Georgia replaces lost driver's licenses through the Department of Driver Services, either in person at a local office or by mail
If your Georgia driver's license is lost, you have two main routes: visit a DDS office in person with required documents, or request a replacement by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles most situations. The mail route works only if your license is not expired and you have no suspensions or restrictions that need updating.
Georgia does not charge a replacement fee for a lost license — you pay only the standard renewal fee, which is $32 for an eight-year license. The process itself takes about 30 minutes in-office, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Department of Driver Services office with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity to replace a lost license in person.
- Mail-in replacement is available only if your current license is not expired and you have no active suspensions or restrictions.
- Georgia charges $32 for an eight-year replacement license, with no additional fee for the lost-license replacement itself.
- A temporary paper license is issued on the spot at DDS offices; your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was lost in another state, you can still replace it through Georgia DDS as long as you have a current Georgia address.
What documents you need to bring in person
The Department of Driver Services requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You do not need to bring the lost license itself.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, military ID, or state ID from another state. A birth certificate alone is not sufficient. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Georgia address.
If you do not have a Social Security card and cannot obtain one before your visit, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number. DDS offices accept this as an alternative.
In-person replacement at a DDS office
Walk into any Department of Driver Services location during business hours with your documents. 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, but arriving early or mid-week typically means shorter waits.
Tell the staff member at the window that you need to replace a lost license. They will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect the $32 fee. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. The permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances.
If you need the license sooner, some DDS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this varies by location. Call ahead to ask whether your local office provides this option and what the cost is.
Mail-in replacement if your license is current
You can request a replacement by mail only if your Georgia driver's license is not expired and you have no active suspensions, restrictions, or pending violations. If either condition applies, you must visit an office in person.
To request a replacement by mail, contact the Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 or visit the DDS website to read the replacement form. Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $32 to the address provided. Include a copy of your proof of residency.
Processing time for mail requests is typically 10 to 15 business days from the date DDS receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at your Georgia address. This route is slower than in-person replacement and offers no temporary license, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before the new card arrives.
What happens if your license was suspended or restricted
If your license has an active suspension or restriction — for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, medical suspension, or other reasons — you cannot use the mail-in route. You must visit a DDS office in person.
At the office, staff will check your driving record and inform you of any holds. If the suspension is recent or the reason is unclear, you may need to resolve the underlying issue before a new license is issued. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you may need to pay or set up a payment plan with the court before DDS will process the replacement.
Contact DDS at 678-413-8400 before your visit to confirm whether your record has any active holds and what steps are needed to clear them. This saves a wasted trip to an office.
DDS office locations and hours
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. The main locations are in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon, and Columbus, but smaller offices operate in nearly every region. You can visit any office regardless of which county you live in.
To find the office nearest you and confirm its hours, visit the Department of Driver Services website or call 678-413-8400. Hours vary: most offices open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. on weekdays, but some have Saturday hours or extended evening hours on certain days. A few high-traffic offices open as early as 7 a.m. or stay open until 6 p.m.
Waits are typically shortest on Tuesday through Thursday mornings. Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier. If you have flexibility, plan your visit for mid-week.
Temporary license and permanent card timeline
When you complete your replacement in person, DDS issues a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as a permanent license — police will accept it, and you can drive when ready after leaving the office.
Your permanent plastic card is printed at a central facility and mailed to your address. Under normal processing, this takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact DDS to confirm your address is correct and the card was not returned as undeliverable.
If you move before the card arrives, you can update your address with DDS and request the card be re-mailed. Do this as soon as possible to avoid the card being returned to DDS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement if I lost my license out of state?
Yes. As long as you have a current Georgia address, you can replace your Georgia license through DDS even if you lost it in another state. Bring the same documents you would need for an in-state replacement. You do not need to report the loss to the state where you lost it.
What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?
Bring a W-2, 1099, or letter from the Social Security Administration instead of the card itself. If you have none of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a verification letter before visiting DDS. This takes a few days but is necessary to complete the license replacement.
Do I need to report the lost license to police?
No. Georgia does not require you to file a police report for a lost driver's license. Reporting is optional and useful only if you are concerned about identity theft. If you suspect the license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to police and monitor your credit.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license if I cannot go to the office?
No. Only you can explore for and receive a replacement license. A family member or representative cannot do this on your behalf. If you are unable to visit an office, the mail-in route is your only option, provided your license is not expired and has no active suspensions.
What if my address changed since my license was issued?
Bring your current proof of residency showing your new Georgia address. DDS will update your address during the replacement process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office.