Getting a replacement Georgia driver's license when yours is lost

You can replace a lost Georgia driver's license by visiting a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, bringing your Social Security number and proof of residency, and paying a replacement fee. Georgia does not offer online or mail-in replacements for lost licenses — you must appear in person. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

The fastest way to complete this is to find your nearest DDS office, check its hours online, and arrive early in the day. Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving before 10 a.m. typically means shorter wait times. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices now offer optional appointment scheduling through the DDS website.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services office in person with your Social Security number and proof of residency to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license and $35 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and payment is made at the office.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Arriving early in the day at your nearest DDS office reduces wait time, and you can check office hours and locations on the Georgia DDS website.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number and at least one document proving your current Georgia address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement also works if it shows your address.

You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost — the DDS office will look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you have any other form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card), bring it as well, though it is not required. Bring your original Social Security card or a document that displays your full Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2 form.

The replacement fee and what it covers

A standard Georgia driver's license replacement costs $32. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025), the fee is $35. You pay this fee at the DDS office when you submit your replacement request — cash, debit card, and credit card are all accepted at most locations.

The fee covers the plastic license card, the temporary paper license issued on the spot, and processing. There are no additional hidden fees. If you are replacing a license that expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written knowledge test and vision test, which would involve additional fees — but if your license expired within the last five years, a straightforward replacement is all you need.

Finding your nearest DDS office and hours

Visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website at dds.georgia.gov and use the office locator tool to find the DDS location closest to you. The site displays each office's address, phone number, and hours of operation. Georgia has DDS offices in most counties, and many larger cities have multiple locations. You can search by county or city name.

Call the office directly before you go if you want to confirm current wait times or ask whether they are accepting walk-ins that day. Some offices occasionally close for staff training or maintenance. The website also shows which offices offer appointment scheduling — if your nearest office offers it, you can book a time slot online to reduce your wait time, though walk-ins are still accepted.

What happens when you arrive at the office

Check in at the front desk and tell staff that you are replacing a lost license. You will be given a number or directed to a waiting area. When your number is called, you will go to a service window where an agent will verify your identity using your Social Security number and proof of residency, take a new photo for your license, and confirm your address and any other information on file.

The agent will ask you to sign a form confirming that your license was lost. You will then pay the replacement fee and receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is being printed and mailed. Keep this temporary license with you — it is a legal form of ID and is required if you are stopped by law enforcement. Your permanent plastic license will arrive at your address within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was lost out of state

If you lost your Georgia license while traveling or living temporarily outside Georgia, you still must visit a Georgia DDS office in person to replace it. You cannot complete this process remotely or through a DDS office in another state. If you are unable to return to Georgia soon, you can request a replacement by mail through a limited process — contact your nearest Georgia DDS office by phone to ask whether mail-in replacement is an option in your situation.

In the meantime, if you need a form of ID for travel or other purposes, you can obtain a Georgia ID card (not a driver's license) through the same DDS office process. A Georgia ID card costs $20 and serves as proof of identity, though it does not allow you to drive. If you are in another state and need to drive legally, you may be able to obtain a temporary driving permit from that state while you arrange to replace your Georgia license.

Tracking your replacement license after you leave the office

The DDS does not send tracking notifications for replacement licenses in the mail. Your plastic license will arrive at the address you provided at the DDS office within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received it, contact your nearest DDS office by phone with your name and date of birth, and staff can check the status of your order.

If your replacement license does not arrive within two weeks, it may have been lost in the mail. Contact DDS again and request a second replacement. You will need to pay the replacement fee again, but the office can often expedite the second card or investigate what happened to the first one. Keep your temporary paper license safe during this waiting period — it is your legal proof of driving status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the temporary paper license while I wait for my plastic card?

Yes. The temporary paper license is a valid form of ID and allows you to drive legally in Georgia and most other states for 30 days. Keep it with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by law enforcement, show them the temporary license along with proof of your address if requested.

What if I lost my license and my wallet at the same time?

You can still replace your license with just your Social Security number and proof of residency. Bring a utility bill, lease, or other document showing your current address. You do not need your old license or any other ID card to complete the replacement process at the DDS office.

Do I need to retake the written driving test to replace a lost license?

No. A lost license replacement is a straightforward reissuance of your existing license — you do not retake any tests. You only retake the written and vision tests if your license has been expired for more than five years or if your license was suspended or revoked.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

The office visit takes about 30 minutes from check-in to receiving your temporary paper license. Your plastic replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The total time from the day you visit the office to the day you receive your permanent card is typically 10 to 14 days.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Tell the DDS agent your new address when you arrive for your replacement. They will update your record and print your new address on your replacement license. Bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.