Where to replace your Georgia driver's license
You replace your Georgia driver's license at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. These are physical locations where you go in person — you cannot complete a replacement entirely by mail or online. Georgia has DDS locations in most counties; you can find the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city.
Some counties have multiple offices, so check the hours and location before you go. A few offices operate by appointment only, while others take walk-ins during posted hours. If you live in a rural area far from a DDS office, you may need to travel to the nearest regional location, which could be 30 to 60 minutes away depending on where you are.
You do not need to go to the office where you originally got your license. Any Georgia DDS office can issue a replacement, so go to whichever is most convenient for you.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your Social Security number to replace your license.
- A replacement license costs $32 if you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card, or $5 if you are renewing an expired license at the same time.
- Processing takes about 10 business days from the time you submit your process, and you can check the status online using your driver's license number.
- If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DDS office, which is valid for 45 days.
What documents you need to bring
Bring a valid form of ID — this can be a passport, military ID, state ID card, or another government-issued photo ID. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need the old card itself, but you do need to prove who you are with something else.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. This can be a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. A birth certificate alone does not count as proof of your Social Security number, even though you will need to provide your number verbally or in writing during the process.
Bring your current address proof if your address has changed since your last license. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you have not moved, you do not need this.
If you are replacing a license because it was damaged, bring the damaged card with you if you still have it. If it was lost or stolen, you do not need it.
The replacement process at the DDS office
Walk up to the counter or check in at the kiosk when you arrive, depending on how that particular office operates. Tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They will ask whether you are replacing it because it was lost, stolen, damaged, or for another reason.
Hand over your ID and proof of Social Security number. The staff member will scan or photograph these documents and enter your information into the system. They will ask you to confirm your address and other details on your current record. If anything has changed, tell them now.
You will be asked to sit for a new photo, just as you would for a renewal. The photo is taken at the office. You will then sign the process form, which confirms the information is correct.
At this point, you can request a temporary paper license if you need to drive before your replacement card arrives. This is valid for 45 days and costs nothing extra. The staff member will print it on the spot. If you do not need it, you can skip this step.
Pay the replacement fee — $32 for a lost, stolen, or damaged license, or $5 if you are renewing an expired license at the same time. The office accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most locations, but call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.
How long replacement takes and how to track it
Your replacement license is mailed to the address on file. Processing and mailing typically takes about 10 business days from the date you submit your process at the DDS office. This means you should receive it roughly two weeks after your visit, though it can occasionally take longer during busy periods.
You can check the status of your replacement online through the Georgia DDS website. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The status page will tell you whether your license is being processed, has been mailed, or has been delivered.
If more than two weeks have passed and your license has not arrived, contact the Georgia DDS customer service line. They can look up your order and tell you whether there was a mailing issue or a delay in processing.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you have the same replacement process, but you should also consider whether you need to take additional steps. A stolen license with your name, address, and photo could be used for identity theft or fraud.
You do not have to file a police report to replace your license, but if you are concerned about identity theft, you can file a report with your local police department and request a copy for your records. This creates a paper trail if fraudulent activity shows up later.
You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your license and are handled directly with the credit bureaus, not through DDS.
Replacing a license that is damaged or unreadable
If your license is still in your possession but is damaged — cracked, faded, water-damaged, or the barcode no longer scans — you can replace it at any DDS office. Bring the damaged card with you so the staff member can see the condition and process it as a damage replacement rather than a loss.
The process is identical to replacing a lost or stolen license: you bring your ID, proof of Social Security number, and pay the $32 fee. The damaged card will be kept by the DDS office and destroyed.
If your license is so damaged that the photo or information is no longer visible, the DDS office may require you to take a new photo during the replacement process, even if you just had one taken for a renewal. This is standard procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail?
No. Georgia requires you to appear in person at a DDS office to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You cannot mail in a replacement request. However, if you are renewing an expired license and it is not damaged, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your situation — that is a different process.
What if I do not have a Social Security card?
You do not need the physical card, but you do need proof of your Social Security number. A W-2, tax return, 1099, or other official document with your number on it will work. If you do not have any of these, contact the Georgia DDS office before you go to ask what alternative documents they accept.
Can I get a temporary license to drive while I wait?
Yes. At the DDS office, you can request a temporary paper license at no extra cost. It is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your replacement card is being mailed. The staff member will print it before you leave.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $32. If you are renewing an expired license at the same time, the renewal fee is $5. Payment is due at the time you submit your process.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Tell the DDS staff member about the address change when you are at the office. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). The new address will be printed on your replacement license at no extra charge.