Where to go and what to bring

To replace your Georgia driver license, you must visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person. Georgia does not allow you to replace a license by mail or online. You will need to bring your current license (if you still have it), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Georgia residency. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring the physical card — you just need to tell the DDS staff that it is missing. If your license was damaged, bring what remains of it. The DDS will issue you a replacement on the spot in most cases, though processing times can vary by location and how busy the office is that day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person; there is no mail-in or online replacement option for Georgia driver licenses.
  • Bring your current license (or report it lost/stolen), proof of your Social Security number, and a recent utility bill or other residency document.
  • A replacement license costs $32 and is typically issued the same day you visit the office.
  • DDS offices have different hours and wait times, so checking online or calling ahead can save you a trip.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision screening instead of a straightforward replacement.

Cost and how long it takes

A replacement Georgia driver license costs $32. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at most DDS offices. The replacement is usually issued the same day you visit, though you should plan to spend 30 minutes to two hours at the office depending on how busy it is.

If you need the license faster, Georgia does not offer expedited processing for replacements. The standard timeline is same-day issuance at the office where you explore. If you cannot visit an office when ready, your old license remains valid for identification purposes until you replace it, even if it is damaged or you report it lost.

Finding the DDS office nearest you

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you by visiting the Georgia DDS website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 678-413-8400. Each office has its own hours and may have different wait times depending on the day and time you visit.

Some offices are busier than others. If you live near multiple offices, calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you choose the one with the shortest line. Many people find that visiting early in the morning or mid-week results in shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.

What happens if your license expired long ago

If your Georgia driver license expired more than five years ago, you cannot straightforward replace it. Instead, you must renew it, which requires retaking the written knowledge test and the vision screening. You will also need to provide the same documents as a replacement (proof of Social Security number and residency), plus any documents required for a new license process if your address or name has changed.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can replace it without retesting. The DDS staff will tell you at the office whether your license falls into the replacement category or the renewal category based on the expiration date printed on your card.

Replacing a license after a name change

If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means — you will need to bring proof of the name change along with your standard replacement documents. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS will update your name on the replacement license at no extra cost.

Bring the original document or a certified copy. A photocopy is usually not accepted. If you have not yet updated your Social Security card to match your new name, you can still replace your license, but the DDS may ask you to update your Social Security record first — contact the Social Security Administration to find out whether this is required in your case.

Replacing a license with a different address

If you have moved since your license was issued, you will need to provide proof of your new Georgia address when you replace it. The DDS will update your address on the replacement license at no extra cost. Bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address.

You do not need to notify the DDS of an address change separately — the replacement process handles it. However, if you want to update your address without replacing your license, you can do so online through the Georgia DDS website or by mail, though this does not give you a new physical card.

What to do if you cannot find your Social Security number

You must provide proof of your Social Security number to replace your license. Acceptable proof includes your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a birth certificate. If you do not have any of these documents, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card or a letter confirming your number.

Bring whichever document you have to the DDS office. The staff will verify it and process your replacement. If you are still unable to locate proof of your Social Security number, ask the DDS staff whether they can look it up using other information — some offices have access to Social Security records, though this varies by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DDS to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can then replace it if it is lost, stolen, or damaged.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it at any Georgia DDS office. Bring the same documents you would need for a replacement in Georgia — proof of Social Security number and Georgia residency. You do not need to be in Georgia at the time you report it lost; you just need to visit a Georgia DDS office in person to complete the replacement.

Do I need an appointment to replace my license?

Most Georgia DDS offices do not require appointments for replacements, but some locations now offer appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the DDS website or call your local office to see whether appointments are available in your area. Walk-ins are generally accepted, but an appointment may get you in faster.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must be present in person to receive your replacement license. The DDS will not issue it to anyone else, even with written permission. You must visit the office yourself to complete the transaction and pick up your new card.

What if the DDS office made an error on my replacement license?

Return to the same DDS office with your new license and explain the error. Corrections to name, address, or other information are usually made at no extra cost. Bring any supporting documents that show what the correct information should be, such as a birth certificate or proof of address.