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, then complete the specific steps that reason requires. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) suspends licenses for different reasons — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or child support issues — and each has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back; you have to resolve the underlying issue first.
The fastest way to learn what caused your suspension is to check your DDS record online through the Georgia DDS website, call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400, or visit a DDS office in person. Once you know the reason, you can take the exact steps needed to clear it.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension reason determines what you must do — unpaid tickets, court failures, DUI convictions, and point accumulation each require different steps.
- You can check your suspension reason online at the Georgia DDS website, by phone at 678-413-8400, or in person at any DDS office.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $210 for most suspensions) after you have resolved the underlying issue.
- After you pay the reinstatement fee and any other required payments, your license is usually restored within one business day.
- If your suspension was for a DUI conviction, you may need to install an ignition interlock device and carry an SR-22 insurance certificate.
Suspension reasons and what each one requires
A suspension for unpaid traffic fines or court costs means you owe money to the court or the state. You must pay the full amount owed, then pay the $210 reinstatement fee to DDS. You can pay fines through the court that issued the ticket, through the Georgia DDS website, or by mail to the address on your citation. Once payment clears, contact DDS to confirm the suspension has been lifted.
A suspension for failure to appear in court (called an FTA) requires you to resolve the original case first. You must go to the court listed on your suspension notice, resolve the case (which might mean paying the fine, pleading guilty, or working out a payment plan), and get the court to notify DDS that the case is closed. Only then can you pay the reinstatement fee.
A suspension for a DUI conviction is more involved. You must complete a DUI education program (usually a one-day course), pay the reinstatement fee, and obtain an SR-22 insurance certificate from your insurance company — this is proof that you carry the minimum required liability coverage. Some DUI suspensions also require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for a set period (typically six months to three years, depending on the conviction). You cannot drive until the device is installed and DDS has been notified.
A suspension for accumulating too many points (usually 15 points in 24 months for drivers under 21, or 20 points in 24 months for drivers 21 and older) requires you to wait out a mandatory suspension period — typically 30 days for a first suspension — then pay the reinstatement fee. Some point suspensions also require you to take a defensive driving course before reinstatement is allowed.
A suspension for child support issues means you are behind on court-ordered child support payments. You must contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or the court handling your case, make a payment or arrange a payment plan, and get written confirmation that you are in compliance. Then you can pay the reinstatement fee.
How to check your suspension status online
The Georgia DDS website has a tool where you can look up your driving record and see the reason for your suspension. Go to the DDS homepage, select "Check Your Driving Record," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will show your current status and any suspensions.
If you prefer not to use the online tool, call DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). Have your license number and date of birth ready. You can also visit any DDS office in person; staff there can print your record and explain exactly what you need to do.
Steps to complete reinstatement
Once you have resolved the issue that caused your suspension, follow these steps:
- Pay any outstanding fines, court costs, or other amounts owed related to the suspension reason.
- If required by your suspension type (DUI, points, or court failure), complete any mandatory courses or programs.
- Obtain any required documents, such as an SR-22 certificate or proof of course completion.
- Pay the $210 reinstatement fee to the Georgia DDS. You can pay online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office.
- Wait for DDS to process your reinstatement. This usually takes one business day if you pay online or in person, or up to five business days if you pay by mail.
- Check your status online or call DDS to confirm your license has been reinstated before you drive.
If your suspension was for a DUI and you need an ignition interlock device, you must have it installed before your license is fully reinstated. Contact a certified installer in Georgia (DDS maintains a list on its website), have the device installed, and provide DDS with proof of installation.
Where to pay the reinstatement fee
The $210 reinstatement fee can be paid in three ways. Online: Visit the Georgia DDS website, select "Pay a Fee," and follow the prompts. Payment is processed when ready, and your reinstatement usually takes effect the same day. By mail: Send a check or money order payable to "Georgia DDS" along with a copy of your suspension notice to the address listed on the DDS website. Processing takes up to five business days. In person: Visit any DDS office with cash, check, or debit/credit card. Your reinstatement is processed the same day.
Do not send cash by mail. If you are paying by check or money order, include a note with your name, driver's license number, and date of birth so DDS can match the payment to your record.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving on a suspended license in Georgia is a misdemeanor offense. You can be arrested, fined up to $1,000, and sentenced to up to 12 months in jail. A second offense within five years carries steeper penalties. Even if you have completed the steps to reinstate your license, you are not legally allowed to drive until DDS confirms your reinstatement is complete — so check your status before getting behind the wheel.
If you are stopped by police and your license is still suspended, be honest about it. Explain that you have resolved the issue and are in the process of reinstatement. Bring any documentation you have (proof of payment, course completion, etc.) to show you are working toward reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
If you pay the reinstatement fee online or in person at a DDS office, your license is usually reinstated the same business day. If you pay by mail, allow up to five business days for processing. The time to resolve the underlying issue (paying fines, completing a course, etc.) varies and may take weeks.
Can I drive before my license is officially reinstated?
No. You cannot legally drive until DDS confirms your reinstatement is complete. Check your status online or call DDS before you drive to make sure your suspension has been lifted.
What if I cannot afford to pay the reinstatement fee all at once?
Contact the court or agency that issued your suspension to ask about payment plans. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you still must pay the full $210 reinstatement fee to DDS, but DDS does not offer payment plans for this fee.
Do I need a new license photo after reinstatement?
No. Reinstatement restores your existing license; you do not need to renew it or get a new photo. Your current license becomes valid again once reinstatement is complete.
What if I was suspended for multiple reasons?
You must resolve all suspension reasons before your license can be reinstated. Check your DDS record to see every reason listed, resolve each one, and then pay a single $210 reinstatement fee. DDS will not reinstate your license until all issues are cleared.