How to Replace Your Driver's License in Georgia

Where to go and what you need to bring

You can replace your Georgia driver's license at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in the state. There are about 60 locations statewide, including offices in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and most county seats. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices let you schedule one online to skip the wait.

Bring your current driver's license if you still have it, or a state ID card. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report number or the report itself. You will also need one document that proves your identity — a passport, birth certificate, or military ID all work. If your address has changed since your last license, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your current address.

The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license valid for eight years. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the office. Some DDS locations also accept checks.

Key Takeaways

Visit any Department of Driver Services office with your current license (or police report if lost), proof of identity, and proof of your current address.
The replacement fee is $32 and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail; you can request a temporary paper license to drive when ready.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue before DDS will issue a replacement.
You can renew online through the DDS website if your license is not suspended and you have not had a name change since your last renewal.

What happens at the DDS office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. A staff member will call you to a window, verify your documents, and take a new photo for your license. The photo is taken on the spot — you cannot bring your own. Wear something you would normally wear; the photo will be used on your license for the next eight years.

After your photo is taken, you will sign the back of a temporary paper license and receive it when ready. This temporary license is valid for driving in Georgia for 30 days while your permanent card is being printed and mailed. You can drive legally with this paper license, so you do not have to wait at home.

Your permanent license will arrive by mail in about 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 to check the status.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license was lost or stolen, you have two options: report it to police and bring the report number to DDS, or straightforward go to DDS without a police report. Reporting it to police is not required, but it protects you if someone uses your license number fraudulently. If you report it, you can file the report online through your local police department's website or in person at a precinct.

When you go to DDS, tell the staff member that your license was lost or stolen. They will mark your old license as invalid in the system so it cannot be used. You will then follow the same process as a regular replacement — new photo, temporary paper license, and a permanent card mailed within 10 business days.

Replacing a damaged or unreadable license

If your license is torn, faded, or the information is no longer readable, you can replace it at any DDS office. Bring the damaged license itself along with proof of identity and your current address. The staff will take a new photo and issue a temporary paper license on the spot.

You do not need to explain why the license is damaged — DDS staff see worn licenses regularly and will process the replacement without delay. The fee is still $32, and your new license will arrive by mail in about 10 business days.

Replacing a license after a name change

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you will need to bring proof of the name change along with your identity and address documents. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order from the judge.

Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photocopy will not work. The DDS office will verify the document, take a new photo, and issue your replacement license with your new name. The process is the same as a regular replacement, and the fee remains $32.

Online renewal if you do not need to replace in person

If your license is still valid and you straightforward want to renew it before it expires, you can renew online through the DDS website without visiting an office. Online renewal is available only if your license has not been suspended or revoked and you have not had a name change since your last renewal.

Go to the Georgia DDS website, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The fee for online renewal is $32, and your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days. You will not receive a temporary paper license with online renewal, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Georgia driver's license is suspended or revoked — usually due to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction — DDS will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. When you arrive at the DDS office, staff will check your driving record and tell you if there is a hold on your license.

If there is a hold, ask what agency placed it and what you need to do to remove it. For unpaid fines, you may need to contact the court that issued the ticket. For unpaid child support, you will need to contact the Georgia Department of Human Services. For a DUI-related suspension, you may need to complete a DUI education program or pay a reinstatement fee. Once the hold is removed, you can return to DDS and complete your replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the temporary paper license outside of Georgia?

No. The temporary paper license is valid only in Georgia. If you plan to drive out of state before your permanent license arrives, you will need to bring your old license with you or carry your passport or birth certificate as proof of identity. Once your permanent license arrives, you can drive anywhere in the United States.

What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?

Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — to the DDS office. The staff will update your address and issue a replacement license with the correct information. The fee is $32, and the process is the same as a regular replacement.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Most licenses arrive within 10 business days. If you do not receive yours within two weeks, call DDS customer service at 678-413-8400 with your license number and date of birth. They can check whether your license was mailed and provide a tracking update if available.

Do I need to take a new photo, or can I use my old one?

DDS takes a new photo every time you replace or renew your license. You cannot use an old photo. The photo is taken at the office on the day you explore, so plan for that when you visit.

What if I lost my license and do not want to report it to police?

You do not have to report a lost license to police to replace it at DDS. straightforward go to any DDS office with proof of identity and your current address, and staff will process the replacement. Reporting it to police is optional but recommended if you are concerned about fraud.

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.