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

You can replace a lost Georgia driver's license in person at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, or by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and costs $32 for a standard replacement. The mail route takes two to three weeks and costs $20, but requires you to mail in a completed form and a check or money order — you cannot pay online for a mail replacement.

You do not need to take a new written test or vision test to replace a lost license, and you do not need to report the loss to police unless you suspect identity theft. Georgia will issue you a replacement with the same number and expiration date as your original license.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any DDS office with your Social Security number, date of birth, and $32 cash or card to walk out with a replacement the same day.
  • If you mail your replacement request, send form T-14 with a check or money order for $20 to the DDS address in Atlanta; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • You keep your original license number and expiration date on the replacement, so you do not need to update your information anywhere else.
  • If someone else has your lost license, you can request a new license number for $32 extra, though most people do not need to do this.

What you need to bring to a DDS office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your Georgia residency. A valid passport, military ID, or birth certificate works for identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address on it.

You also need to know your Social Security number and your date of birth — you will fill these in on a form at the office. Bring cash or a debit or credit card to pay the $32 fee. DDS offices do not accept checks or money orders in person.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own ID and proof of residency.

Finding a DDS office near you and what to expect

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the one closest to you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. A few offices in Atlanta and Savannah have extended hours on certain days.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. You will fill out form T-14 (process for Replacement Driver's License) at a desk or kiosk, show your documents, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The whole process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will walk out with your replacement license the same day.

If the office is very busy, you can call ahead to ask about wait times, though DDS does not take reservations. Some offices have longer waits on Fridays and at the beginning of the month.

Replacing your license by mail

To replace your license by mail, read form T-14 from the Georgia DDS website and fill it out completely. Include your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Mail the form along with a check or money order for $20 (made out to "Georgia DDS") to the DDS mailing address in Atlanta, which is listed on the form itself.

Do not send cash in the mail. Include a copy of one proof of identity and one proof of residency with your envelope — originals are not needed for mail replacements. Write your driver's license number on the outside of the envelope if you know it.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the day DDS receives your envelope. Your replacement will be mailed to the address you listed on the form. If you do not receive it after four weeks, call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 to check the status.

When you cannot use the mail route

You must go to a DDS office in person if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years ago. You also cannot use mail if you need to change your name, address, or other information on the license — those changes require an in-person visit and may require additional documents like a marriage certificate or court order.

If you are not sure whether your license is suspended or revoked, call DDS customer service at 678-413-8400 before you mail anything. They can tell you in a few minutes whether you are may be able to access for a mail replacement.

Requesting a new license number instead of a replacement

If you are concerned that someone else has your lost license and might use it for fraud, you can request a new license number instead of keeping your old one. This costs an extra $32 on top of the replacement fee, for a total of $64 in person or $52 by mail. You will receive a new number, new expiration date, and a new card.

Most people do not need to do this — a lost license is not the same as a stolen one, and Georgia's system flags lost licenses so they cannot be used to get a duplicate. Request a new number only if you have reason to believe someone is actively using your license or if you are very worried about identity theft.

What happens after you get your replacement

Your new license has the same number as your old one (unless you paid for a new number), so you do not need to update your information with your employer, insurance company, or bank. You can use it right away to drive, and it is valid for the same expiration date as your original license.

If you find your original lost license later, you can destroy it or turn it in to any DDS office. You do not need to do anything with it — having both in circulation does not cause problems because only one is active in the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a lost Georgia driver's license?

A replacement costs $32 in person at a DDS office or $20 by mail. If you want a new license number instead of keeping your old one, add $32 for an in-person replacement or $32 for a mail replacement.

Can I get a replacement the same day I go to the DDS office?

Yes. You walk out with your replacement license on the same day you visit. The whole process takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Do I need to take a new test to replace my lost license?

No. You do not take a written test, vision test, or photo test. DDS uses your photo from your original license on the replacement.

What if my license expired while it was lost?

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still get a replacement by mail or in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you must go to a DDS office in person and may need to take a new written test and vision test.

Can I replace my license online?

No. Georgia does not offer online replacement for lost licenses. You must go in person or mail your request with a check or money order.