How to Replace a Lost Georgia Driver's License

Getting a replacement Georgia driver's license after you lose it

You can replace a lost Georgia driver's license by visiting a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. Georgia does not offer online or mail replacement for lost licenses — you must appear at a physical location. The replacement license costs $32 and takes about 30 minutes if you bring the right documents. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and the plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license is accepted, including for driving and identification purposes. This gives you time to receive your permanent plastic card without interruption to your daily activities.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to replace a lost license.
Bring one document proving identity (passport, military ID, or birth certificate) and one proving residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
The replacement fee is $32, and you will walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, and wait times vary by location — calling ahead or checking the online wait time tool can save you a trip.

What documents you need to bring

Georgia requires one form of identity and one form of residency proof. For identity, bring your passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or a state ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a school or work ID, though this takes longer to process.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Georgia address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you have moved recently and your name does not match the address on your residency document, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Finding and visiting a DDS office

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the location nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Atlanta and other large cities often have longer waits than rural locations.

DDS offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations close for lunch. The website shows each office's hours. Many offices now display real-time wait times online, so you can check before you go. If the wait is long, you can visit a different location or come back another day. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but a few locations in high-traffic areas now offer them — check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.

What happens when you arrive at the office

When you arrive, take a number or check in at the front desk. You will wait for your number to be called. When you reach the window, tell the staff member you need to replace a lost license. Hand over your identity and residency documents. The staff member will ask you to confirm your address and may ask why your license was lost (this is routine and does not affect your replacement).

You will then pay the $32 fee by cash, debit card, or credit card — policies vary by office. The staff member will take a new photo and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used anywhere a regular license is accepted. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If your address has changed since your lost license

If you have moved since your license was issued, the DDS office will update your address during the replacement process. Bring your residency proof showing your new address, and the staff member will enter it into the system. Your replacement license will be mailed to your new address, not your old one.

If you are not sure what address is currently on file, you can call the DDS office before you visit and they can look it up for you. This prevents a replacement license from being mailed to an address where you no longer live. Having the correct address on file also matters if you need to renew your license later or if you move again.

What to do if you cannot find your documents

If you do not have the documents listed above, you have options, though the process takes longer. You can bring a combination of secondary documents like a school ID, work badge, credit card, or insurance card along with a Social Security card. You can also bring an affidavit signed by a notary public stating that you have lost your license and cannot produce the standard documents.

Call the DDS office you plan to visit and describe what documents you have. The staff can tell you whether your combination will work before you make the trip. If it will not, they can tell you what additional steps you need to take, such as obtaining a certified birth certificate from the county vital records office or getting a notarized affidavit. This conversation saves you from making an unnecessary visit.

Protecting yourself after losing your license

Once you realize your license is lost, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A lost driver's license can be used for identity theft, so monitoring your credit is wise. You can place a free fraud alert by calling any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the others.

You should also check your credit report for any accounts you did not open. You can view your free annual credit report at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent activity, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov and to your bank or credit card company when ready. Taking these steps early can prevent damage to your credit and finances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and is accepted by police officers, rental car companies, and anywhere else that accepts a regular driver's license. Keep it in your wallet until your plastic card arrives.

What if my plastic license does not arrive after 10 business days?

Contact the DDS office where you applied. They can check the status of your card and remail it if needed. If it has been more than two weeks, call the main DDS customer service line or visit the office in person with your temporary license.

Do I have to replace my license in the county where I live?

No. You can visit any DDS office in Georgia, regardless of which county you live in. Some people visit an office in a less busy area to avoid long waits. Your replacement will still be mailed to your address on file.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still must visit a Georgia DDS office to replace it. If you are traveling and cannot return to Georgia soon, you can wait until you return home. In the meantime, your temporary paper license (if you got one before leaving) is valid in all 50 states.

Can I get a replacement license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes. Unpaid tickets do not prevent you from replacing a lost license. However, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines or other violations, you must resolve that suspension before you can renew or replace your license. Call DDS to check your suspension status before you visit an office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.