Georgia issues a replacement license through the Department of Driver Services, and the process takes about two weeks if you explore in person
When you lose your Georgia driver's license, you do not need to visit a police station or file a report first — the Department of Driver Services (DDS) treats a lost license the same as a damaged one and issues a replacement. You can explore at any DDS office, by mail, or online through the Georgia DDS website. The fastest route is an in-person visit, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $32 for a standard replacement license.
Georgia does not require you to prove the license was lost rather than stolen. The DDS straightforward issues a new one with a new number and photograph. If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can report it to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file — but this is separate from replacing the license itself.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost Georgia driver's license in person at any DDS office, by mail, or online, with in-person being the fastest option at about 15 minutes.
- The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, and you will receive a new license number and photograph.
- You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and proof of Georgia residency (such as a utility bill or lease).
- If you replace your license online or by mail, processing takes about two weeks; in-person replacement is available the same day in most cases.
- A lost license does not automatically cancel your driving privileges — you can legally drive while waiting for the replacement as long as you have not been suspended.
What documents you need to bring
The DDS requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of Georgia residency. For proof of identity, you can bring a valid passport, certified birth certificate, Social Security card, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. You need only one document from this list.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. A piece of mail alone (such as a credit card statement) is not sufficient — it must be an official document that shows your name and address.
If you do not have a Social Security card or birth certificate, you can obtain one before visiting DDS, but this adds time to the process. A birth certificate can be ordered from the Georgia Vital Records office online or by mail; a replacement Social Security card can be ordered through the Social Security Administration website or at a local Social Security office.
Replacing your license in person at a DDS office
Walk into any DDS office with your documents and a completed DL 44 form (the Georgia driver's license process). You can fill out the form online before you go, print it, and bring it with you, or fill it out at the office. Bring your documents, pay the $32 fee, and have your photograph taken. Most offices complete the transaction in 15 to 30 minutes.
DDS offices are located in most Georgia counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Georgia DDS website. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead or checking wait times online can help you choose a less crowded time. Early morning or mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday visits.
When you leave the office, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within about two weeks. The temporary license allows you to drive legally while you wait for the permanent one.
Replacing your license by mail
If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail your documents and process to the DDS. Complete the DL 44 form, include copies (not originals) of your proof of identity and proof of residency, and mail everything along with a check or money order for $32 to the address listed on the DDS website. Do not send cash.
Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks from the time the DDS receives your process. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot legally drive during this period unless you have another valid form of ID (such as a passport). If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, an in-person visit is your only option.
Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your process does not arrive or is lost in the mail, you will have documentation of what you sent. The DDS does not typically send confirmation that your process was received, so mailing by a trackable method (such as certified mail) can give you peace of mind.
Replacing your license online
Georgia allows online replacement only if your current license has not expired and you have not had any suspensions or restrictions. You can start the process on the Georgia DDS website, upload images of your documents, and pay the $32 fee by credit or debit card. The DDS will verify your information and mail your replacement license within about two weeks.
Online replacement is the most convenient option if you meet the requirements, but it does not issue a temporary license. You will not be able to drive legally until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive when ready, you must visit an office in person.
The online system requires clear, legible photographs of both sides of your proof of identity and proof of residency documents. If the images are blurry or cut off, the DDS will reject your process and ask you to resubmit. Taking the photos in good lighting and making sure all text is readable the first time speeds up the process.
What to do if your license was stolen
A lost license and a stolen license are treated the same way by the DDS — you replace it the same way and pay the same fee. However, if you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to take additional steps to protect yourself from identity theft.
Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and place a fraud alert on your credit file. This alerts creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert by calling any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and is free.
You can also request a free credit report from each bureau through annualcreditreport.com and review it for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. If you find fraudulent activity, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and to your bank or credit card company when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license?
Yes, if you received a temporary paper license from an in-person visit. The temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally. If you applied by mail or online, you cannot drive until your replacement arrives, unless you have another valid form of ID such as a passport.
What if I move before my replacement license arrives?
Contact the DDS with your new address before your replacement arrives, and they will mail it to your new address. You can update your address online through the Georgia DDS website or by calling the DDS customer service line. If your replacement is already in the mail and you do not update your address, it may be returned to the DDS as undeliverable.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A standard replacement license costs $32. This fee is the same whether you replace it in person, by mail, or online. You pay by cash or card in person, or by check, money order, or card if you explore by mail or online.
Can I get a temporary license without visiting an office?
No. A temporary paper license is issued only during an in-person visit to a DDS office. If you explore by mail or online, you will not receive a temporary license and must wait for your permanent replacement to arrive before you can drive legally.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with an error?
Contact the DDS when ready with a photo of the damage or error. The DDS will issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge. Bring the damaged license to a DDS office, or mail it with a letter explaining the issue and a request for a replacement.