What you need to do to restore your license

To get your Georgia driver's license back after suspension, you must first find out why it was suspended — the steps differ depending on whether it was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another reason. Once you know the cause, you contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), pay any required fees or fines, complete any required programs (like a defensive driving course or DUI education program), and then request reinstatement. The entire process typically takes two to four weeks after you submit everything, though it can be faster if you handle it in person at a DDS office.

Georgia does not automatically restore your license when the suspension period ends — you have to request reinstatement yourself. If you do not request it, your license stays suspended even after the suspension term is over. The DDS will not contact you to remind you or walk you through the steps, so you need to take action.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services to find out the specific reason your license was suspended, because each reason has different reinstatement requirements.
  • You must pay a reinstatement fee (currently $210 for most suspensions) plus any outstanding fines or court costs related to the suspension.
  • Depending on the suspension reason, you may need to complete a defensive driving course, DUI education program, or provide proof of insurance before reinstatement.
  • Georgia does not automatically restore your license when the suspension ends — you must request reinstatement in writing, online, by phone, or in person at a DDS office.
  • After you submit your reinstatement request and all required documents, allow two to four weeks for processing before your license is restored.

Finding out why your license was suspended

Call the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 or visit their website at dds.georgia.gov to check your driving record. You can also visit a DDS office in person — there are locations in most Georgia counties. When you contact them, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The DDS representative will tell you the exact reason for the suspension and what you must do to get it lifted.

Common suspension reasons in Georgia include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, a DUI or drug-related conviction, failure to maintain car insurance, or failure to pay child support. Each reason has its own set of requirements before you can request reinstatement. Do not assume you know why your license was suspended — ask the DDS directly, because the steps you need to take depend entirely on the reason.

Paying the reinstatement fee and any outstanding fines

Georgia charges a $210 reinstatement fee for most suspensions. If your suspension was due to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid court costs, or child support arrears, you must pay those amounts in full before the DDS will process your reinstatement request. The DDS will tell you the exact total owed when you contact them.

You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card. If you pay by mail, send your payment to the Georgia Department of Driver Services at P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013, and include a note with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. If you pay online or by phone, the DDS website and phone line will give you those options when you contact them. Keep a receipt or confirmation number for your records.

If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the DDS to ask about payment plans. Not all suspension reasons allow payment plans, but some do — it depends on whether your suspension was for fines, points, or a conviction-related reason.

Completing required education or training programs

If your suspension was related to a DUI or drug conviction, you must complete a DUI education program before the DDS will reinstate your license. Georgia recognizes programs offered by approved providers throughout the state. The DDS website lists approved providers, or you can call 678-413-8400 to ask for a list. These programs typically cost between $300 and $500 and take one to three days to complete, depending on whether it is a one-day intensive course or a multi-week program.

If your suspension was due to accumulating too many points, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course. This course costs between $20 and $100 depending on the provider and whether you take it online or in person. Completing a defensive driving course also removes up to seven points from your driving record, which can help prevent future suspensions.

If your suspension was due to failure to maintain insurance, you must provide proof of current car insurance before reinstatement. Contact your insurance company and ask them to send proof of insurance directly to the DDS, or bring the proof yourself when you request reinstatement in person.

Requesting reinstatement through the DDS

Once you have paid all fees and fines and completed any required programs, you can request reinstatement. You have four options: online through the DDS website, by phone at 678-413-8400, by mail to the address listed above, or in person at any DDS office. The fastest method is usually in person, because a DDS representative can review your documents when ready and tell you if anything is missing.

If you request reinstatement by mail, include a letter stating your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason your license was suspended. Attach copies of your payment receipt, proof of completion of any required programs, and proof of insurance if applicable. Do not send original documents — send copies only, because the DDS will not return them.

If you request reinstatement online, log into your DDS account and follow the prompts. You will upload copies of your documents and pay the reinstatement fee online if you have not already paid it. If you request by phone, a representative will walk you through what documents you need to send and confirm your mailing address.

What happens after you request reinstatement

After the DDS receives your reinstatement request and all required documents, they will review everything to make sure it is complete. If something is missing, they will contact you by phone or mail and tell you what you need to send. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated and you will receive a new license in the mail within two to four weeks.

Your new license will have a new expiration date. If you requested reinstatement in person at a DDS office and all your documents were complete, you may be able to get a temporary license to drive when ready while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.

If the DDS denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documents, unpaid fines still outstanding, or failure to complete a required program. If your request is denied, contact the DDS to find out what additional steps you need to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a license suspension last in Georgia?

Suspension length depends on the reason. Point-based suspensions typically last 30 days for a first suspension, 60 days for a second, and one year for a third. DUI-related suspensions last at least one year. Suspensions for unpaid fines last until you pay. Contact the DDS to find out the specific suspension length for your case.

Can I drive with a suspended license if I have an emergency?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Georgia and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, contact the DDS about a hardship license, which may be available depending on your suspension reason.

What if I moved out of Georgia — do I still need to reinstate my Georgia license?

If you moved to another state, you should get a license from your new state. However, if you still own property in Georgia or plan to return, you may want to reinstate your Georgia license to avoid problems if you are pulled over while visiting. Contact the DDS to discuss your situation.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if the suspension was a mistake?

If you believe your suspension was issued in error, contact the DDS when ready with documentation supporting your claim. If the DDS agrees it was a mistake, they may waive the reinstatement fee. However, you will still need to pay any outstanding fines or court costs that led to the suspension.

What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines at once?

Call the DDS at 678-413-8400 and ask about payment plan options. Some suspension reasons allow installment payments, though not all do. If a payment plan is available, the DDS will work with you to set up a schedule. You may also contact the court that issued the fine to ask about payment plans directly.