Georgia requires you to clear the reason for suspension, pay reinstatement fees, and submit proof to the Department of Driver Services

A suspended or revoked Georgia driver's license does not disappear on its own. You must take specific steps with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) to get it back. The exact process depends on why your license was suspended or revoked — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or failure to pay child support or court fines.

The core requirement is always the same: resolve the underlying issue, pay the reinstatement fee (currently $210 for most suspensions), and provide proof to DDS that the problem is resolved. Until you do, you cannot legally drive in Georgia, and driving with a suspended license carries criminal penalties.

Key Takeaways

  • You must first identify why your license was suspended by checking your DDS record online or calling the DDS Customer Service Center at 678-413-8400.
  • The reinstatement fee is $210 for most suspensions, but you must resolve the underlying cause before paying — unpaid tickets, court fines, child support arrears, or DUI requirements.
  • Proof of resolution varies by reason: a court receipt for tickets, a child support payment confirmation, or a DUI program completion certificate.
  • You can reinstate online through the DDS website if your suspension was for a minor traffic violation, but most suspensions require you to visit a DDS office in person or mail documents.
  • Reinstatement does not restore your driving privileges when ready; processing takes several business days after DDS receives your fee and proof.

Finding out why your license was suspended

Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. Georgia DDS suspends licenses for many reasons, and each has a different solution. The fastest way to find out is to check your driving record online through the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov, or call the DDS Customer Service Center at 678-413-8400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time).

When you call or check online, you will see a code or description of the suspension reason. Common reasons include: failure to pay a traffic ticket or court fine, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, a DUI or reckless driving conviction, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, or failure to appear in court. Write down the exact reason and any case or ticket numbers listed.

Resolving the underlying cause before reinstatement

You cannot straightforward pay the reinstatement fee and get your license back. DDS will not process your reinstatement until the reason for suspension is resolved. The steps depend on what caused the suspension.

For unpaid traffic tickets or court fines: Contact the court listed on your suspension notice or call the courthouse in the county where the ticket was issued. Pay the full amount owed, including any late fees or court costs. Ask for a receipt or written confirmation that the debt is paid. Some courts allow payment by phone or online; others require you to appear in person or mail a check.

For a DUI suspension: You must complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program (also called a DUI school) approved by Georgia. The program typically costs between $300 and $500 and takes one day. After completion, the program provider will send a certificate to DDS automatically. You will also need to show proof of auto insurance before reinstatement.

For points accumulation: If your license was suspended because you accumulated too many points (15 points in 24 months, 20 points in 36 months, or 24 points in 60 months), you cannot straightforward pay a fee to remove the points. You must wait out a suspension period, which is typically 30 days for a first suspension. After the suspension period ends, you can request reinstatement by paying the fee and providing proof of insurance.

For child support arrears: Contact the Georgia Division of Child Support Services or the court that ordered support. Bring your account current or arrange a payment plan. Once the arrears are resolved, request a letter from the child support agency confirming the debt is paid or in compliance with a plan.

For failure to maintain insurance: Obtain a new auto insurance policy and request an SR-26 form (proof of financial responsibility) from your insurance company. This form is filed directly with DDS by the insurer.

Paying the reinstatement fee and submitting proof

Once the underlying cause is resolved, you can pay the reinstatement fee and submit your proof to DDS. The fee is $210 for most suspensions. Some suspensions carry additional fees — for example, a DUI suspension may include a $200 additional fee on top of the base reinstatement fee.

You have three options for submitting your reinstatement request: online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Online reinstatement is available only for certain suspension types (mainly minor traffic violations and insurance-related suspensions). Visit dds.georgia.gov and follow the reinstatement portal. You will need to pay by credit or debit card.

If your suspension cannot be handled online, you can mail your documents to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, Reinstatement Unit, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee, a copy of your proof of resolution (court receipt, program certificate, insurance confirmation), and a copy of your driver's license or ID. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive, plus processing time.

You can also visit a DDS Customer Service Center in person. Bring your proof of resolution, your driver's license or ID, and payment (cash, check, or card). Find the nearest office at dds.georgia.gov or call 678-413-8400 for locations and hours. Processing in person is usually faster than by mail.

What happens after you submit your reinstatement request

After DDS receives your fee and proof, processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. You will not receive a new physical license when ready. Instead, DDS will update your record in their system, and your driving privileges will be restored. You can check the status of your reinstatement online at dds.georgia.gov or by calling 678-413-8400.

Your current driver's license remains valid once reinstatement is complete, even if it shows an old expiration date. You do not need to wait for a new card to arrive. However, if your license has expired, you will need to renew it separately. If your license was suspended for a DUI, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can legally drive; DDS will notify you if this applies.

Driving with a suspended license in Georgia

Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Georgia. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $1,000. A second offense within five years is a felony. Even a short drive to work or the store can result in arrest, impound of your vehicle, and additional fines.

If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, you have limited options. Some courts will issue a limited driving permit that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments during a suspension period, but you must request this from the court that issued the suspension. This is not automatic and is not available for all suspension types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Georgia with a license suspended in another state?

No. Georgia recognizes suspensions from other states through the Interstate Compact on Driver's License Compact. If your license is suspended in another state, it is also suspended in Georgia. You must resolve the suspension in the original state first, then request reinstatement in Georgia.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?

DDS does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid court fines or child support, the court or child support agency may offer a payment plan. Resolve that first, then you can pay the reinstatement fee. Some community legal aid organizations may help you navigate fee waivers if you are in financial hardship.

How long does a suspension stay on my record?

Once your license is reinstated, the suspension is removed from your active record. However, it remains part of your driving history. Points that caused the suspension fall off your record after the time period specified by Georgia law (24, 36, or 60 months depending on the violation). A DUI conviction stays on your record for 10 years.

Do I need a new physical license card after reinstatement?

No. Your existing license is valid once reinstatement is complete. You only need a new card if your current license has expired or been damaged. If you want a replacement card, you can request one at a DDS office for a $32 fee, but it is not required for driving.

What if DDS denies my reinstatement request?

DDS will deny reinstatement if you have not fully resolved the underlying cause or if you have not paid the reinstatement fee. If you believe your denial is an error, call 678-413-8400 to speak with a DDS representative. You can also request a hearing before the Georgia Office of State Administrative Hearings if you disagree with the denial.