Get a replacement license from the Georgia Department of Driver Services

To replace a lost Georgia driver's license, you will visit a local DDS office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though some offices accept appointments online to reduce wait time.

Georgia does not mail replacement licenses. You leave the office with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the plastic card is produced and mailed to your address on file. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.

If your address has changed since your last license, you will need to update it during this visit. If your name has changed, you will need to bring documentation of that change as well.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with proof of identity and residency; there is no online or mail-in replacement option.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a government-issued ID if you have one.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your address or name has changed, bring documentation of the change and update it during your replacement visit.

What documents to bring to the DDS office

Bring your Social Security number (you can write it down or have it memorized). You will also need proof of residency — a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and Georgia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you have another form of government-issued photo ID, bring it. This could be a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have one, you can still get a replacement, but the process may take longer because the DDS officer will need to verify your identity through other means.

If your name or address has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves it. For a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, the proof of residency document itself serves as your new address.

Find the DDS office nearest you and check hours

The Georgia Department of Driver Services operates about 60 local offices across the state. You can find the office closest to you and check its hours on the official DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Search by city or county, and the site will show you the address, phone number, and current hours of operation.

Some offices are busier than others. Offices in urban areas often have longer waits, especially on Fridays and early in the month. If you have flexibility, visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning typically means a shorter wait. Call ahead if you want to know the current wait time before you go.

A few DDS offices offer online appointment scheduling. Check the office page to see if yours does. If it does, you can reserve a time slot and skip the walk-in line. If your office does not offer appointments, you straightforward arrive during business hours and take a number.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and take a number. A DDS officer will call your number and ask you to sit at their station. They will verify your identity using the documents you brought, ask you to confirm your address, and take a new photo for your license.

The officer will also ask whether you want to renew any endorsements on your license — such as a motorcycle endorsement or commercial driver's license status. If you have endorsements and want to keep them, tell the officer. If you do not remember what endorsements you have, the officer can look up your previous license record.

You will then pay the $32 replacement fee by card or cash. The officer will print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used anywhere a regular license is accepted — to drive, to board a plane, or to show as ID. Keep it in a safe place until your permanent license arrives.

When your permanent license arrives in the mail

The plastic license card is produced at a central facility and mailed to the address on your license. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of your visit. If you do not receive it within 14 days, call the DDS office where you applied and give them your license number (printed on your temporary paper license).

Once the permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it as a record. You can now use your new plastic license for all purposes.

If you move before the license arrives, you do not need to do anything. The license will be forwarded to your new address if you have filed a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service. If you have not filed a postal change of address, contact the DDS office and provide your new address so they can update their mailing records.

If you need a license before the mail arrives

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works for driving and identification. If you need to fly or cross a state border before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license will not work for those purposes — you will need a passport or other federal ID.

If you need the permanent license faster, there is no expedited mail option through DDS. However, you can contact the DDS office by phone and ask whether they have received your permanent license at their facility. If it has arrived but not yet mailed, some offices will hold it for you to pick up in person rather than waiting for postal delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Georgia requires you to visit a DDS office in person to replace a lost license. You cannot complete the process online, by phone, or by mail. You must bring proof of identity and residency and have a new photo taken.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You will need to bring one of the accepted documents: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, contact the DDS office before you visit — they can tell you what other documents they will accept in your situation.

Do I need an appointment?

Most DDS offices accept walk-ins without an appointment. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which you can check on the DDS website for your local office. Appointments reduce wait time but are not required.

What if my name or address is different from my old license?

Bring documentation of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change, or a current utility bill or lease for an address change. The DDS officer will update your record during your visit and print your new license with the correct information.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must visit the DDS office yourself to explore for a replacement license. Only you can authorize a new license with your photo and signature. However, once the permanent license arrives in the mail, anyone can retrieve it from your mailbox.