Getting a replacement Georgia driver's license after losing yours

To replace a lost driver's license in Georgia, you must visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Georgia does not issue replacements by mail or online, so a visit to a DDS location is required.

The replacement fee is $32 for a standard driver's license valid for eight years. If your license was also stolen (not just lost), you may want to report it to local police and bring that report to the DDS office, though it is not required for the replacement itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and residency to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $32, and you receive a temporary paper license at the office while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a passport, military ID, birth certificate with a photo ID, or an out-of-state driver's license.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • You can find your nearest DDS office and check wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go.

Documents you need to bring to the DDS office

Georgia requires two types of documents: one form of proof of identity and one form of proof of residency. You cannot use a lost or stolen license as your identity document, so you will need an alternative.

Acceptable identity documents include a valid U.S. passport, military ID, birth certificate paired with a photo ID (such as a school or work ID), an out-of-state driver's license, or a passport card. If you have none of these, you can bring a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Georgia Department of Health and Vital Records, though this takes longer to obtain.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Georgia address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or property tax bill all work. The document must show your name and address clearly.

Steps to complete your replacement at a DDS office

First, locate your nearest DDS office using the office locator on the Georgia DDS website. Many offices allow you to check current wait times online before you arrive. Bring your identity document, residency document, and $32 in cash or card payment.

At the office, tell the staff member you need a replacement license due to loss. They will verify your documents, ask you to confirm your address and other information on file, and take a new photo. You will sign the back of your temporary paper license, which is valid when ready for driving. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address with DDS online or at another office visit. Do not discard the temporary paper license until you receive your plastic card.

What to do if you cannot visit an office in person

Georgia does not offer mail-in or online replacement for lost licenses. If you are unable to visit a DDS office yourself, an when ready family member (spouse, parent, or adult child) can explore on your behalf if they bring a notarized power of attorney form along with your documents and theirs. The power of attorney must be signed by you in front of a notary public.

Some banks, credit unions, and UPS stores offer notary services for a small fee, usually $5 to $15. You will still need to sign the power of attorney document in person before a notary, so this option does not eliminate an in-person step entirely.

Replacing your license if it was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the replacement process is the same, but you may want to file a police report first. A theft report is not required by DDS, but it creates a record in case someone uses your license number fraudulently. You can file a report online through your local police department's website or by visiting a police station.

Bring the police report number (or a copy of the report) to the DDS office if you have it. Staff will note the theft in your file. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

DDS office locations and hours

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties, with multiple locations in larger cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta. Hours vary by location but typically run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offices open on Saturday mornings. The Georgia DDS website lists all office addresses, phone numbers, and hours.

Wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week generally means shorter waits. Some offices allow you to check live wait times online before you go.

Temporary paper license and what it covers

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving in Georgia and nationwide when ready after you receive it at the DDS office. It has the same legal weight as a plastic license for traffic stops, vehicle registration, and insurance purposes. Keep it in your wallet or vehicle until your permanent license arrives.

The temporary license is valid for 45 days. If your permanent license does not arrive within that window, contact the DDS office where you applied. Delays are rare, but if one occurs, staff can reissue another temporary or investigate the status of your card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license to arrive?

Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready, so you can drive as soon as you leave the DDS office. Keep the temporary with you at all times while driving until your permanent plastic license arrives.

What if I moved since my last license was issued?

You can update your address at the DDS office when you explore for your replacement. Bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The replacement fee is $32 for a standard eight-year license. Payment can be made by cash or card at the DDS office. If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it instead of replacing it, which costs the same amount.

What if I lost my license outside of Georgia?

You must still visit a Georgia DDS office in person to replace it. If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Georgia, or you can visit an office during a trip home. Your temporary paper license will be mailed to your Georgia address on file.

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

No. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that day, but your permanent plastic license is mailed and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Georgia does not issue same-day plastic licenses for replacements.