Georgia's replacement process starts at your local DDS office or online
To replace a lost Georgia driver's license, you have two routes: visit a Department of Driver Services office in person, or request a replacement online through the Georgia DDS website if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name or address since it was issued. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and costs $32. The online route is faster — you can order a replacement in under five minutes — but it ships to your current address on file, so it only works if that address is correct.
If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you've had a name change, address change, or medical condition update since your last license, you cannot use the online replacement option. You must visit a DDS office and bring the documents listed below.
Georgia does not mail temporary licenses. Your replacement will arrive by standard mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a paper temporary license at the DDS office when you explore in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online replacement through the Georgia DDS website costs $32 and takes five minutes, but only works if your license is still valid and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person replacement at a DDS office also costs $32, takes about 30 minutes, and is required if your license expired, you changed your name or address, or you have a medical condition to report.
- You can request a paper temporary license at the DDS office to drive while you wait for your replacement to arrive by mail.
- Your replacement license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days; Georgia does not issue temporary licenses by mail.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity to any DDS office; exact documents depend on your citizenship status.
What documents you need for in-person replacement
If you go to a DDS office, bring your Social Security number (memorized or written down — you don't need a card), one form of proof of identity, and one form of proof of residency. Proof of identity can be a passport, military ID, or state ID from another state. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, or a government document with your current address.
If you are a U.S. citizen, those three items are enough. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you also need to bring your visa, work permit, or other immigration document showing your legal status in the United States. Bring originals, not copies — DDS staff will not accept photocopies of identity or residency documents.
You do not need to bring your old license. If you have it, bring it anyway; DDS will destroy it for you. If you don't have it, that's fine — the office can look up your record by your name and date of birth.
How to replace online through the Georgia DDS website
Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select "Order a Replacement License" under the "Licenses" menu. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your current address. If the address is correct, you can pay the $32 fee by debit card or credit card and submit your order.
The system will show you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your replacement will ship to the address on file within one business day and arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive an email or text notification when it ships or arrives — you only have the confirmation number to track it.
If the address shown on the system is wrong, do not complete the online order. Stop and visit a DDS office instead, because a replacement mailed to an old address will not reach you.
Finding a DDS office and what to expect when you arrive
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. Use the office locator on the Georgia DDS website to find the one nearest you, along with its hours and phone number. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have reduced hours or are closed on certain days. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because hours vary by location.
You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check the office's page on the DDS website to see if reservations are required or recommended. If you show up without a reservation at an office that uses them, you may have a long wait or be turned away.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope. The line moves faster if you have everything ready. Processing usually takes 20 to 30 minutes from the time you reach the counter.
Getting a temporary license to drive while you wait
When you explore for a replacement at a DDS office, you can ask for a paper temporary license. The staff will print it on the spot at no extra cost. It is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your replacement license is in the mail. The temporary license has your photo from your old license record, your name, date of birth, and license number.
You cannot get a temporary license if you replace your license online. If you ordered online and need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will have to visit a DDS office and request one in person.
The temporary license is a single sheet of paper. Carry it with you when you drive. It is not waterproof and will wear quickly, so keep it in a plastic sleeve or wallet if you can.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. DDS will tell you this when you try to order online or when you arrive at an office. You will need to resolve the underlying issue — usually unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a medical condition — before you can get a new license.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 before you go to an office or try to order online. They can tell you the status and what you need to do to clear it. Wait times are usually 15 to 30 minutes during business hours.
Cost and payment methods
A replacement license costs $32, whether you replace it online or in person. You can pay by debit card or credit card online. At a DDS office, you can pay by debit card, credit card, or cash. There are no additional fees for a temporary license.
If you are replacing your license because it was lost or stolen, there is no extra charge. The $32 fee is the same as if you were renewing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Georgia requires a Social Security number to issue or replace a driver's license. If you do not have one and are a U.S. citizen, you can obtain one from the Social Security Administration. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to work with DDS to see if an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can be used instead; call 678-413-8400 to ask.
What if I lost my license and my address has changed since it was issued?
You must go to a DDS office in person. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You cannot use the online replacement option because it only works if your address on file is current and correct.
How long does it take to get a replacement if I order online?
Your replacement will ship within one business day and arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. There is no way to speed this up or track the package once it ships. If you need to drive sooner, you must visit a DDS office and request a temporary paper license.
Can I replace my license at a different DDS office than the one in my county?
Yes. You can visit any DDS office in Georgia, regardless of which county you live in. Bring the same documents you would bring to your local office. Processing time is the same.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?
Contact the Georgia DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number. They can issue a replacement at no extra cost if the license is defective or has an error made by DDS. If the error is your fault (for example, you gave them the wrong address), you may have to pay the $32 fee again.