678-413-8400 before taking any other step.
- You must resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, appear in court, arrange child support payments, or get medical clearance) before DDS will process your reinstatement.
- After resolving the issue, you submit a reinstatement request to DDS, either online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office, along with the reinstatement fee.
Suspension for unpaid traffic fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before DDS will reinstate you. Contact the court that issued the ticket — the ticket itself lists the court name and location. Call the court's traffic division and ask for the exact amount due, including any late fees or collection costs that have been added.
Once you pay, ask the court for written confirmation that the debt is satisfied. Keep this confirmation. Then contact DDS and request reinstatement. You can do this online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at any DDS office. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension but typically ranges from $210 to $250. DDS will process your request within a few business days if you submit it in person or online.
Suspension for failure to appear in court
If you missed a court date, your license was suspended and a warrant may have been issued for your arrest. You must resolve this before reinstatement is possible. Contact the court that issued the ticket or citation and explain that you missed your appearance. Ask what you need to do — usually you will need to appear in person, by phone, or through a video hearing to address the missed appearance and resolve the underlying charge.
Once the court resolves the case (whether you plead guilty, not guilty, or reach a settlement), ask for written confirmation. Then follow the same reinstatement process: contact DDS, pay the reinstatement fee, and submit your request. If a warrant is still active, DDS cannot reinstate your license until the warrant is recalled or the court case is closed.
Suspension for unpaid child support
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you must contact the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family Support Services. You can reach them at 1-800-849-9346 or through their website. They will tell you the exact amount owed and your options for payment or a payment plan.
Once you have arranged payment or a payment plan with the child support office, they will notify DDS that the suspension can be lifted. This can take a few days to process. You do not need to submit a separate reinstatement request to DDS in this case — the child support office handles the notification. However, you may still owe a reinstatement fee to DDS. Contact DDS to confirm whether a fee applies and to verify that your license has been reinstated.
Suspension for medical reasons
If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder, vision problems, or other conditions that affect driving safety — you must obtain medical clearance before reinstatement. DDS will have sent you a letter explaining what medical documentation is required. This usually means a report from your doctor or a specialist stating that your condition is now controlled or that you are safe to drive.
Submit the medical documentation to DDS along with your reinstatement request. You can mail it, submit it online, or bring it in person to a DDS office. DDS will review the documentation and may request additional information from your doctor. Once DDS approves the medical clearance, you will pay the reinstatement fee and your license will be restored.
Suspension for accumulating too many points
Georgia suspends licenses when a driver accumulates too many points on their driving record within a certain time period. If this is your reason for suspension, you must wait out a mandatory suspension period — you cannot shorten it by paying a fee or taking a course. The length of the suspension depends on how many points you had and your driving history.
Once the suspension period ends, you can request reinstatement from DDS. You will need to pay the reinstatement fee. Some drivers are required to complete a defensive driving course before reinstatement is allowed — DDS will tell you if this applies to you. Submit your reinstatement request online, by mail, or in person once you have completed any required course.
How to submit your reinstatement request
After you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you submit a reinstatement request to DDS. You have three options: online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and receive confirmation when ready. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a payment method for the reinstatement fee.
If you mail your request, send it to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee, made payable to the State of Georgia. Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days. If you go in person to a DDS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card, and your reinstatement is processed on the spot. Find your nearest DDS office location on the Georgia DDS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
If you submit your request in person at a DDS office, reinstatement is processed the same day. Online requests are processed within one to two business days. Requests by mail take seven to ten business days. The timeline depends on whether DDS needs to verify that you have resolved the underlying reason for suspension.
Do I have to take a test to get my license back?
No, reinstatement does not require you to retake the written or driving test. However, if your suspension was for medical reasons, you may need to pass a vision screening or provide updated medical documentation. Some suspensions for point accumulation require completion of a defensive driving course, but not a road test.
What if I was suspended for multiple reasons?
You must resolve all reasons for suspension before DDS will reinstate your license. For example, if you have unpaid fines and unpaid child support, you must address both. Contact DDS to get a complete list of all reasons, then work through each one before submitting your reinstatement request.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and further suspension. Wait until DDS confirms that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if I lost my physical license card?
You can request a replacement card when you submit your reinstatement request, or you can order one separately through the DDS website. There is a small fee for a replacement card, usually around $20. You do not need the physical card to drive legally once your license is reinstated — DDS records show your status.