What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate your driver's license in Snellville, you will work with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), not a local Snellville office. Your license was suspended or revoked for a specific reason — unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or failure to pay child support are the most common — and DDS will not reinstate it until you have resolved that reason. The first step is finding out exactly why your license was suspended by checking your DDS record online or calling the DDS Customer Service Center.
Once you know the reason, you will need to satisfy the requirement tied to it. This might mean paying outstanding fines to the court that issued them, completing a DUI education program, waiting out a suspension period, or providing proof that child support is current. Only after you have done this can you request reinstatement from DDS. The process takes different amounts of time depending on your situation, but you should expect at least one to two weeks from the time you submit your reinstatement request.
Key Takeaways
- You must find out why your license was suspended by contacting the Georgia Department of Driver Services before you can move forward with reinstatement.
- The reason for suspension determines what you must do first — paying fines, completing a program, or providing proof of compliance — before DDS will reinstate your license.
- You can check your DDS record and request reinstatement online through the Georgia DDS website, by phone at 678-413-8400, or in person at a DDS office.
- Reinstatement fees vary by reason for suspension and typically range from $210 to $250, paid directly to DDS when you submit your reinstatement request.
Finding out why your license was suspended
The Georgia Department of Driver Services will not tell you over the phone why your license is suspended without verifying your identity first. The fastest way to find out is to check your record online through the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. Once you log in, your record will show the suspension reason and the date it took effect.
If you cannot access the online system or prefer to speak with someone, call the DDS Customer Service Center at 678-413-8400. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your driver's license number and Social Security number ready. You can also visit a DDS office in person, though the Snellville area is served by the Gwinnett County DDS office. Bring your driver's license or state ID.
Common suspension reasons and what to do about each
Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: You owe money to a specific court. Contact that court directly to find out the exact amount owed and whether you can pay in full, set up a payment plan, or request a hearing to contest the fine. Once you have paid in full or made arrangements, ask the court to notify DDS that the debt is satisfied. Some courts do this automatically; others require you to request it. Keep proof of payment.
DUI or drug-related conviction: You must complete an approved DUI education program before reinstatement. Georgia recognizes programs offered through various providers across the state. The court that convicted you can tell you which programs are approved in your area. You will pay the program directly (costs vary) and receive a certificate of completion. Submit this certificate to DDS as part of your reinstatement request.
Accumulation of points: Your license was suspended because you received too many traffic violations in a short time. Georgia suspends licenses when a driver accumulates 15 points in 24 months, 20 points in 36 months, or 24 points in 60 months. You must wait out a mandatory suspension period — typically 30 days for a first suspension — before you can request reinstatement. After the waiting period, you can submit your reinstatement request to DDS.
Failure to pay child support: You must provide DDS with proof that your child support is current or that you have a court order modifying your payment obligation. Contact the Georgia Division of Child Support Services or the court that issued the child support order to get this documentation. Once you have proof, submit it with your reinstatement request.
Failure to maintain insurance: You must provide proof of current Georgia auto insurance. Contact your insurance company and ask them to send proof of coverage directly to DDS, or obtain a printed proof of insurance card and submit it yourself with your reinstatement request.
How to request reinstatement from DDS
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you can request reinstatement through three methods: online, by mail, or in person. The online method is fastest. Go to dds.georgia.gov, log into your account, and follow the prompts to request reinstatement. You will need to pay the reinstatement fee using a credit or debit card. The fee is $210 for most suspensions, though some reasons carry a $250 fee. DDS will process your request and mail you a new license or a temporary driving permit within one to two weeks.
To request reinstatement by mail, read the DDS reinstatement form from the website or pick one up at a DDS office. Fill it out completely, include proof that you have resolved the suspension reason (court payment receipt, program certificate, insurance proof, or child support documentation), and mail it along with a check or money order for the reinstatement fee to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks by mail.
You can also request reinstatement in person at the Gwinnett County DDS office, which serves the Snellville area. Bring your driver's license or state ID, proof that you have resolved the suspension reason, and payment for the reinstatement fee (cash, check, or card accepted). A DDS employee will process your request on the spot and issue you a temporary driving permit valid for 45 days while your new license is mailed to you.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
DDS will review your request and the documentation you provided. If everything is in order, they will approve your reinstatement and mail your new license to the address on file. If you submitted your request online or in person, you may receive a temporary driving permit when ready or by mail that allows you to drive while your permanent license is being printed. This permit is valid for 45 days.
If DDS denies your request, they will mail you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, proof that the suspension reason has not actually been resolved, or a clerical error in your submission. You can contact DDS to ask what is missing and resubmit. If you disagree with the denial, you have the right to request a hearing before a DDS hearing officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
If you received a temporary driving permit when you submitted your request in person, yes — the permit is valid for 45 days. If you submitted your request online or by mail, you cannot drive until your new license arrives. Some people choose to request reinstatement in person at a DDS office specifically to get the temporary permit right away.
What if I cannot pay the full reinstatement fee right now?
DDS does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension was due to unpaid court fines, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court itself. Once the court debt is resolved, you can then pay the DDS reinstatement fee. Contact the court that issued the fine to discuss your options.
How long does reinstatement take if I do everything correctly?
If you submit your request in person at a DDS office, you will receive a temporary permit the same day and your permanent license within one to two weeks. If you submit online, processing takes one to two weeks. If you submit by mail, allow two to three weeks. The timeline assumes your documentation is complete and correct.
Do I need to take a driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written test or road test. You only need to resolve the reason your license was suspended and pay the reinstatement fee. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to pass a vision test and written knowledge test before reinstatement.
What if the court or agency that caused my suspension will not respond to my requests?
Contact DDS directly at 678-413-8400 and explain the situation. DDS can sometimes contact the court or agency on your behalf to verify that the suspension reason has been resolved. If you have documentation showing you made a good-faith effort to resolve the issue, DDS may reinstate your license conditionally while the matter is being clarified.