Where to get a replacement Georgia driver's license

You can replace your Georgia driver's license at any Department of Driver Services (DDS) office across the state. Georgia has about 60 DDS locations, including offices in most county seats and major cities. You can also renew or replace your license online through the Georgia DDS website if you meet certain conditions — mainly that your license is not suspended or revoked, and you're not changing your address or name.

If you're replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, you'll need to visit a DDS office in person. Online replacement is only available for standard renewals when nothing on your license has changed. Walk-in service is available at all DDS offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Georgia DDS office in person to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license; online replacement only works for standard renewals with no address or name changes.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment — the replacement fee is $32 for a standard license.
  • Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until you resolve the underlying issue with DDS or the court.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number and at least one form of proof of residency. Acceptable proof includes a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and Georgia address. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

You'll also need to bring a valid form of identification if your license was lost or stolen — a passport, military ID, or state ID from another state works. If you're replacing a damaged license and still have it, bring it with you. Bring payment: the replacement fee is $32 for a standard five-year license or $64 for an eight-year Real ID-compliant license. DDS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

What happens at the DDS office

When you arrive, you'll check in and wait to be called. A DDS employee will verify your identity, check your driving record, and confirm that your license is not suspended or revoked. They'll take a new photo and ask you to sign the digital license process. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Before you leave, ask the employee for a temporary paper license. This is a printed document that shows you've applied for a replacement and is valid for 45 days while your new license is being mailed. You can drive legally with this temporary license, so you won't be without a valid ID while waiting for your replacement to arrive.

How long replacement takes and what to expect

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times can vary depending on where you live in Georgia, so allow up to two weeks to be safe. The license will come to the address you provided at the DDS office, so make sure you gave them your correct mailing address.

If you don't receive your license within two weeks, contact the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. Have your Social Security number and the date you applied ready. They can check the status of your replacement and reissue it if there was a problem with the original mailing.

Replacing a license if it's suspended or revoked

If your Georgia license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions usually result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain insurance. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points.

Contact DDS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to resolve it. This might mean paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can explore for a replacement license at any DDS office.

Online replacement for renewals only

If your license is expiring soon and nothing has changed — your name, address, and driving record are all the same — you can renew online at the Georgia DDS website. You cannot use online renewal if you're replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, or if you've moved or changed your name. Online renewal costs $32 and takes about 10 minutes.

Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license by email that you can print and use while you wait. Online renewal is available 24 hours a day and you don't have to visit an office, which makes it faster if you're straightforward renewing an expiring license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

No. Georgia does not issue licenses on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the DDS office that day, which is valid for 45 days. Your permanent replacement arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, the temporary license is your legal ID.

What if I moved and need to update my address on my license?

You must visit a DDS office in person to change your address. Bring proof of your new Georgia address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and your current license or ID. The fee is $32. You cannot change your address online.

Do I need a Real ID to replace my license in Georgia?

No, but you have the option. A standard Georgia license costs $32 for five years. A Real ID-compliant license costs $64 for eight years and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 2025. You can choose which type when you explore at the DDS office.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Visit a DDS office with your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $32. You cannot change your name online; you must explore in person.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to the address you provided at the DDS office. You cannot have it sent elsewhere or picked up by another person. Make sure you give the DDS office your correct mailing address when you explore.