What happens when your Georgia license is suspended

A suspended Georgia driver's license means you cannot legally drive in Georgia or most other states. The suspension stays in effect until you complete whatever requirement caused it — paying a fine, completing a course, serving a waiting period, or resolving a court case. Once you finish that requirement, you then take a separate step to reinstate the license itself.

The reinstatement process is not automatic. Even after you have done everything the court or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) asked, your license remains suspended until you formally request reinstatement and pay a reinstatement fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must first resolve whatever caused the suspension — paying fines, completing a DUI course, serving a waiting period — before you can reinstate.
  • Georgia DDS charges a reinstatement fee that varies by reason for suspension, typically between $210 and $500.
  • You can request reinstatement online through the Georgia DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office.
  • After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, DDS will mail you a new license within two to three weeks if everything is in order.
  • If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you must show proof of payment before DDS will process your request.

Find out why your license was suspended

Before you can reinstate, you need to know the exact reason for the suspension. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, driving with a suspended license, accumulating too many points, or failure to pay child support or court-ordered fines.

Call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 or visit the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. DDS can tell you the suspension reason, what you must do to clear it, and the reinstatement fee amount for your specific case.

Complete the requirement that caused the suspension

The steps you must take depend on why your license was suspended. If you were suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay the court or the collection agency handling the debt. If you were suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program (DRRP) or a substance abuse treatment program, depending on your conviction. If you accumulated too many points, you may need to wait out a suspension period or take a defensive driving course.

Keep all receipts and completion certificates. DDS will ask for proof that you have finished whatever was required. If you are unsure what you need to do, DDS can walk you through it when you call.

Pay the reinstatement fee and submit your request

Georgia DDS charges a reinstatement fee that depends on the reason for suspension. The fee is typically between $210 and $500. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. You have three ways to request reinstatement:

  • Online: Visit dds.georgia.gov, log into your account, and follow the reinstatement steps. You can pay the fee with a card when ready.
  • By mail: Send a check or money order for the reinstatement fee, along with a letter stating your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason for suspension, to Georgia DDS, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013.
  • In person: Visit a DDS office with your payment and proof that you have completed the suspension requirement. Find your nearest office at dds.georgia.gov.

If your suspension was for unpaid fines or child support, include proof of payment with your request. DDS will not process reinstatement without it.

What to expect after you submit your request

After DDS receives your reinstatement request and fee, they will review your file to confirm you have met all requirements. This review usually takes five to ten business days. If everything is in order, DDS will mail you a new license within two to three weeks.

If DDS finds a problem — for example, you did not provide proof of payment or you did not complete a required course — they will mail you a notice explaining what is missing. You will then need to fix the problem and resubmit your request.

What to do if your reinstatement is denied

DDS may deny your reinstatement request if you have not actually completed the requirement for suspension, if you owe additional fines or court costs, or if there is an active warrant or court order against you. The denial notice will explain the reason.

If you believe the denial is wrong, you can request a hearing with DDS. The notice will include instructions for how to request a hearing. You will have a chance to present your case and provide documents showing that you have met all requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until DDS officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Georgia and can result in additional fines and jail time. Wait until you receive your new license in the mail before you drive.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?

DDS does not waive reinstatement fees. However, if you are facing financial hardship, you can contact DDS to discuss a payment plan. Some courts also offer payment plans for unpaid fines. Call 678-413-8400 to ask about your options.

Do I need to take a new written or driving test to reinstate?

No. Reinstatement does not require a new test. You only need to pay the fee and show proof that you have completed whatever requirement caused the suspension. Your original license will be reissued.

How long does reinstatement take from start to finish?

The timeline depends on how quickly you complete the suspension requirement and submit your request. Once DDS receives your reinstatement request and fee, processing takes five to ten business days, and mailing takes another two to three weeks. If you are missing documents, the process will take longer.

What if I moved out of Georgia after my license was suspended?

You can still request reinstatement by mail or online. However, if you now live in another state and want to drive there, you will need to follow that state's rules for recognizing a reinstated Georgia license. Some states require you to get a new license from them. Contact the driver's license office in your new state to ask.