What happens when your Georgia license is suspended or revoked
A suspended Georgia driver's license means you cannot legally drive, and the state has a specific process to restore it. The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or failure to pay child support. Each reason has different requirements, different fees, and different waiting periods before you can even begin.
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) maintains your driving record and handles reinstatement. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and drive again; you must complete the specific steps tied to your suspension reason, which may include paying outstanding fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period.
Key Takeaways
- Your reinstatement requirements depend on the reason for suspension — traffic violations, DUI, points, or child support — and each has different fees and waiting periods.
- You can check your suspension reason and status through the Georgia DDS website or by calling their customer service line before taking any steps.
- Most reinstatements require paying a reinstatement fee to DDS, plus any outstanding fines or court costs related to your suspension.
- Some suspensions have mandatory waiting periods you cannot shorten, while others allow when ready reinstatement once requirements are met.
- You will need to visit a DDS office in person to complete the final reinstatement and obtain a new license.
Check your suspension reason and current status
Before you do anything else, find out exactly why your license was suspended and what the state currently shows on your record. Go to the Georgia DDS website (dds.georgia.gov) and use the "Check Your Driving Record" tool. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This report costs a few dollars and shows every suspension, the reason, and the date it took effect.
If you prefer not to order online, you can call the DDS Customer Service Center at 678-413-8400 during business hours. Have your license number and Social Security number ready. The representative can tell you the suspension reason, any fees owed, and whether you are may be able to access for reinstatement right now or if you must wait.
Pay all outstanding fines, court costs, and reinstatement fees
Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee directly to Georgia DDS. This fee is separate from any traffic fines or court costs you may owe. The reinstatement fee itself is typically $210, though this can vary depending on the suspension type. You also owe any unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or restitution tied to the violation that caused your suspension.
You can pay online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. If you owe fines to a court rather than to DDS, you must pay the court directly — the court will then notify DDS that the debt is cleared. Do not assume paying DDS covers court fines; contact the court that issued the ticket to confirm what you owe and where to send payment.
Keep receipts or confirmation numbers for all payments. You will need proof that you paid when you go to the DDS office for reinstatement.
Complete any required courses or waiting periods
Depending on your suspension reason, you may need to complete additional requirements before reinstatement is possible. DUI suspensions often require a substance abuse evaluation and completion of a DUI Risk Reduction Program (also called a "DUI school"). These courses are offered by approved providers throughout Georgia and typically cost $300 to $500. You must complete the course before DDS will reinstate your license.
Some suspensions have mandatory waiting periods you cannot shorten. For example, a first DUI suspension in Georgia has a minimum 120-day hard suspension period during which you cannot drive at all, even with a restricted license. You cannot reinstate until this period ends. Check with DDS about your specific waiting period — if one applies, you cannot move forward until the calendar date has passed.
If your suspension was for accumulating too many points, you may not need a course, but you do need to wait out the suspension period. If it was for failure to pay child support, you must show proof that the arrearage has been paid or a payment plan is in place.
Gather required documents and visit a DDS office
Once all requirements are met — fees paid, courses completed, waiting periods finished — you must go to a Georgia DDS office in person to complete reinstatement. Bring your current ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of residence (utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and proof of payment for all fines and the reinstatement fee. If you completed a required course, bring the completion certificate.
At the office, a DDS representative will verify that your requirements are satisfied, process your reinstatement, and issue a new driver's license on the spot. The new license is valid when ready. Find your nearest DDS office and check their hours on the Georgia DDS website — some offices have longer wait times than others, so arriving early or scheduling an appointment online can save time.
Understand restricted licenses and hardship exceptions
In some cases, Georgia allows a restricted license during a suspension period, which lets you drive to work, school, or medical appointments even though your full license is suspended. Restricted licenses are not automatic — you must request one from DDS and show that you have a genuine hardship. The request process varies by suspension reason, so ask DDS whether a restricted license is available for your situation.
A hardship exception is different from a restricted license and is granted only in rare circumstances where you can prove that suspension causes severe economic or medical hardship. These are difficult to obtain and require documentation and a hearing. Most people do not may have access to, but if your situation is extreme, ask DDS about the process.
What to do if you cannot pay all fees at once
If you owe fines or fees but cannot pay the full amount when ready, contact the court or DDS to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay traffic fines in installments, and DDS may allow the same for reinstatement fees. You must request this in writing or by phone — straightforward not paying will not stop the suspension from continuing.
If child support arrears caused your suspension, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services to discuss a payment arrangement. Once you have a signed agreement in place, DDS can reinstate your license even if you have not paid the full amount, as long as you are making regular payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take once I have met all requirements?
If you have paid all fees, completed required courses, and waited out any mandatory suspension period, reinstatement happens the same day you visit a DDS office. You will receive your new license before you leave. Processing time is when ready once DDS confirms your requirements are satisfied.
Can I drive with an out-of-state license while my Georgia license is suspended?
No. A Georgia suspension applies to you as a driver in Georgia, regardless of what license you hold. Driving with an out-of-state license while your Georgia license is suspended is illegal and can result in additional charges.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call the DDS Customer Service Center at 678-413-8400 or check your driving record online through the DDS website. You can also visit a DDS office in person and ask a representative to look up your record. The suspension reason will be listed, along with the date it took effect and what you owe.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any test. You only need to meet the specific requirements tied to your suspension reason — pay fees, complete courses, or wait out a period. Your license is restored once those steps are done.
What if I moved out of Georgia after my suspension?
You can still reinstate your Georgia license even if you no longer live in the state. You can pay fees and complete requirements by mail or online, but you must visit a Georgia DDS office in person to receive your new license. If that is not practical, you may want to get a license from your new state instead, though the Georgia suspension will remain on your record.