Georgia replaces lost licenses through the Department of Driver Services, either in person at a local office or by mail

To replace a lost driver's license in Georgia, you have two main routes: visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, or request a replacement by mail. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day — but requires a trip to your local office. The mail route takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office. Both require proof of identity and residency, and both cost the same fee.

Georgia does not issue licenses through the DMV; the state uses the Department of Driver Services instead. This matters because DDS offices have different hours and locations than you might expect if you have moved from another state. You will need to know which office serves your county, and you should check their hours before you go — some locations close for lunch or have limited weekday hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit a DDS office in person to get a temporary license on the spot, or request a replacement by mail if you cannot visit an office.
  • You will need a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card) and proof of your current Georgia address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • The replacement fee is the same whether you go in person or by mail, and your new license will have the same number as your lost one.
  • If you lost your license outside Georgia, you can still request a replacement by mail using the DDS form; you do not need to be in the state.
  • A temporary license issued in person is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail.

What you need to bring or submit for an in-person replacement

If you visit a DDS office, bring one valid form of primary ID and one form of proof of your current address. Primary ID options include a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, or a valid license from another state. Do not bring an expired Georgia license — it does not count as valid ID for this purpose.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Georgia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax bill, voter registration card) also works. If you have just moved and do not have a document in your new address yet, bring your lease or a signed statement from your landlord confirming your residency.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized — you will need it to complete the replacement form. You will also need to pay the replacement fee at the office. Georgia accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most locations, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific office.

Steps to replace your license in person at a DDS office

First, find your local DDS office using the office locator on the Georgia DDS website. Enter your county or city, and the site will show you the nearest locations, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins. Most offices do, but some require appointments during certain hours — the locator will tell you which.

Go to the office during their posted hours with your ID, proof of address, and payment method. Tell the staff member you need to replace a lost license. They will give you form DL 44 (process for a Driver's License or Identification Card) to complete. Fill it out with your name, address, Social Security number, and signature. If you are unsure about any field, ask the staff member — they can help you.

Hand the completed form, your ID, and proof of address to the staff member. They will process your request, take a new photo, and collect the fee. You will receive a temporary license printed on paper that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent replacement will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives.

How to request a replacement by mail if you cannot visit an office

read and print form DL 44 from the Georgia DDS website, or request a paper copy by calling the DDS customer service line. Complete the form with your name, address, Social Security number, and signature. You do not need to have a Georgia address to request a replacement by mail — you can be out of state or traveling.

Gather a copy of one valid form of ID (photograph page of your passport, front and back of your military ID, or front and back of a state ID from any state) and a copy of proof of your current address. Make photocopies or take clear photos of both documents. If you do not have a recent proof-of-address document, a signed statement from someone who lives with you or a landlord letter confirming your address will work.

Mail the completed form DL 44, copies of your ID and address proof, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the address listed on the form. Include a note with your phone number so DDS can contact you if they need more information. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive at DDS, plus another 7 to 10 business days for processing and mailing your new license back to you. Plan for 3 to 4 weeks total.

The replacement fee and what your new license will look like

Georgia charges a flat fee for license replacement, regardless of whether you replace it in person or by mail. The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the DDS website or call their customer service line for the current fee before you submit payment.

Your replacement license will have the same license number as your lost one — Georgia does not issue a new number when you replace a lost license. The expiration date will be the same as your original license unless your license was already expired or about to expire. If your license expires within the next year, you may want to renew it at the same time you replace it, though this costs extra and requires a new photo and eye test.

What to do if your license was lost outside Georgia

If you lost your license while traveling or living outside Georgia, you can still request a replacement by mail without returning to the state. Follow the mail-in process described above: complete form DL 44, include copies of your ID and proof of your current address (wherever you are), and mail everything to the DDS address. Your new license will be mailed to the address you list on the form.

If you are unsure whether your license is truly lost or if it might be found, you can report it lost to the DDS by phone or through their website. This does not prevent you from requesting a replacement, but it does flag your license in the system so that if someone finds it and tries to use it, the system will show it as lost. Reporting it takes a few minutes and can protect you from identity theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary license to drive right away?

Yes. Your temporary license is valid for driving when ready after you receive it at the DDS office. It is valid for 30 days, which gives you time for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Carry it with you whenever you drive — it is your proof of a valid license during that period.

What if I never received my replacement license in the mail?

Contact the DDS customer service line and provide your name, date of birth, and the date you submitted your replacement request. They can check the status of your license and confirm whether it was mailed. If it was lost in the mail, they can reissue it. If it has not been processed yet, they can tell you when to expect it.

Do I need to take a new photo or eye test to replace a lost license?

You will have a new photo taken if you replace your license in person at a DDS office. If you replace it by mail, DDS will use your existing photo from your records. You do not need to take an eye test unless your license is expired or you are renewing it at the same time as replacing it.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. If you replace your license in person, you must be present to receive your temporary license. If you replace it by mail, it will be sent to the address you provide on the form. You cannot have it mailed to someone else's address or have someone else pick it up on your behalf.

What if my address changed since I lost my license?

Use your current address on the replacement form, not the address on your lost license. You will need proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Your replacement license will show your new address.