What you need to do to get your Georgia license back
To reinstate a suspended Georgia driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific steps tied to that reason. Georgia suspends licenses for different violations — unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions, or DUI convictions — and each has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back; you have to resolve the underlying issue first.
Start by checking your suspension status with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You can call 678-413-8400 or visit the DDS website to look up your record. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The DDS will tell you the reason for suspension and what you must do to clear it.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia suspends licenses for different reasons — traffic violations, court failures, unpaid child support, or DUI — and each requires a different fix before reinstatement.
- Contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services at 678-413-8400 or online to find out exactly why your license was suspended.
- You must resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, appear in court, complete DUI school, get medical clearance) before you can reinstate your license.
- Once the issue is resolved, you pay the reinstatement fee to DDS and may need to pass a written or road test depending on how long your license was suspended.
Suspension reasons and what each one requires
Traffic violations and unpaid fines: If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic tickets or court fines, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the court that issued the ticket (the citation will show which court) or call the Georgia DDS to find out the exact amount. Once you pay, the court or DDS will notify you that the suspension is cleared, though processing can take a few business days.
Failure to appear in court: If you missed a court date, you must go back to that same court, explain your absence, and resolve the underlying ticket or charge. The judge may impose additional penalties, but once the case is resolved, the suspension lifts. Call the court clerk to schedule an appearance or ask if you can resolve it by phone or mail.
DUI or DWI conviction: A DUI suspension in Georgia requires completion of a DUI Risk Reduction Program (also called DUI school). You must enroll in a program approved by the Georgia DDS, complete the course, and provide proof of completion to DDS. You will also pay a reinstatement fee. If your suspension was for a second or subsequent DUI within ten years, you may face a longer suspension period and additional requirements like an ignition interlock device.
Child support arrears: If the Georgia Department of Human Services suspended your license for unpaid child support, you must contact your local child support enforcement office or the obligor services unit. You will need to either pay the full amount owed, set up a payment plan, or show proof that you are current on payments. Once child support is resolved, DHS will notify DDS to lift the suspension.
Medical suspension: If DDS suspended your license due to a medical condition reported by a doctor or law enforcement, you must obtain medical clearance from your physician. Your doctor will need to complete a form stating you are safe to drive. Submit this form to DDS, and they will review it before reinstating your license.
Steps to reinstate after resolving the issue
Once you have resolved the reason for suspension — paid fines, completed DUI school, appeared in court, or obtained medical clearance — contact the Georgia DDS to confirm the suspension is cleared. You can do this by phone at 678-413-8400 or by visiting a DDS office in person.
Pay the reinstatement fee. As of the most recent update, Georgia charges a reinstatement fee, though the exact amount varies depending on the reason for suspension. The DDS will tell you the fee amount when you call or visit. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card at a DDS office or by mail.
Depending on how long your license was suspended, you may need to pass a written test, vision test, or road test before your license is fully restored. If your suspension lasted less than one year and you have no other violations, you may only need to pay the fee. If it lasted longer or you have a pattern of violations, DDS may require a test. Ask when you call or visit.
Once DDS processes your reinstatement and you pass any required tests, you will receive your reinstated license by mail or can pick it up at a DDS office. Keep proof of reinstatement in case you are stopped by law enforcement before the new license arrives.
Where to go and what to bring
You can handle reinstatement in three ways: by phone, online, or in person at a DDS office.
By phone: Call 678-413-8400 during business hours. Have your driver's license number, Social Security number, and proof that you have resolved the suspension issue (receipt of payment, court document, DUI school certificate, or medical clearance form). DDS can tell you the fee and may be able to process payment over the phone.
Online: Visit the Georgia DDS website to check your suspension status. Some reinstatement requests can be started online, though you may still need to mail in documents or visit an office to complete the process.
In person: Visit a DDS office with your ID, proof of resolution, and payment. Bring the original documents or certified copies — a receipt showing paid fines, a court order, a DUI school completion certificate, or a medical clearance form. DDS offices are located throughout Georgia; find the nearest one on the DDS website.
How long reinstatement takes
Processing time depends on the method and the reason for suspension. If you resolve the issue and pay the fee in person at a DDS office, you may walk out with a temporary license the same day. A permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
If you pay by mail or phone, allow five to ten business days for DDS to process the payment and clear the suspension. If you need to pass a written or road test, schedule that appointment after the suspension is cleared; tests are usually available within a few days to a week depending on your location.
For DUI suspensions, the timeline is longer because you must first enroll in and complete DUI school, which can take several weeks. Only after you submit proof of completion does the reinstatement clock start.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving on a suspended license in Georgia is a crime. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A second offense within five years carries harsher penalties. You can also be charged with driving with a suspended license even if you were not stopped for another violation — if law enforcement runs your name and discovers the suspension, you can be arrested.
If you are stopped and your license is suspended, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face additional towing and storage fees. Your insurance may also drop you or charge much higher rates once they learn of the suspension and any arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended?
No. Georgia does not issue restricted or work-only licenses for most suspensions. You cannot legally drive for any reason while your license is suspended, even to a job or medical appointment. Your only option is to use public transportation, carpool, or ride-sharing services until your license is reinstated.
What if I cannot afford to pay the fine or reinstatement fee?
Contact the court that issued the ticket or the Georgia DDS to ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments over several months. Some DDS offices may also work with you on the reinstatement fee. Explain your situation to the clerk or DDS representative; they can tell you what options are available in your case.
Do I have to retake the written driving test to get my license back?
Not always. If your suspension was short (under one year) and you have no other violations, you may only need to pay the reinstatement fee. If your suspension was longer or you have a history of violations, DDS will require you to pass a written test, vision test, or road test. Call DDS to find out what applies to you.
How do I know if my suspension has been lifted?
Call the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 and provide your driver's license number or Social Security number. They will tell you whether the suspension is still active or has been cleared. You can also check your status online through the DDS website if you have an account set up.
What if I was suspended for a reason I think is wrong?
If you believe your suspension was issued in error, contact the Georgia DDS or the agency that reported the suspension (the court, child support office, or medical board). Ask for an explanation in writing and request a hearing if you disagree. You have the right to contest a suspension, but you must do so through the proper agency, not by driving on a suspended license.