Get a replacement license by visiting your local Georgia Department of Driver Services office with proof of identity and residency

You cannot replace a lost Georgia driver's license online or by mail. You must appear in person at a DDS office with specific documents. The process takes about 30 minutes once you're at the counter, and your replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the same visit.

Georgia charges $32 for a standard replacement license. If your license expires within the next year, you can renew it at the same time for an additional $32, which extends your license for eight years from the renewal date rather than from your original expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address to request a replacement.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a birth certificate or tax return, because DDS will verify it during your visit.
  • A temporary paper license issued at your visit lets you drive legally while your replacement arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • The replacement fee is $32, and you can renew your license at the same time for an additional $32 if it expires within the next year.

Find the DDS office nearest you and check its hours before you go

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. Visit dds.ga.gov and use the office locator tool to find the one closest to your home or workplace. The site shows each office's address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. A few locations require you to take a number and wait; others use an appointment system.

Call ahead if you are unsure whether the office takes walk-ins or requires an appointment. Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in Atlanta or other cities. If you cannot reach the office by phone, you can visit in person and ask when the next available time slot is.

Gather your identity documents before you visit

Bring one government-issued photo ID. Acceptable documents include a valid passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate plus one additional document that shows your name and date of birth, such as a school ID or a marriage certificate.

You will also need to prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not, bring a document that shows your full name and Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a bank statement. DDS will not accept a letter from the Social Security Administration alone.

Bring proof that you live in Georgia

Bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government-issued mail piece such as a tax notice. The document must show your full name and street address.

If you recently moved and do not have a document in your name at your new address yet, bring a lease or purchase agreement dated within the last 60 days plus a document from your previous address. A handwritten note from a landlord or a verbal statement will not work. If you live with someone else and have no documents in your name, ask the person whose name is on the utility bill or lease to bring that document with you and sign an affidavit stating that you live there.

Complete the DL 44 form at the office or read it beforehand

The replacement form is called the DL 44. You can read it from dds.ga.gov before you visit and fill it out at home, or you can complete it at the office. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you want to donate organs. Most people finish it in five minutes.

If you read the form, print it and bring it with you. Do not fill it out on a computer and email it to the office — DDS requires a printed, signed copy. If you prefer to fill it out at the office, arrive a few minutes early so you have time to complete it before your turn at the counter.

Pay the $32 fee and request a temporary license

When you reach the counter, hand the staff member your DL 44 form, your identity documents, your proof of residency, and your Social Security verification. The staff member will scan your documents, take a new photo, and process your replacement order. Payment is $32 by cash, check, or card. Some offices accept card payments only.

Before you leave, ask for a temporary paper license. The staff member will print one on the spot, valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license and lets you drive, board a plane, or use it as ID anywhere a Georgia driver's license is accepted. Write down the confirmation number the staff member gives you; you will need it if you want to check the status of your replacement license online.

Track your replacement license and handle it when it arrives

Your replacement license is mailed to the address you provided on the DL 44 form. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the office. You can check the status online at dds.ga.gov using your confirmation number, though the tracking system sometimes lags by a day or two.

When your license arrives, check that all information is correct. If you spot an error in your name, address, or date of birth, return to the DDS office with your replacement license and ask for a correction. Corrections are free if made within 30 days of receiving the license. After 30 days, you pay the $32 replacement fee again. Destroy your temporary paper license once your plastic license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have a Social Security card or a document showing my Social Security number?

Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and request a replacement card or a letter showing your number. The letter takes about two weeks to arrive. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. Bring your birth certificate and a photo ID to speed up the process.

Can I get a replacement license if I have an outstanding ticket or unpaid fine?

Yes. Georgia does not suspend your license for unpaid traffic tickets at the time of replacement. However, if your license is currently suspended for other reasons — such as a DUI conviction or failure to pay child support — DDS will not issue a replacement until the suspension is lifted. Call the DDS office to confirm your license status before you visit.

What if my name has changed since my original license was issued?

Bring your original license, your current identity document showing your new name, and the document that authorized the change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff member will update your name in the system and issue your replacement with the new name at no extra cost.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license if I'm out of state?

No. Georgia mails replacement licenses only to the address on file. If you move before your license arrives, contact DDS with your new address and they will redirect it. Call the office where you applied or visit dds.ga.gov to update your mailing address online using your confirmation number.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Return to the DDS office with your damaged or incorrect license within 30 days of receiving it. Bring your temporary paper license if you still have it. DDS will issue a corrected replacement at no charge. After 30 days, you pay the $32 replacement fee.