Georgia reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended

Georgia charges different reinstatement fees based on the reason your license was suspended. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you pay a $210 reinstatement fee to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). If your suspension was for a DUI conviction, the fee is $250. For other suspension reasons — such as medical disqualification, failure to maintain insurance, or accumulating too many points — the fee is also $210.

These fees are separate from any fines, court costs, or back child support you may owe. You cannot reinstate your license until those underlying debts are resolved. The DDS will not process your reinstatement request if your suspension reason has not been cleared by the court, the Georgia Department of Child Support Services, or the relevant agency.

You can check your suspension reason and current status through the DDS website or by calling their Customer Service Center at 678-413-8400. Knowing your specific suspension reason before you attempt reinstatement will save you time and prevent rejected applications.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Georgia license suspensions cost $210 to reinstate; DUI suspensions cost $250.
  • You must resolve the underlying reason for suspension — such as paying fines, child support, or completing a DUI program — before the DDS will process your reinstatement.
  • The reinstatement fee itself does not clear your suspension; it is charged only after the suspension reason is resolved.
  • You can verify your suspension reason and status by visiting the DDS website or calling 678-413-8400.

How to find out what you owe before paying

Before you pay any reinstatement fee, you need to know why your license was suspended and whether that reason has been cleared. The DDS maintains a public lookup tool on its website where you can enter your driver's license number and date of birth to see your current suspension status and the reason for it.

If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, you can contact the court that issued the ticket to confirm the amount owed and whether you have paid it. If it was for child support, the Georgia Department of Child Support Services can tell you the current balance. If it was for a DUI, you may need to show proof that you completed a DUI education program or met other court-ordered requirements.

Once the underlying reason is resolved — the fine is paid, the child support is current, or the program is completed — the suspending agency notifies the DDS. You can then proceed with the reinstatement fee payment.

Where to pay the reinstatement fee

You can pay the reinstatement fee in three ways: online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS Customer Service Center. Online payment is the fastest option and typically processes within one business day. You will need your driver's license number and a credit or debit card.

If you pay by mail, send a check or money order payable to "Georgia DDS" along with a completed reinstatement form (Form T-435) to the address listed on the DDS website. Processing by mail takes longer — usually five to seven business days after the DDS receives your payment.

In-person payment at a DDS office is also available, though wait times vary by location. Bring your driver's license, proof that your suspension reason has been cleared, and payment in cash, check, or card. Your license will not be reinstated on the spot; the DDS will mail it to you after processing.

Timeline from payment to receiving your reinstated license

After you pay the reinstatement fee, the DDS typically mails your reinstated license within 7 to 10 business days. This assumes your suspension reason was already cleared and your payment was processed without error. If you paid online, the processing is usually faster than if you paid by mail or in person.

During this waiting period, you cannot legally drive. If you need to drive before your license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a DDS office, though availability and terms vary. Some suspensions do not allow a temporary permit at all.

If more than two weeks pass and you have not received your license, contact the DDS Customer Service Center to verify that your reinstatement was processed. Delays can occur if your payment was incomplete, your suspension reason was not fully cleared, or if there was an error in your mailing address on file.

Additional costs tied to your suspension reason

The reinstatement fee is only one cost. Depending on why you were suspended, you may owe other money before the DDS will process your reinstatement at all.

If suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay the original fine plus any court costs and late fees. If suspended for unpaid child support, you must bring your account current or enter a payment plan with the Georgia Department of Child Support Services. If suspended for a DUI, you may need to pay for a DUI education program, an alcohol assessment, or a substance abuse treatment program, depending on your conviction and the court's order.

If suspended for failure to maintain auto insurance, you must provide proof of current insurance to the DDS before reinstatement. If suspended for accumulating too many points, you may need to complete a defensive driving course, which also has a fee.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Georgia is a misdemeanor offense. A first offense carries a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail. A third or subsequent offense within five years is a felony.

Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license can result in additional suspension time, higher reinstatement fees, and a mark on your driving record that affects insurance rates for years. If you are involved in an accident while driving suspended, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for damages.

If you cannot afford the reinstatement fee when ready, contact the DDS to ask about payment plans. Some courts also offer payment plans for underlying fines. These options are far less costly than the consequences of driving suspended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?

Georgia offers a limited driving permit for certain suspension reasons, such as suspensions for unpaid fines or child support. The permit allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. You must request it at a DDS office and may need to pay a separate fee. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a hardship permit.

What if I cannot pay the full reinstatement fee right now?

Contact the DDS Customer Service Center to ask about payment plan options. Some suspensions allow you to pay the reinstatement fee in installments. You can also ask the court or child support agency that caused your suspension whether they offer payment plans for the underlying debt.

Do I have to reinstate my license in Georgia if I moved to another state?

If you move out of state, you do not have to reinstate your Georgia license. However, if you plan to return to Georgia or need to drive in Georgia, your license will remain suspended until you pay the reinstatement fee and clear the suspension reason. Some states also share suspension information, so your new state's license may be affected.

How long does a suspension stay on my driving record?

Suspension records remain on your driving record indefinitely, even after reinstatement. However, the suspension itself ends once you pay the reinstatement fee and clear the underlying reason. Future employers or insurance companies may see the suspension history when they review your record.