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 reinstatement fees, and resolve whatever caused the suspension in the first place. The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another reason. Most suspensions require you to visit a DDS office in person or submit documents by mail, and you cannot legally drive until the reinstatement is complete.

The reinstatement process typically takes one to three weeks if you handle it by mail, or the same day if you go to a DDS office. You will need to bring or send proof that you have resolved the underlying issue, along with payment for the reinstatement fee. Georgia does not reinstate licenses automatically — you must take action yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services to find out the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to resolve it.
  • You must pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension but typically ranges from $210 to $250.
  • You need to provide proof that you have resolved the underlying issue — such as paying traffic fines, completing a DUI program, or paying back child support.
  • You can reinstate your license by visiting a DDS office in person or by submitting documents and payment by mail.
  • You cannot legally drive until your reinstatement is complete, even if you have paid all fees.

Find out why your license was suspended

Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know exactly why it was suspended. Call the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 or visit the DDS website and use the license status check tool. You can also visit any DDS office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.

Common reasons for suspension in Georgia include unpaid traffic tickets or fines, failure to pay child support, a DUI or reckless driving conviction, failure to maintain car insurance, or failure to appear in court for a traffic violation. Each reason has different requirements for reinstatement. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid tickets, you must pay those tickets. If it was suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a DUI education program and install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.

Resolve the underlying issue

Once you know why your license was suspended, you must take steps to fix the problem before DDS will reinstate it. If you owe traffic fines, you can pay them online through the Georgia court system, by phone, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. If your suspension is related to child support, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or the court that issued the order.

For DUI-related suspensions, you will need to complete a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (also called a DUI school) through an approved provider. Georgia DDS maintains a list of approved programs on its website. You must also show proof of insurance and may need to install an ignition interlock device, depending on your conviction. Keep all receipts and completion certificates — you will need to show them to DDS.

If your suspension is related to a failure to appear in court or a failure to maintain insurance, contact the court or your insurance company to resolve the issue. Once resolved, ask for written confirmation that the problem has been fixed.

Pay the reinstatement fee

Georgia charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. The fee is typically $210 to $250, depending on the reason for suspension. Some suspensions carry higher fees. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at a DDS office, or by check or money order if you are mailing your reinstatement request.

Do not send cash by mail. If you are paying by mail, make your check or money order payable to "Georgia Department of Driver Services" and include it with your reinstatement request and supporting documents.

Reinstate in person at a DDS office

The fastest way to reinstate your license is to visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services office in person. Bring your current driver's license (if you have it), proof that you have resolved the underlying issue, and payment for the reinstatement fee. DDS offices are located throughout Georgia — you can find the one nearest you on the DDS website.

When you arrive, tell the staff member that you need to reinstate your license. They will verify that the suspension has been resolved, process your payment, and issue you a new license on the spot. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. You will be able to drive legally as soon as you leave the office.

Reinstate by mail

If you cannot visit a DDS office, you can reinstate your license by mail. Gather the following documents: a completed DDS reinstatement form (available on the DDS website), proof that you have resolved the underlying issue, and your reinstatement fee payment. Write a brief letter explaining why your license was suspended and what you have done to fix it.

Mail everything to the Georgia Department of Driver Services at the address listed on the DDS website. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want DDS to mail your new license to you. Processing by mail typically takes one to three weeks. You cannot legally drive until you receive your new license in the mail.

What to do if you cannot resolve the underlying issue

If you cannot pay outstanding fines or complete a required program right away, contact the court or the agency involved to ask about payment plans or extensions. Many courts will work with you on a payment schedule. Some DUI programs offer payment plans as well. Explain your situation honestly — courts and agencies are often willing to negotiate if you show you are making a good-faith effort to resolve the problem.

Do not ignore a suspension. The longer you wait, the more complicated it becomes. If you have a warrant for failure to appear in court, you could face arrest. If your suspension is related to child support, additional penalties may accumulate. Contact the relevant agency as soon as possible to find out what options are available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a suspended license if I have already paid the reinstatement fee?

No. You cannot legally drive until your reinstatement is complete and you have received your new license. Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Georgia and can result in arrest, additional fines, and jail time. Wait until you have your new license in hand.

How long does reinstatement take?

If you go to a DDS office in person, reinstatement is usually complete the same day. If you mail your request, it typically takes one to three weeks for DDS to process it and mail your new license to you. Call DDS at 678-413-8400 to check the status of a mailed request.

What if I move out of state after my license is suspended?

You must still reinstate your Georgia license if you want to drive in Georgia. If you have moved to another state, you can reinstate by mail. However, if you want to get a license in your new state, you will need to resolve the Georgia suspension first — most states will not issue a license to someone with an active suspension in another state.

Do I have to take a new written or driving test to reinstate my license?

No. Reinstatement does not require a new test. You only need to resolve the underlying issue, pay the fee, and submit your request to DDS. However, if your license has expired while it was suspended, you may need to renew it at the same time.

What if I lost my driver's license and it was also suspended?

Contact DDS to report the lost license and ask about reinstatement at the same time. You will need to pay both a replacement fee for the lost license and a reinstatement fee. Bring or send proof of the underlying issue resolution and payment for both fees.