Where to check your Georgia license status

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you check your license status through their online portal without visiting an office. Go to mvd.georgia.gov and select "License Status Inquiry" from the main menu. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to look up your record.

The system shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. It also displays any restrictions or endorsements on your license — like commercial driving privileges or motorcycle authorization. The check takes seconds and works 24 hours a day.

If you cannot access the online system or need to speak with someone, you can call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. They can tell you your status over the phone, though wait times vary depending on call volume.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's online license status tool at mvd.georgia.gov shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired in real time.
  • You need your driver's license number and date of birth to check your status online.
  • A suspended license means you cannot legally drive but the suspension can be lifted; a revoked license requires you to retest and reapply.
  • If your license shows suspended or revoked, the DDS website lists the reason and what steps you need to take to restore it.
  • You can also call 678-413-8400 during business hours if you prefer to check by phone.

What each license status means

Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. The status page shows your expiration date so you know when to renew.

Expired means your license passed its expiration date. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if it is only a few days past the date. You must renew it before you drive again. Georgia allows online renewal for most drivers up to 24 months after expiration.

Suspended means your driving privilege has been temporarily taken away. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to DDS, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A suspension can be lifted once you address the underlying reason — paying the fine, resolving the child support issue, or completing a required course.

Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled by the state. Revocation usually follows serious violations like DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or multiple suspensions. You cannot straightforward wait out a revocation. You must go through a formal reinstatement process, which typically includes paying a reinstatement fee, passing a written test, and sometimes a driving test.

Why your license might be suspended or revoked

Georgia suspends licenses for several reasons that you can often fix. Unpaid traffic citations are the most common cause — if you do not pay a fine or appear in court, DDS suspends your license automatically. Child support arrears trigger suspension through the state's Family Support Registry. Accumulating 15 points within 24 months from traffic violations also results in suspension. Medical conditions reported to DDS, such as seizures or loss of consciousness, can lead to suspension until you provide medical clearance.

Revocation is more serious and usually permanent unless you complete reinstatement. DDS revokes licenses after a DUI or DWI conviction, after being declared a habitual traffic offender (typically three serious violations within five years), or after multiple suspensions that you did not resolve. Some revocations are mandatory; others are discretionary based on the severity of your driving record.

The online status check tells you the reason for suspension or revocation. If the reason is not clear, call DDS at 678-413-8400 and they can explain what happened and what you need to do next.

Steps to restore a suspended license

First, find out why your license was suspended by checking the online status tool or calling DDS. The reason determines what you do next.

If the suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, contact the court that issued the ticket. You can pay the fine directly to the court, and once the court notifies DDS that payment was received, your suspension lifts. This usually takes a few business days.

If child support is the reason, contact the Georgia Division of Family Support Services or your local child support enforcement office. Once you bring your account current or set up a payment plan, they notify DDS and your suspension is removed.

If you accumulated too many points, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course. Georgia recognizes courses approved by the DDS. Once you complete the course, submit proof to DDS and your suspension can be lifted.

For medical suspensions, you need a letter from your doctor stating that the condition no longer affects your ability to drive safely. Submit this to DDS along with any required medical forms, and they will review it.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license is a crime in Georgia. A first offense is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail. Your vehicle can be impounded, and you will face additional court costs. A second offense within five years carries harsher penalties.

Beyond legal consequences, driving suspended puts you at risk if you are in an accident. Your insurance will not cover damages, and you become personally liable for all costs. You also cannot legally register your vehicle, so you cannot legally own a car while suspended.

Renewing an expired Georgia license

If your status check shows your license is expired, you can renew online through the DDS website if fewer than 24 months have passed since expiration and you meet other requirements. The online renewal costs $32 and takes about two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail.

If your license expired more than 24 months ago, you must renew in person at a DDS office. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you can get a temporary license to drive while you wait for your permanent one.

Georgia licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew up to one year before expiration, so checking your status regularly helps you avoid an expired license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to restore a suspended license?

It depends on the reason. If you pay an outstanding fine, the court notifies DDS within a few business days and your suspension lifts when ready. Child support cases may take one to two weeks. Defensive driving courses can be completed in a day, but DDS processing adds another few days. Medical clearances vary based on how quickly your doctor responds.

Can I get a hardship license while mine is suspended?

Georgia does not issue hardship licenses. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, resolving the underlying issue removes the suspension quickly. If your suspension is medical, you can request a hearing with DDS to argue for conditional driving privileges while you address the medical issue.

What if the online status tool says my license is valid but I was told it is suspended?

The online system updates when DDS receives notification from courts or child support agencies, which can take several business days. If you were recently cited or had a child support issue reported, the system may not reflect it yet. Call DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm your actual status.

Do I need to renew my license in person or can I do it online?

If your license is not expired or expired fewer than 24 months ago, you can renew online for $32. If it expired more than 24 months ago, you must go to a DDS office in person with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.