Georgia reinstates suspended or revoked licenses through the Department of Driver Services, but the process and cost depend on why your license was taken away
A suspended Georgia license is temporary — you can get it back once you meet the conditions that caused the suspension. A revoked license is permanent until you go through reinstatement, which is more involved. The Department of Driver Services (DDS) handles both, and you cannot drive legally until your status changes back to valid. The first step is always to find out which one applies to you and what triggered it, because the path forward is different for each reason.
You can check your license status and suspension reason on the DDS website or by calling 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The DDS will tell you whether you are suspended or revoked, how long the suspension lasts, and what you must do to clear it — whether that is paying a fine, completing a course, or waiting out a time period.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia distinguishes between suspension (temporary, reversible) and revocation (permanent until you complete reinstatement steps), and the DDS website or phone line will tell you which one applies to you.
- Most suspensions end automatically once the cause is resolved — paying child support arrears, completing a DUI course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period — but you may need to request reinstatement in writing.
- Revocations require you to file a formal reinstatement petition with DDS, pay a reinstatement fee (currently $210 for most revocations), and sometimes pass a written or driving test.
- If your suspension or revocation was for a traffic safety reason like a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you will likely need proof of completion from a state-approved course before DDS will restore your license.
- You cannot legally drive until DDS confirms your license is reinstated; driving on a suspended or revoked license carries criminal penalties in Georgia.
Suspension versus revocation: what the difference means for you
A suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privilege. It has a set end date or a clear condition that, once met, ends it automatically. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, accumulating too many points on your driving record, or a mandatory suspension period after a DUI conviction. Once the reason is cleared — the fine is paid, the child support is current, the suspension period expires — your license becomes valid again.
A revocation is permanent removal. It does not end on its own. You must file a formal petition with DDS, meet specific requirements (which vary by reason), and receive written approval before you can drive again. Revocations typically result from serious violations: multiple DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status (three major violations in five years), or driving with a suspended license multiple times. The reinstatement process can take weeks or months.
The DDS website shows your current status. If you see "suspended," note the suspension reason and end date. If you see "revoked," you will need to file a reinstatement petition. Calling 678-413-8400 is faster if you need when ready clarity.
Steps to reinstate a suspended license
If your license is suspended, your first task is to resolve the underlying cause. The DDS notice or website will specify what that is. Common examples: pay the outstanding traffic fine to the court that issued the ticket; contact the Georgia Division of Child Support Services to bring your account current; complete a defensive driving course or DUI education program through a state-approved provider; or straightforward wait until the suspension period ends.
Once the cause is resolved, you have two options. Many suspensions lift automatically — you can check your status on the DDS website a few days after the cause is cleared. If it does not, or if you want to confirm, send a written request to DDS at P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013, or submit a reinstatement request through the DDS website. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a brief statement of what you have done to clear the suspension (for example, "I have paid the fine issued by Fulton County Superior Court on [date]"). DDS will respond within 5 to 10 business days.
Do not attempt to renew your license or take a test until DDS confirms the suspension is lifted. Doing so will be rejected and may delay the process further.
Steps to reinstate a revoked license
Revocation requires a formal petition. You cannot straightforward wait or pay a fine. Start by obtaining a Petition for Reinstatement of Driver's License form from the DDS website (form #R-4) or by calling 678-413-8400 to request one by mail. The form asks for your personal information, the reason your license was revoked, and what steps you have taken since the revocation to show you are a safe driver.
Before you file, gather the documents DDS will require. These almost always include proof of completion of a state-approved defensive driving course or DUI education program (if the revocation was traffic-safety related), proof of insurance, and a reinstatement fee of $210 (as of 2024; confirm the current amount when you call). Some revocations also require a written knowledge test or a road test; DDS will specify this in the petition instructions or when you call.
Mail the completed petition, supporting documents, and the reinstatement fee to DDS at P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. DDS will review your petition and notify you by mail of approval or denial, typically within 4 to 8 weeks. If approved, your license will be reinstated and you will receive written confirmation. If denied, the letter will explain why and whether you can reapply.
Courses and tests required for traffic safety revocations
If your suspension or revocation involved a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or accumulation of too many points, Georgia requires completion of a state-approved course before reinstatement. The most common is the DUI Risk Reduction Program (also called a DUI school), which is a classroom course lasting 8 to 12 hours. You must attend in person; online completion is not accepted for this requirement.
Find an approved provider through the DDS website under "Approved Schools and Instructors." Providers are located across Georgia; you can attend in any county. The course costs between $150 and $300 depending on the provider. Upon completion, the provider will issue you a certificate; keep this for your reinstatement petition.
Some revocations also require a written knowledge test or a behind-the-wheel driving test administered by DDS. The DDS will tell you if this applies when you call or when you receive the petition form. If a test is required, you must pass it before submitting your reinstatement petition, or DDS will reject the petition. Schedule the test through a DDS office; there is a test fee (currently $20 for the written test, $25 for the road test).
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
DDS processes reinstatement requests in the order received. For suspensions, the timeline is usually 5 to 10 business days if you submit a written request after the cause is cleared. For revocations, expect 4 to 8 weeks from the date DDS receives your petition. During this time, your license remains invalid and you cannot legally drive.
You will receive a written response by mail. If approved, the letter will confirm your reinstatement and your license status will change to valid in the DDS system. You do not need to do anything else; you can drive when ready. If denied, the letter will explain the reason and whether you can reapply, and if so, when.
If you do not receive a response within the expected timeframe, call DDS at 678-413-8400 to check the status. Have your driver's license number and the date you submitted your request ready.
Fees and what they cover
Reinstatement fees vary by the reason for revocation. The standard reinstatement fee is $210 for most revocations. Some reasons — such as habitual traffic offender status — may have a higher fee; DDS will specify this when you call or on the petition form. Suspension reinstatement does not always carry a fee, but some suspensions (such as those for unpaid fines) require you to pay the underlying fine to the court, not to DDS.
Additional costs may include the DUI course ($150–$300), the written or road test ($20–$25), and proof of insurance. These are separate from the reinstatement fee and are not refundable if your petition is denied. Budget for the full amount before you begin the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement petition is being reviewed?
No. Your license remains suspended or revoked until DDS sends written approval. Driving during this time is a criminal offense in Georgia and can result in additional charges, fines, and jail time. Wait for the written confirmation before you drive.
What if I lost the paperwork showing I completed the required course?
Contact the course provider directly and request a duplicate certificate of completion. Provide your name and the date you attended. Most providers can issue a replacement within a few days. If the provider is no longer in business, call DDS at 678-413-8400 to ask what documentation they will accept as proof.
Do I have to take the written test again if I am reinstated?
Only if DDS requires it as part of your reinstatement petition. Most suspensions do not require a test. Revocations for traffic safety reasons often do. DDS will tell you in the petition instructions or when you call whether a test is mandatory for your situation.
How long does reinstatement take if I am reinstating after a suspension ends on its own?
If the suspension ends automatically (for example, the suspension period expires), your license status may update in the DDS system within a few days. Check the DDS website to confirm. If it does not update, send a written reinstatement request and expect a response within 5 to 10 business days.
What if my reinstatement petition is denied?
The denial letter will explain the reason and whether you can reapply. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, failure to pass a required test, or not meeting the waiting period. If you can reapply, the letter will specify when. If you disagree with the denial, you can request a hearing; the letter will include instructions for doing so.