Georgia reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended

The cost to reinstate your Georgia driver's license ranges from $210 to $405, depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines costs $210. A suspension for a DUI conviction costs $405. If your license was suspended for accumulating too many points, the fee is $210. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) collects these fees when you submit your reinstatement request.

You cannot straightforward pay the fee and get your license back. You must first resolve the underlying reason for suspension — paying fines, completing a DUI program, or waiting out a suspension period — before DDS will accept your reinstatement payment. The fee itself does not restore your driving privileges; it is the final step after you have met all other requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Reinstatement fees in Georgia are $210 for most suspensions and $405 for DUI-related suspensions.
  • You must resolve the reason for your suspension before paying the reinstatement fee — paying the fee alone will not restore your license.
  • You can check your suspension status and exact requirements through the Georgia DDS website or by calling their customer service line.
  • Processing your reinstatement request takes five to ten business days after DDS receives your payment and documentation.

Suspension reasons and their reinstatement costs

Georgia suspends licenses for different reasons, and the reinstatement fee varies by category. A suspension for unpaid traffic citations, failure to appear in court, or accumulating 15 points in 24 months costs $210 to reinstate. A suspension related to a DUI or refusal to take a breath test costs $405. A suspension for driving with a suspended license also costs $210.

Some suspensions have additional requirements beyond the fee. For example, if your license was suspended for a DUI, you must complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program before you can reinstate. If it was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines first. The reinstatement fee covers only the administrative cost of processing your request; it does not cover fines, court costs, or program fees.

How to find out your exact suspension reason and requirements

Before you pay anything, you need to know exactly why your license was suspended and what you must do to resolve it. Visit the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov and use their license status check tool. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The system will show your suspension reason and any outstanding requirements.

If you cannot access the online tool or need to speak with someone, call the Georgia DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. They can tell you the suspension reason, what you must complete before reinstatement, and whether any fines or court costs remain unpaid. Write down the specific requirements they give you, because you will need to document that you have met them when you submit your reinstatement request.

Steps to reinstate your license

Once you have resolved the reason for suspension, you can submit your reinstatement request. You have two options: mail your request to Georgia DDS or submit it in person at a DDS office. If you mail it, send a check or money order for the reinstatement fee (made payable to Georgia DDS) along with a completed DL 43 form, which is the reinstatement request form. Include proof that you have met all requirements — for example, a receipt showing fines paid, a certificate of completion from a DUI program, or a letter from the court confirming your case was resolved.

Mail your packet to: Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013. Processing takes five to ten business days after DDS receives your request. If you submit in person at a local DDS office, you can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card. Bring the same documentation you would mail, plus your original driver's license if you have it. In-person processing is usually faster — you may receive confirmation the same day.

Do not send cash through the mail. If you are mailing your request, use a check or money order. If you are concerned about your payment arriving, use certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of delivery.

What happens after you submit your reinstatement request

After DDS receives your request and fee, they will verify that you have met all suspension requirements. If everything is in order, they will process your reinstatement and mail you a new license or a notice that your suspension has been lifted. If you submitted in person, you may receive a temporary driving permit on the spot while your new license is being printed.

If DDS finds that you have not met all requirements — for example, if fines remain unpaid or a required program is incomplete — they will return your request and explain what is still needed. You will not receive a refund of the reinstatement fee in this case. Once you complete the missing requirement, you can resubmit your request, but you will have to pay the reinstatement fee again.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with Georgia DDS. If you have moved since your suspension, update your address through the DDS website or at a local office before you submit your reinstatement request. This prevents your new license from being mailed to an old address.

Finding a Georgia DDS office near you

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. To find the office closest to you, visit dds.georgia.gov and use their office locator tool, or call 678-413-8400. Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have extended hours on certain days. Call ahead to confirm hours and to ask whether you need an appointment, as some offices operate by appointment only.

Bring your original driver's license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof that you have met all suspension requirements. If you are submitting in person, bring the reinstatement fee in the form of cash, check, money order, or debit card. Having all documents ready before you go will speed up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until DDS officially lifts the suspension. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Georgia. If you submitted in person and received a temporary driving permit, that permit allows you to drive during the processing period. If you submitted by mail, you cannot drive until you receive notice that your suspension has been lifted.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?

Georgia DDS does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, the court that issued the fine may offer a payment plan. Contact the court directly to ask about options. Until you resolve the underlying reason for suspension, you cannot reinstate your license regardless of the fee.

Do I need a new written test to reinstate my license?

No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than five years. If your suspension is recent and your license has not expired, you straightforward need to resolve the suspension reason and pay the reinstatement fee.

How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?

After DDS processes your reinstatement, your new license is usually mailed within five to seven business days. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service. If you have not received your license within two weeks, contact DDS to confirm your address is correct and your request was processed.

What if I moved out of Georgia after my suspension?

You can still reinstate your Georgia license by mail or by visiting a Georgia DDS office if you are back in the state. Update your address with DDS before submitting your reinstatement request so your new license is mailed to your current address. If you have moved to another state and do not plan to return to Georgia, you may want to contact that state's DMV about transferring your license instead.