How to reinstate your Georgia driver's license
To reinstate a suspended Georgia driver's license, you must contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), pay any required reinstatement fees, and resolve the reason your license was suspended in the first place. The process differs depending on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another violation. Most people can begin the reinstatement process online or by phone, but some suspensions require you to visit a DDS office in person.
The first step is always to find out why your license was suspended. You can check your suspension status through the Georgia DDS website or by calling their customer service line. Once you know the reason, you'll know what steps come next and what fees you'll owe.
Key Takeaways
- Check your suspension reason through the Georgia DDS website or by phone before taking any action, because different reasons require different steps.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to DDS, which ranges from $210 to $250 depending on the suspension type.
- If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you must resolve that debt first — paying DDS alone will not reinstate your license.
- Some suspensions require you to visit a DDS office in person with documents; others can be handled entirely by mail or online.
- After reinstatement is approved, you may need to obtain a new physical license card, which takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
Find out why your license was suspended
You cannot move forward without knowing the specific reason for your suspension. Georgia suspends licenses for many different violations, and each one has its own reinstatement path. Common reasons include unpaid traffic citations, DUI or reckless driving convictions, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, or accumulating too many points on your driving record.
Visit the Georgia DDS website and use their license status check tool, or call the DDS Customer Service Center at 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The representative or online system will tell you the exact reason for the suspension and what you need to do to clear it.
Resolve the underlying reason for suspension
straightforward paying the reinstatement fee to DDS will not restore your license if the underlying problem remains unresolved. If your suspension is tied to unpaid fines, you must pay those fines to the court that issued the citation. If it is tied to child support arrears, you must contact the Georgia Division of Child Support Services or the court handling your case. If it is tied to an insurance lapse, you must obtain proof of current coverage from your insurance company.
Once you have resolved the underlying issue — paid the fine, arranged child support payments, or obtained insurance — you will receive documentation from that agency or court. Keep this documentation, because you will need to show it when you request reinstatement. Some courts and agencies will notify DDS directly that the issue is resolved, but you should not assume this has happened. Contact DDS to confirm the suspension reason has been cleared before paying reinstatement fees.
Pay the Georgia DDS reinstatement fee
Georgia charges a reinstatement fee that varies by suspension type. Most reinstatement fees range from $210 to $250. You can pay this fee online through the Georgia DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. If you pay online, you will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
When you pay the fee, DDS will process your reinstatement request. If all underlying issues have been resolved and your paperwork is in order, your license status will change from suspended to valid. You do not need to take a new written or driving test unless your suspension was specifically for a DUI conviction, in which case you may be required to complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program before reinstatement is approved.
Obtain a new physical license card if needed
Once your license status is reinstated in the DDS system, you may still need to obtain a new physical license card. If your original card was suspended but not revoked, you may be able to use it when ready once the suspension is lifted. However, if your card was revoked or if you want a replacement, you will need to request a new card from DDS.
You can order a replacement card online through the Georgia DDS website or request one in person at any DDS office. The card will be mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within one to two weeks. Until the new card arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DDS website if you need proof of reinstatement for employment or other purposes.
Special requirements for DUI-related suspensions
If your license was suspended because of a DUI conviction, the reinstatement process includes additional steps. You must complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program (also called a DUI school) approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services. This is a classroom course that covers the dangers of impaired driving and typically takes four to eight hours to complete.
You must enroll in and finish the program before DDS will reinstate your license, even if you have paid all fines and fees. Once you complete the program, the provider will send proof of completion to DDS. After DDS receives this documentation, you can pay the reinstatement fee and your license will be restored. Some DUI suspensions also require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for a set period, which is a separate requirement from license reinstatement.
What to do if you cannot pay the reinstatement fee
If you cannot afford the full reinstatement fee at once, contact the Georgia DDS office to ask about payment plan options. Not all DDS offices offer payment plans, and availability varies by location. Some offices may allow you to pay the fee in installments, while others require full payment upfront.
If a payment plan is not available, you may be able to request a fee waiver or reduction if you can demonstrate financial hardship. Contact your local DDS office directly to discuss your situation. In the meantime, you cannot legally drive, so arrange alternative transportation if possible. Once you are able to pay the fee and resolve any underlying issues, you can proceed with reinstatement when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Georgia?
If all underlying issues are resolved and you pay the reinstatement fee online, your license status can change to valid within one business day. However, if you are mailing payment or need to visit an office in person, processing may take three to five business days. A new physical card takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive while your license is suspended, even if you have paid the reinstatement fee and are waiting for approval. Wait until DDS confirms your license status has changed to valid before driving. You can check your status online or by phone.
What if I lost the documentation proving I resolved the underlying issue?
Contact the agency or court that handled the original issue and request a copy of the proof. For unpaid fines, contact the court; for child support, contact the Division of Child Support Services; for insurance, contact your insurance company. These agencies can usually provide documentation quickly by email or mail.
Do I have to visit a DDS office in person to reinstate my license?
Not always. Many reinstatements can be completed online or by mail. However, if your suspension involved a DUI or if DDS requests additional documentation, you may need to visit an office. Call DDS or check the status of your specific suspension to find out whether an in-person visit is required.
What happens if I drive with a suspended license?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Georgia. You can face additional fines, jail time, and an extension of your suspension. If you are caught, your case will go to court and a judge will decide the penalty. It is better to arrange alternative transportation until your license is reinstated.