Where to get a replacement Georgia driver's license

You can replace your Georgia driver's license at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office across the state. Georgia operates about 60 DDS locations, including full-service offices in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and most county seats. You can also renew or replace your license through the mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet specific conditions — mainly that you are not replacing a lost or stolen license.

The fastest route is usually your nearest DDS office, where you can walk in during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but you can check the DDS website to find your local office and confirm its hours before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your Georgia driver's license in person at any DDS office or by mail if your license is not lost, stolen, or suspended.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or a state ID card to complete the replacement.
  • Replacement licenses cost $32 for a standard four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the DDS office when you submit your documents.
  • Processing takes about two weeks by mail or same-day in person, though in-person wait times vary by location and time of day.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, you must report it to DDS and may need to file a police report depending on your county's rules.

Documents you need to bring to the DDS office

Bring your current Georgia driver's license if you have it. If you do not, bring a state ID card or passport instead. You also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address on it. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency in Georgia.

You must also prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate plus one additional document that shows your name and date of birth, such as a passport or military ID.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report if your county requires one. Some Georgia counties ask you to file a report before DDS will issue a replacement; others do not. Call your local DDS office or police department to confirm what your county needs.

In-person replacement at a DDS office

Walk into your nearest DDS office with your documents during business hours. Take a number at the entrance and wait for your turn. When called, hand your documents to the clerk and tell them you need a replacement license. They will verify your information, take a new photo, and collect your fee.

You will pay $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. DDS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Once you pay, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address on file. The permanent license usually arrives within two weeks, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.

Wait times vary widely. Early morning, mid-week visits tend to be faster than afternoons or Fridays. Some offices post current wait times on the DDS website, so check before you go if you want to avoid a long line.

Replacing your license by mail

You can mail in a replacement request only if your license is not lost or stolen, not suspended, and not revoked. Complete Form DL 44, which you can read from the DDS website or pick up at any DDS office. Fill in your name, address, and the reason for replacement (such as "worn" or "faded"). Include a copy of your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number.

Mail the completed form and copies of your documents to the address listed on the form, along with a check or money order for $32 or $64 payable to "Georgia DDS." Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want DDS to return your documents to you.

Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks from the date DDS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. During this time, you can request a temporary paper license by phone or in person if you need to drive before your permanent card arrives.

What to do if your license was lost or stolen

Report the loss or theft to your local police department or sheriff's office. Some Georgia counties require a police report before DDS will issue a replacement; others do not. Call your local DDS office and ask whether your county requires a report. If it does, file the report and bring a copy to the DDS office when you explore for your replacement.

Once you have the police report (if required), go to any DDS office with your documents and tell the clerk your license was lost or stolen. You will pay the replacement fee and receive a temporary paper license. Your permanent license will be mailed within two weeks. If you did not file a police report but your county requires one, DDS will tell you at the office and you can file it then before completing your replacement.

Replacing a license that is damaged or worn

If your license is faded, cracked, or otherwise damaged but still in your possession, you can replace it at any DDS office or by mail. Bring your damaged license along with your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. The process is the same as a standard replacement — you pay $32 or $64 and receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

You do not need a police report for a damaged license. You can also mail in the replacement using Form DL 44 if you prefer not to visit an office. Include your damaged license with your mailed process so DDS can see why you need a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?

Yes, if you go to a DDS office in person. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to you and usually arrives within two weeks. If you mail in your request, processing takes two to three weeks.

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

You can update your address at the same time you replace your license. Bring your proof of residency showing your new address, and the DDS clerk will update your file when they process your replacement. You do not pay an extra fee for the address change.

Do I need an appointment at a DDS office?

Most DDS offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A few locations in high-traffic areas may offer appointment scheduling through the DDS website. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available in your area.

What if I cannot find my Social Security card?

Bring a W-2, 1099, or tax return instead — any document that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have those, bring your birth certificate plus one other document with your name and date of birth, such as a passport or military ID.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to your address on file by DDS. You cannot have someone else collect it from an office. If you need to change the mailing address before your license arrives, contact DDS by phone or visit an office in person.