Where to go and what you need to bring

You replace your Georgia driver's license at a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, not at your local DMV — Georgia does not have a DMV. You can find the nearest office on the DDS website by entering your zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days.

Bring your current license or a valid ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card work), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Georgia address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's page before you go — it will tell you whether walk-ins are accepted or if you must book a time slot.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) handles license replacement, not a DMV office.
  • Bring your current license or valid ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within 60 days.
  • Most DDS offices do not require an appointment, but some locations now use online reservations — check your local office first.
  • The replacement license costs $32 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue.
  • If you need your license before the office visit, you can request a temporary paper license at the counter.

Cost and how long it takes

A replacement driver's license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. You pay at the DDS office when you submit your documents. The office will take your photo and process your process on the spot.

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DDS staff for a temporary paper license — they print it at the counter and it is valid for 30 days. This temporary license looks like a receipt but is accepted by law enforcement and most businesses.

Reasons you might need a replacement

Georgia issues replacement licenses for several common reasons: your license is lost or stolen, damaged or worn, your name has changed, or your address has changed. You can also request a replacement if your photo is outdated or if you want to change your signature on file.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DDS. Contact the DDS directly to find out what steps are required before you can get a new license.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license is lost or stolen, you do not need a police report to replace it, though you can file one if you want. Bring the same documents as a standard replacement: proof of identity, Social Security number, and current address. Tell the DDS staff that your license is lost or stolen so they can flag it in their system.

If your license was stolen along with other documents, you may need to bring additional proof of identity. A utility bill or lease in your name, combined with a passport or military ID, usually satisfies this requirement. If you do not have a current utility bill or lease, a bank statement, insurance policy, or recent tax return works as proof of address.

Changing your address or name on your license

You can change your address at a DDS office without replacing your license — this is called an address change and costs nothing. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The office updates your record and mails you a new license with the updated address within 7 to 10 business days.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must replace your license rather than straightforward update it. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The $32 replacement fee applies.

What to do if you cannot visit an office in person

Georgia does not offer mail-in or online license replacement. You must visit a DDS office in person to have your photo taken and your identity verified. If you live outside Georgia temporarily but still hold a Georgia license, you can visit any DDS office in the state — you do not have to go to the office nearest your registered address.

If you are unable to visit an office due to a disability or medical condition, contact your local DDS office directly to ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for you to be seen at a specific time or may have other options available. Call ahead rather than showing up without notice.

Common mistakes and what to avoid

The most common reason applications are delayed or rejected is bringing proof of address that is too old. Your utility bill, lease, or bank statement must be dated within the last 60 days. A bill from six months ago will not work, even if you still live at that address.

If you bring a passport or military ID as your proof of identity, make sure it is not expired. An expired passport is still accepted as proof of identity for a driver's license replacement, but an expired military ID is not. If your only ID is expired, bring two documents that together prove your identity — for example, a Social Security card plus a school ID or employee badge.

Do not assume you can renew your license by mail or online. Georgia requires an in-person visit for all replacements. If you see a website claiming to offer mail-in or online Georgia license replacement, it is not affiliated with DDS.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 where your license was originally issued or where you currently live. This is useful if you are traveling or if the nearest office to your home has a long wait time.

What if my Social Security card is lost and I cannot bring it?

You can bring a different document that shows your Social Security number instead: a W-2 form, 1099 form, tax return, or Social Security statement. If you do not have any of these, contact DDS before your visit to ask what other documents they will accept.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail before the temporary one expires. If it does not, contact DDS to check the status of your process.

Do I need to take a new photo and pass a vision test for a replacement?

You will have a new photo taken at the DDS office. You do not need to pass a vision test for a replacement license unless your current license is expired by more than five years or your vision correction needs have changed significantly. The DDS staff will tell you if a vision test is required.

What happens if I move out of Georgia while my replacement license is in the mail?

Contact DDS as soon as possible with your new address. They can redirect your license to your new state or hold it for you to pick up at a Georgia office. Do not ignore it — an undelivered license can cause problems if you need to prove your identity later.