Georgia requires you to clear the reason for suspension before you can drive legally again
A suspended license in Georgia means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The state suspends licenses for specific reasons — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or accumulating too many points. Before the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will reinstate your license, you must resolve whatever caused the suspension in the first place.
The reinstatement process depends entirely on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for unpaid fines, you pay them. If it was suspended because you failed to appear in court, you resolve that court case. Once the underlying issue is resolved, you then request reinstatement from DDS. This is not automatic — you must take the step to ask for it.
Key Takeaways
- You must first find out the exact reason your license was suspended by contacting DDS or checking your online account through the Georgia DDS website.
- The reinstatement fee in Georgia is $210, which you pay after you have resolved the reason for suspension.
- You can request reinstatement online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office, but you cannot drive legally until DDS confirms the suspension is lifted.
- If your suspension was for unpaid child support or a criminal court case, you will need documentation from the court or child support agency proving the issue is resolved.
- Some suspensions lift automatically once the underlying issue is resolved; others require you to actively request reinstatement.
Find out why your license was suspended
You cannot reinstate your license without knowing the reason it was suspended. Georgia DDS does not always send a notice in the mail, especially if your address on file is outdated. The fastest way to find out is to check online or call DDS directly.
Go to the Georgia DDS website and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. Your account will show the suspension reason and the date it took effect. If you do not have online access or prefer to call, contact the DDS Customer Service Center at 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the reason and what you need to do to resolve it.
Write down the exact reason and any case or ticket numbers they give you. You will need this information for the next step.
Resolve the underlying reason for suspension
Once you know why your license was suspended, you must address that specific issue. The steps differ depending on the reason.
For unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine. You can find the court's phone number on your ticket or by calling the county clerk's office. Pay the full amount owed, including any late fees or court costs. Ask for written confirmation that the debt is paid in full — you may need this for DDS.
For failure to appear in court: Contact the court listed on your ticket or notice. You will likely need to appear before a judge to explain your absence. The judge may impose additional fines or require you to complete the original court case. Once the judge resolves the matter, ask the court clerk for written documentation.
For unpaid child support: Contact the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family Support Services, or the child support enforcement office in your county. You will need to either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan. Once an agreement is in place or the debt is paid, request written proof from the child support agency.
For a medical suspension: Contact your doctor or the medical professional who reported the condition. Once you have been cleared to drive, have your doctor submit a medical clearance form to DDS. The form is available on the DDS website under "Medical Evaluation".
For accumulating too many points: Some point-based suspensions lift automatically after a waiting period (usually 12 months). Check with DDS to confirm whether your suspension is automatic or requires action on your part.
Submit your reinstatement request to DDS
After you have resolved the reason for suspension, you can request reinstatement. You have three options: online, by mail, or in person.
Online: Log into your DDS account on the Georgia DDS website. If reinstatement is available, you will see an option to request it. You will need to pay the $210 reinstatement fee by credit or debit card. DDS will process your request and notify you by email or mail when your license is reinstated.
By mail: read the "process for License Reinstatement" form from the DDS website, or call 678-413-8400 to request it. Fill out the form completely and include proof that you have resolved the suspension reason (court receipt, child support payment confirmation, medical clearance, etc.). Mail the form and proof to the address listed on the form, along with a check or money order for $210 payable to "Georgia DDS".
In person: Visit your local DDS office with your driver's license, proof of resolution, and payment of $210 (cash, check, or card). DDS will process your reinstatement on the spot in most cases. Find your nearest office on the DDS website.
What happens after you request reinstatement
Processing time varies. If you request reinstatement online or in person, DDS typically processes it within one to three business days. If you mail your request, allow 7 to 10 business days for DDS to receive and process it, plus mail delivery time for your new license.
You will receive notification by email (if you provided an email address) or by mail confirming that your suspension has been lifted. Do not drive until you receive this confirmation. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in arrest, additional fines, and further suspension.
Your new physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after reinstatement is approved. Until it arrives, you can print your online driving record from your DDS account to show proof of reinstatement if stopped by law enforcement, though this is not a substitute for your physical license.
If your reinstatement request is denied
DDS may deny your reinstatement request if the underlying issue is not fully resolved. For example, if you set up a payment plan for unpaid fines but have not made the first payment, or if the court case is still pending, DDS will not lift the suspension.
If your request is denied, DDS will send you a letter explaining why. Follow the instructions in that letter. Usually, you need to complete whatever step was missed — make the payment, appear in court, or obtain additional documentation — and then resubmit your reinstatement request.
If you believe DDS made an error, you can request a hearing. Contact DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400 to ask about the hearing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I have a hardship?
No. Georgia does not issue hardship or work-restricted licenses for most suspensions. You cannot legally drive for any reason while your license is suspended, even if you have a job that requires it. Your only option is to resolve the suspension reason and request reinstatement.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The reinstatement fee is $210. This is separate from any fines, court costs, or child support payments you owe. You must pay the reinstatement fee to DDS in addition to resolving the original reason for suspension.
What if I do not know which court issued my ticket?
Call the county clerk's office in the county where you received the ticket. They can look up the ticket by your name and driver's license number and tell you which court has the case. If you do not remember the county, call DDS at 678-413-8400 — they can tell you which court suspended your license.
Do I have to appear in person at a DDS office to get my license reinstated?
No. You can request reinstatement online or by mail without visiting an office. In-person reinstatement is faster if you want your status confirmed when ready, but it is not required.
What if my suspension was for unpaid child support and I cannot afford to pay the full amount?
Contact your county's child support enforcement office and ask about payment plan options. Most offices will work with you to set up a plan. Once you have an agreement in place, you can request reinstatement from DDS. You do not have to pay the entire debt at once.