What to do if your Georgia driver license is lost
If your Georgia driver license is lost, you will need to request a replacement from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You cannot straightforward report it missing and keep the old number — Georgia issues you a new license with a new number. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or you can get a temporary paper license the same day you explore in person at a DDS office.
You do not need a police report to replace a lost license in Georgia, though you may want one for your records if the license was stolen rather than straightforward misplaced. The replacement itself costs money, and the amount depends on how long your current license is valid.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore for a replacement license in person at any Georgia DDS office and receive a temporary paper license on the same day.
- By mail, the replacement takes about two weeks and requires you to send in a completed form, proof of identity, and the replacement fee.
- The replacement fee is $32 if your license expires within five years, or $20 if it expires within two years.
- A replacement license gets a new number; your old license number is no longer valid once you report it lost.
explore in person at a DDS office
The fastest way to replace your lost Georgia driver license is to visit a DDS office in person. You will fill out form DL 44 (process for Driving Privilege) on site, show proof of your identity, and pay the replacement fee. You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you.
Bring one document that proves who you are — a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID all work. You will also need to know your Social Security number. DDS offices are located in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city.
Wait times at DDS offices vary by location and time of day. Early morning and weekday visits tend to be shorter. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time.
explore by mail
If you cannot visit an office, you can mail in your replacement request. read or request form DL 44 from the Georgia DDS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with proof of identity and the replacement fee to the address listed on the form.
Include a photocopy of your identity document — do not send the original. The DDS will not return documents sent by mail. Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive your envelope. During that time, you will not have a valid driver license, so plan accordingly if you need to drive.
Mail your request to the address on form DL 44, not to a local office. Using certified mail with return receipt is optional but gives you proof that the DDS received your package.
The replacement fee and what it covers
Georgia charges $32 to replace a driver license if your current license expires more than two years from now. If your license expires within two years, the fee is $20. These fees cover the new card and the processing. You pay once, and you receive one replacement license.
You can pay by cash, check, or money order if you explore in person. By mail, send a check or money order only — the DDS does not accept cash through the mail. Make the check payable to "Georgia DDS."
Getting a temporary paper license
When you explore in person, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This document is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent card is being made. The paper license has your new license number printed on it.
Keep the paper license with you whenever you drive. It is not as durable as a plastic card, so store it in a safe place in your wallet or bag. Once your permanent license arrives in the mail, the paper license is no longer needed.
What happens to your old license number
When you report your license lost and receive a replacement, Georgia assigns you a completely new license number. Your old number is deactivated and cannot be used. This is different from some states, which reissue the same number on a replacement card.
Update your new number with your employer, insurance company, and any other organization that has your driver license information on file. Your insurance company in particular needs the new number to keep your policy active without interruption.
If your license was stolen instead of lost
A lost license and a stolen license follow the same replacement process with the Georgia DDS. However, if you believe your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report for your own records. This creates a documented timeline in case someone tries to use your old license number fraudulently.
You do not need the police report to get your replacement license from DDS, but having one can help if you later discover unauthorized activity. Keep a copy of the report with your important documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license if I applied by mail?
No. If you explore by mail, you will not have a valid license during the two-week processing period. You cannot legally drive. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must explore in person at a DDS office to get the temporary paper license on the same day.
What if I move before my replacement license arrives?
Contact the Georgia DDS with your new address before your license is mailed. You can call the DDS customer service line or visit an office in person. Provide your old license number and your new address so the license is sent to the right place.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
No. The DDS uses your photo from your current license file. You will not sit for a new photo unless your current license photo is more than eight years old, in which case DDS may request a new one.
How long is a replacement license valid?
Your replacement license is valid for the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license expired or is about to expire, you may want to renew it at the same time you replace it, though this requires a separate process and fee.
What if I find my original license after I get the replacement?
Destroy the original license or return it to a DDS office. Do not use it — it is no longer valid. Only your new replacement license with the new number is active.