Where to go and what to bring

To replace your Georgia driver's license, you will visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person. Georgia does not allow you to replace a license entirely by mail or online — you must appear with your documents and have a new photo taken.

Bring your current license if you still have it, or a state ID card. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of your Georgia residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one — it is not required, but it can speed up the process.

Bring your original documents or certified copies. DDS staff will not accept photocopies of most items. If you are replacing a license because it was damaged, bring the damaged license itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person; there is no mail-in or online replacement option for a standard driver's license in Georgia.
  • Bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of Georgia residency dated within 60 days, and proof of any legal name changes.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license valid for eight years, though the exact cost may vary if you are renewing early or changing your address.
  • A new license is typically mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your visit, so plan ahead if you need it by a specific date.

Finding a DDS office near you

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the location, hours, and phone number of your nearest office on the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. The site has a location finder tool where you enter your county or city.

Some offices are busier than others, especially in urban areas. If you call ahead, the staff can tell you how long the wait is that day and whether you should come back at a slower time. Many offices do not take appointments, so you arrive and wait your turn. A few larger offices do offer appointment slots — check your local office's page to see if yours is one of them.

Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended evening or Saturday hours. Check before you go so you do not make a trip for nothing.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A DDS examiner will review your documents to make sure everything is in order. They will ask you questions to confirm your identity and verify the information on your process.

You will have a new photo taken at the office. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the same rules explore as for your original license photo. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, and the background will be plain.

Once your photo is taken and your documents are verified, you will pay the replacement fee. The examiner will tell you when to expect your new license in the mail. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid until your new card arrives.

How long it takes and what to do while you wait

Your new license is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid during this time, so you can drive legally while you wait. Keep it with you — it counts as your license until the card arrives.

If more than two weeks pass and you have not received your license, contact the DDS office where you applied. They can check the status of your order and tell you whether it has been mailed or if there is a delay.

If you are moving out of state or to a different address in Georgia before your license arrives, tell the DDS examiner before you leave the office. They can update your mailing address on file so your license goes to the right place.

Replacing a license that was lost, stolen, or damaged

The process is the same whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged — you still visit a DDS office and bring the documents listed above. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required. Having a report can be useful if someone tries to use your old license number fraudulently.

If your license was damaged (water-damaged, torn, faded, or the magnetic strip no longer works), bring the damaged license with you. The examiner will inspect it and may ask what happened. You do not need a police report for a damaged license.

If your license was lost and you cannot find it after searching, you can still replace it. Bring everything else on the list, and the examiner will process your replacement. There is no additional fee for a lost or stolen license — you pay the standard replacement fee.

Cost and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver's license replacement costs $32. DDS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have a minimum card purchase amount, so ask when you arrive if you are paying by card.

If you are replacing your license before it expires and you want to renew it at the same time (to extend the expiration date), the cost will be higher — you will pay both the replacement fee and a renewal fee. Ask the examiner whether this makes sense for your situation, or straightforward replace the license now and renew it when it expires.

If your name has changed

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, bring proof of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is what DDS needs to see. Bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

The examiner will review your name-change document and update your license to reflect your new name. There is no additional fee for a name change during a replacement. Your new license will be mailed with your new name on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Georgia requires you to appear in person at a DDS office to have a new photo taken and your documents verified. You cannot complete a replacement entirely online or by mail.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other official document that shows your Social Security number instead. The DDS office will accept any of these as proof of your number.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary paper license is valid until your new card arrives in the mail, which is usually 7 to 10 business days. If your card is delayed, contact the DDS office to check the status.

Do I need a police report if my license was stolen?

A police report is not required, but it is a good idea if you are concerned about fraud. Having a report on file can help if someone tries to use your old license number. You can file a report with your local police department and bring it to DDS, or replace the license without one.

What if my address has changed?

Tell the DDS examiner your new address during your visit. They will update it in the system so your new license is mailed to the correct location. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) to verify the change.