How to check your Georgia driver's license status online
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you check your license status through their online portal without visiting an office. Go to dds.georgia.gov, select "License Lookup," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will show whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
The lookup tool runs 24/7 and gives you results when ready. You'll see your license class, any restrictions (like corrective lenses), and whether you have any holds or suspensions on your record. If the system shows a problem with your license, it will tell you the reason — for example, unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical suspension.
If you can't access the online tool or need more detail than the lookup provides, you can call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. Have your license number and Social Security number ready. Wait times vary, but calling early in the morning usually means shorter holds.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS online license lookup at dds.georgia.gov shows your license status when ready using your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
- A suspended or revoked license will display the specific reason — such as unpaid fines, child support arrears, or a medical hold — so you know what to fix.
- You can also call DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400 during business hours if you need to speak with someone or have questions about your status.
- If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Georgia or most other states until the suspension is lifted and you complete any required steps.
What different license statuses mean
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. The status will show 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 expired yesterday. You must renew before you drive again. Georgia allows online renewal for most drivers; visit dds.georgia.gov to check whether you're may be able to access.
Suspended means your driving privilege is temporarily taken away. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, medical conditions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A suspension can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue — paying fines, clearing the child support debt, or completing a medical review. The DDS lookup will tell you the reason and sometimes what you need to do to restore your license.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled, usually for serious violations like multiple DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or habitual traffic offender status. Revocation is more severe than suspension. You may be able to petition for reinstatement after a waiting period, but the process is longer and requires meeting specific conditions set by DDS.
Why your Georgia license might be suspended or revoked
Traffic violations and unpaid fines are the most common reason for suspension. If you receive a ticket and don't pay the fine or fail to appear in court, DDS will suspend your license. Paying the fine or resolving the ticket usually restores your license within a few business days.
Child support arrears trigger suspensions through an automatic process. If you fall behind on court-ordered child support payments, the child support enforcement agency notifies DDS, which suspends your license. You must bring your child support account current to have the suspension lifted.
Medical suspensions happen when DDS receives a report from a doctor, hospital, or law enforcement that you may have a condition affecting your ability to drive safely. You'll need to complete a medical evaluation and submit it to DDS before your license can be restored.
Accumulating too many points from traffic violations within a certain time period also causes suspension. Georgia uses a point system: minor violations add 2 to 3 points, and serious ones add more. Reaching 15 points in 24 months, 22 points in 36 months, or 24 points in 60 months triggers a suspension. Completing a defensive driving course can remove up to 7 points.
DUI or drug-related convictions lead to automatic suspension or revocation depending on whether it's your first offense and the circumstances. A first DUI typically results in a suspension; multiple DUIs or refusal to take a breath test can result in revocation.
Steps to restore a suspended license
First, find out exactly why your license is suspended by using the online lookup tool or calling DDS. The reason determines what you must do next.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or tickets, contact the court that issued the ticket and pay the fine in full. Once the court processes the payment, they notify DDS, and your suspension is usually lifted within 3 to 5 business days. You can pay many Georgia traffic fines online through the court's website.
If child support is the reason, contact your local child support enforcement office or the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. Bring your account current or set up a payment plan. Once the agency confirms the arrears are resolved, DDS will lift the suspension.
For medical suspensions, schedule an appointment with your doctor to complete the medical evaluation form required by DDS. Submit the completed form to DDS along with any other documentation they request. DDS will review it and notify you whether your license can be restored.
If your license was suspended for accumulating too many points, you can take a defensive driving course approved by Georgia. Completing the course removes up to 7 points from your record. You can also wait for points to age off — points drop off your record after a certain time period depending on the violation type.
For DUI-related suspensions, you may need to complete a DUI education program, install an ignition interlock device, or meet other court-ordered requirements before DDS will restore your license. Your court paperwork will specify what's required.
Renewing an expired Georgia license
If your license is straightforward expired and not suspended or revoked, you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Online renewal is the fastest option and works if you meet these conditions: your license expired within the last five years, you have no medical suspensions, and you're not changing your name or address.
To renew online, visit dds.georgia.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the steps. You'll need your license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The fee is typically around $32 for a five-year license, though the exact amount varies. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you can't renew online, you can renew by mail by downloading the process from dds.georgia.gov, completing it, and mailing it with your payment and a copy of your current license. Processing takes longer by mail — usually 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at a DDS office is fastest if you need your license when ready. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Most offices can issue a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 days.
What to do if the lookup tool shows an error
If the online tool says your license status is incorrect — for example, it shows suspended when you believe you've resolved the issue — call DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400. Have your license number and Social Security number ready. Explain what you've done to resolve the suspension (paid fines, cleared child support, completed a medical evaluation) and ask them to verify your status.
Sometimes there's a delay between when you resolve an issue and when DDS updates their system. If you paid a fine last week, for example, the court may not have notified DDS yet. DDS can tell you how long the update typically takes and whether you can drive while the system catches up. In most cases, you should wait for the system to show your license as valid before driving.
If you believe there's an error on your record — for example, a suspension that shouldn't be there — ask DDS for the details in writing. You may need to contact the agency that reported the suspension (the court, child support office, or medical reviewer) to correct the record at the source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while 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're stopped by police, you can be arrested. If your license is suspended, you must wait until it's restored before driving.
How long does it take to restore a suspended license?
It depends on the reason for suspension. If you pay an outstanding fine, DDS usually updates your status within 3 to 5 business days. Child support resolutions may take 1 to 2 weeks. Medical evaluations can take several weeks depending on your doctor's schedule and DDS's review time. Call DDS to ask about the timeline for your specific situation.
What if I lost my license number?
You can still look up your status by calling DDS at 678-413-8400. Have your date of birth and Social Security number ready. They can pull up your record and tell you your license number and current status. You can also visit a DDS office in person with a photo ID to request this information.
Does Georgia recognize licenses from other states while mine is suspended?
No. A Georgia suspension applies only to your Georgia license, but most other states will honor Georgia's suspension through the Interstate Compact agreement. You cannot legally drive in most states while your Georgia license is suspended. Some states may issue you a temporary license, but you should not assume this — contact the other state's DMV to be certain.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The DDS lookup tool requires personal information (license number, date of birth, Social Security number) and is designed for individuals to check their own status. You cannot look up another person's license status online. If you need to verify someone's driving record for employment or insurance purposes, you must go through the official records request process at DDS.