Check your Georgia license status through the DDS website or by phone
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you look up your driver's license status online without visiting an office. You can check whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired by using the DDS License Status Inquiry tool on their website, or by calling their customer service line. The online tool is faster and available 24/7.
To use the online tool, you'll need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show you your current status when ready. If you prefer to call, DDS customer service can also provide this information, though wait times vary depending on the time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's DDS License Status Inquiry tool is available online at any time and requires only your license number and date of birth.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive; a revoked license requires you to reapply through DDS before you can drive again.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical disqualification.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the underlying issue before DDS will restore your driving privileges.
How to access the DDS License Status Inquiry tool
Visit the Georgia DDS website and locate the License Status Inquiry section. Enter your driver's license number and your date of birth in the fields provided. The system will return your status within seconds.
The online tool shows whether your license is currently valid, suspended, revoked, expired, or cancelled. It also displays your license expiration date if your license is active. This information is updated regularly as DDS processes suspensions and restorations.
If you cannot access the online tool or prefer not to use it, call DDS at 678-413-8400. Have your license number ready. Customer service representatives can look up your status and explain any restrictions or actions you need to take.
What different license statuses mean
A valid license means you are legally permitted to drive in Georgia. Your license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it.
A suspended license is temporary. You cannot drive while your license is suspended, but the suspension can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue—such as paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or resolving a child support matter. Suspension lengths vary depending on the reason.
A revoked license is more serious than a suspension. Revocation means DDS has cancelled your license, and you cannot drive legally until you reapply and meet all requirements to get a new license. Revocation typically results from serious violations like multiple DUIs or reckless driving convictions.
An expired license is no longer valid for driving. You must renew it through DDS before you can legally operate a vehicle. Georgia licenses are valid for eight years for most drivers.
Common reasons your Georgia license may be suspended
DDS suspends licenses for many reasons. Unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines are among the most common. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or appear in court, your license may be suspended.
Child support arrears also trigger suspension. If you owe back child support, the Georgia Department of Human Services can request that DDS suspend your license until you bring your account current.
Medical disqualification is another reason. If DDS determines you have a medical condition that makes you unsafe to drive, they may suspend your license pending a medical evaluation or clearance from your doctor.
Accumulating too many points on your driving record can also result in suspension. Georgia assigns points for traffic violations; if you reach a certain threshold within a set time period, DDS will suspend your license.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
First, contact DDS to find out the specific reason for the suspension or revocation. Call 678-413-8400 or visit a DDS office in person. The representative can tell you exactly what you must do to resolve the issue.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, you will need to pay the court or the entity that issued the fine. Once payment is confirmed, contact DDS or the court to request reinstatement. Some suspensions are lifted automatically once payment is received; others require you to file a formal reinstatement request.
If the suspension is due to child support arrears, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or your local child support enforcement office. You must bring your account current or arrange a payment plan. Once the agency confirms you are in compliance, they will notify DDS to lift the suspension.
If your license was revoked, you will need to reapply for a new license. This process is more involved than reinstatement and may require you to pass the written test, vision test, and driving test again, depending on the reason for revocation.
How long reinstatement takes
Reinstatement timelines vary. If you resolve the issue online or by mail, DDS typically processes reinstatement within 1 to 3 business days once they receive confirmation that the underlying problem has been solved.
If you must visit a DDS office in person, you may be able to have your license reinstated the same day, depending on the reason for suspension. However, some issues—such as medical disqualifications—require additional review and may take longer.
During the reinstatement process, your license remains suspended. You cannot legally drive until DDS confirms that your status has been changed back to valid. Check the DDS website again after a few days to confirm the reinstatement has been processed.
What information you need to check your status
To use the online License Status Inquiry tool, have your Georgia driver's license number and your date of birth ready. These two pieces of information are all you need.
If you do not have your license number handy, you can look it up on your physical license card or on any document that lists it, such as a traffic ticket or insurance card. If you have lost your license and do not know the number, call DDS and provide your name and date of birth; they can look up your number for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Georgia and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police while your license is suspended, you may face arrest and your vehicle may be impounded.
How do I know if my license is expired?
Check the expiration date on your physical license card. You can also use the DDS License Status Inquiry tool online—it will show your expiration date. Georgia licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. If your license has expired, you must renew it before you can legally drive.
What is the difference between suspension and revocation?
Suspension is temporary; once you resolve the underlying issue, your license is reinstated. Revocation is permanent cancellation of your license. You cannot drive with a revoked license and must reapply for a new license, which may require passing tests again.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The DDS License Status Inquiry tool is for checking your own license only. You cannot look up another person's status using this tool. If you need information about someone else's license for legal or employment reasons, contact DDS directly to discuss your options.
What if the website says my status is unknown?
If the tool cannot find your information, double-check that you entered your license number and date of birth correctly. If the information is correct and the system still cannot find your record, call DDS at 678-413-8400. There may be a delay in the system updating, or your license number may be listed differently than you expect.