Where to get a replacement Georgia driver's license

You can get a replacement Georgia driver's license at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office across the state. Georgia has about 60 DDS locations, including offices in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and most county seats. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices accept them through the DDS website to reduce wait times.

The fastest option is often your county's DDS office rather than a major city location, since lines tend to be shorter. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Some DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; a few have extended evening or Saturday hours.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and payment of $32 for a standard replacement license at any Georgia DDS office.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, you must report it to the DDS before you can get a replacement, which takes a few minutes during your office visit.
  • A standard replacement takes about two weeks to arrive by mail; an expedited license costs extra but arrives in five to seven business days.
  • You can renew your license online through the DDS website if it is not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years — this costs $32 and takes two to three weeks.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number (you can write it on a piece of paper if you do not have a card), one form of proof of residency, and a valid payment method. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Georgia address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have proof of residency, you can bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a voter registration card and a piece of mail from a government agency. If you have moved recently and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, ask the DDS office what alternative documents they will accept — they sometimes make exceptions for recent moves.

Bring your old license if you still have it, though it is not required. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you filed one, though the DDS does not require it to issue a replacement.

The cost and payment options

A standard replacement license costs $32 and arrives in about two weeks. An expedited replacement costs $57 and arrives in five to seven business days. You pay at the DDS office when you submit your paperwork.

The DDS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm if you plan to pay by check. If you are under 21, the replacement fee is the same.

What happens if your license was lost or stolen

If your license was lost or stolen, you still go to a DDS office and request a replacement. Tell the staff member that your license was lost or stolen. They will ask you to sign a statement confirming this, and the DDS will flag your old license number as invalid in their system so it cannot be used.

You do not have to file a police report to get a replacement, but if you did file one, bring it with you. Some people file a report for their own records in case the license is used fraudulently, but the DDS replacement process does not depend on it.

Online renewal if your license is still valid

If your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years, you can renew it online without visiting an office. Go to dds.georgia.gov, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the steps. You will need your license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method.

An online renewal costs $32 and takes two to three weeks to arrive. You cannot use online renewal if your address has changed, if you need a new photo, or if your license is suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must visit a DDS office in person.

What to expect during your office visit

When you arrive at the DDS office, check in at the front desk or kiosk and take a number. Wait for your number to be called, then go to the window. The staff member will verify your Social Security number and proof of residency, take a new photo of you, and ask you to sign a form confirming the information on your license.

The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the window, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your phone or a book if you expect a wait. The staff member will tell you whether you are getting a standard or expedited replacement and when to expect it in the mail.

After you leave the office

Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. Standard replacements take about two weeks; expedited replacements take five to seven business days. The DDS does not send tracking information, so you cannot check the status online.

If your license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call the DDS at 678-413-8400 to report it. They can check whether it was mailed and may be able to reissue it. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, since you can still use it to drive legally until the replacement is in your hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I visit the office?

No. The DDS does not issue licenses on-site. Your new license is printed and mailed to you after your office visit. Standard processing takes about two weeks; expedited takes five to seven business days. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can continue using your old license.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Bring two documents that show your name and address instead, such as a voter registration card and a piece of mail from a government agency. If you have moved very recently and do not have any documents yet, call your local DDS office to ask what alternatives they will accept — they sometimes make exceptions.

Do I need an appointment to visit a DDS office?

Most DDS offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some locations offer appointments through the DDS website to reduce wait times. Check the website for your local office to see if appointments are available.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot get a replacement while your license is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DDS. Call 678-413-8400 or visit the DDS website to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.

Can I change my address when I get a replacement license?

Yes. Tell the DDS staff member your new address during your office visit, and they will update it on your replacement license. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.