Check your Georgia license status online or by phone
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you look up your license status through their website or by calling their customer service line. You can find out whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired without visiting an office in person.
The fastest method is the online status checker at the DDS website (dds.georgia.gov). You'll need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system shows your current status when ready. If you prefer to speak with someone, call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours.
Your status matters because driving on a suspended or revoked license carries criminal penalties in Georgia, including fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Knowing your actual status prevents accidental violations.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's online status checker at dds.georgia.gov shows your license status in seconds using your license number and date of birth.
- A suspended license is temporary and can often be cleared by paying fines or completing required actions, while a revoked license requires reapplying through DDS.
- Driving on a suspended or revoked Georgia license is a crime that can result in jail time, additional fines, and a longer suspension period.
- If your status shows a problem, the DDS website lists the specific reason and the steps needed to restore your driving privileges.
Why your license might be suspended or revoked
Georgia suspends licenses for specific violations that you can usually fix. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A suspension is meant to be temporary—once you resolve the underlying issue, you can restore your license.
Revocation is more serious and permanent. Georgia revokes licenses for DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status (multiple serious violations within a set time), or certain criminal convictions. A revoked license cannot be restored; you must reapply to DDS and meet their requirements, which may include a waiting period, retesting, or proof of completion of a DUI program.
The DDS status page tells you which category applies to you and what caused it. This information is essential because the steps to fix a suspension differ completely from the steps to restore a revoked license.
How to restore a suspended license in Georgia
The process depends on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay the outstanding balance to the court that issued the ticket. If it was suspended for failure to maintain insurance, you need to provide proof of current coverage to DDS. If it was suspended for unpaid child support, the Georgia Department of Human Services must notify DDS that the arrearage has been paid or a payment plan is in place.
Once you've resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement through DDS. Some suspensions lift automatically once the problem is fixed and DDS receives notification (this can take several business days). Others require you to submit a formal reinstatement request. Check the DDS website or call 678-413-8400 to confirm what step you need to take for your specific suspension reason.
You do not need to retake the written or road test to restore a suspended license unless DDS specifically requires it. Most suspensions are cleared by fixing the original problem and paying any reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the suspension type.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revoked license requires reapplication to DDS, not just reinstatement. You must wait out any mandatory waiting period (for DUI revocations, this is typically one year for a first offense), complete any required programs, and pass the written and road tests again. Some revocations also require an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
The DDS website lists the specific requirements for your revocation reason. If your license was revoked for DUI, you'll need proof of completion of a DUI Risk Reduction Program. If it was revoked for habitual traffic offender status, you may need to demonstrate safe driving habits or complete a defensive driving course.
Contact DDS directly at 678-413-8400 or visit a local DDS office to get the exact checklist for your situation. Attempting to drive on a revoked license is a criminal offense in Georgia, so it's important to understand the full restoration process before getting behind the wheel.
Checking your driving record and violation history
Your license status is separate from your driving record, which shows all traffic violations, accidents, and convictions on your history. You can order a copy of your Georgia driving record from DDS for a fee. This record is what insurers and employers see, and it affects your insurance rates and some job opportunities.
Points accumulate on your record based on violations. Georgia uses a point system where serious violations (like reckless driving) add more points than minor ones (like speeding). If you accumulate 15 points within 24 months, your license becomes subject to suspension. Checking your record helps you understand how close you are to this threshold.
You can order your record online at dds.georgia.gov or by mail. The online version is faster and costs less than a mailed copy. Some violations fall off your record after a set period (typically three to seven years depending on the violation type), so an older record may not reflect your current point total.
Georgia license status for out-of-state drivers
If you hold a Georgia license but moved out of state, your Georgia license remains valid until its expiration date unless it has been suspended or revoked. You can still check its status using the online tool or by phone. However, once you establish residency in another state, you should obtain that state's license; driving on an out-of-state license after establishing residency can create legal problems.
If you're an out-of-state driver with a Georgia license suspension or revocation on your record, that status may follow you. Many states share suspension and revocation information through the National Driver Register. You should resolve any Georgia license issues before moving or obtaining a license in another state.
What happens if you drive on a suspended or revoked license
Driving on a suspended license in Georgia is a misdemeanor. First offense penalties include a fine of $200 to $500 and up to 12 months in jail. Your license suspension extends by an additional six months. A second offense within five years increases the fine to $500 to $1,000 and jail time up to 12 months, with another six-month suspension extension.
Driving on a revoked license is a felony in Georgia. Conviction carries a fine of $1,000 to $5,000 and one to five years in prison. You will also face a lengthy additional suspension or revocation period. These penalties explore even if you were not involved in an accident or other incident—straightforward being stopped while your license is suspended or revoked triggers the charges.
If you're unsure of your status, check it before driving. The online tool takes less than a minute and prevents serious legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to restore a suspended Georgia license?
It depends on the reason for suspension. If you pay fines or provide proof of insurance when ready, some suspensions lift within one to three business days. Others may take longer if DDS must wait for notification from another agency (like the court or child support office). Call 678-413-8400 to ask about your specific timeline.
Can I get a hardship license while my Georgia license is suspended?
Georgia offers a limited permit for certain suspension reasons, allowing you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. You must request this through DDS and meet specific criteria. Not all suspension reasons may have access to, so contact DDS to learn about you're may be able to access.
What if the online status checker says my license is suspended but I don't know why?
Call DDS at 678-413-8400 and have your license number ready. A representative can tell you the exact reason and what you need to do to fix it. You can also visit a local DDS office in person with your license and proof of identity.
Do I have to pay a fee to restore my Georgia license?
Most suspensions require a reinstatement fee in addition to resolving the underlying issue (paying fines, providing insurance proof, etc.). The fee amount varies by suspension type and ranges from $50 to $210. DDS will tell you the total cost when you contact them about your specific suspension.
Can I check someone else's license status in Georgia?
No. The online status checker requires the license holder's license number and date of birth for privacy reasons. Only the license holder or their attorney can check the status. If you need information about another driver's record for legal reasons, you may need to go through the court system.