You can replace a lost Georgia driver's license online through the DDS website, but only if your license is still valid and you meet a few conditions
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you order a replacement license online without visiting an office, as long as your current license hasn't expired and you haven't had it suspended or revoked. The process takes about 10 minutes on the DDS website, costs $32, and your new license arrives by mail in roughly 7 to 10 business days.
If your license has expired, been suspended, or you need it faster than mail delivery, you'll have to go to a DDS office in person. The same applies if you've changed your name, address, or other information since your license was issued — those changes require an office visit.
Key Takeaways
- Online replacement works only if your Georgia license is still valid and has not been suspended or revoked.
- The replacement fee is $32, paid by debit or credit card during the online process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at an office.
- If your license has expired or you need it sooner, you must visit a DDS office in person and pay a higher fee.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current Georgia license number to start the online order.
What you need before you start the online order
Have your current Georgia driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth ready. You'll also need a valid debit or credit card to pay the $32 replacement fee. The DDS website will ask you to confirm your identity using these details, so make sure the information matches what's on file with the state.
If you don't have your license number memorized, look it up on any documents that show it — an old insurance card, vehicle registration, or bank records sometimes list it. If you truly cannot find it, you'll need to call the DDS at 678-413-8400 to look it up before you can order online.
Steps to order your replacement license online
Go to the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov and look for the "Replace a License" or "Order a Replacement License" link on the homepage. Click it and select the option for a lost or stolen license. You'll be taken through a form that asks for your license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address.
Review the information carefully — any mismatch between what you enter and what DDS has on file will cause the order to fail. Once you've filled in all fields, you'll see a summary page. Check it again, then proceed to payment. Enter your debit or credit card details and confirm the $32 charge. You should receive an order confirmation number by email when ready after payment goes through.
Save that confirmation number. You'll need it if you have questions about your order or if the license doesn't arrive within 10 business days. DDS does not send a tracking number for mail delivery, so you cannot check the status of your package after it ships.
When you cannot use the online process
If your Georgia license has expired, the online replacement option will not work — you must visit a DDS office in person. The same rule applies if your license has been suspended or revoked for any reason, including unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or a medical suspension.
You also cannot order online if you've changed your name since your license was issued, even if you have legal documents proving the change. Name changes require an office visit and a certified copy of the document that authorized the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your address has changed, you can update it online when you order the replacement, but if the address on file is significantly different from what you enter, DDS may flag the order and ask you to visit an office instead.
What to do if you need your license faster than mail delivery
Visit a DDS office in person and request an expedited replacement. You can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within 3 to 5 business days. The expedited fee is higher than the online fee — check the current price on the DDS website, as it changes periodically.
To find a DDS office near you, use the office locator on dds.georgia.gov. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require an appointment. Book online or call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, a photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address like a utility bill or lease.
What happens if your replacement license doesn't arrive
Wait at least 10 business days from the date you placed your order before contacting DDS. Mail delivery times vary, and licenses sometimes take the full 10 days or slightly longer. If 10 business days have passed and you haven't received it, call the DDS at 678-413-8400 with your confirmation number ready. They can check whether the license was mailed and, if it was, provide the mailing date so you know how much longer to wait.
If DDS confirms the license was mailed more than 10 business days ago and you still haven't received it, they can issue a replacement. You may have to pay another fee, depending on DDS policy at that time. If you believe the license was lost in the mail, ask DDS whether they can issue a temporary paper license while they investigate.
Replacing a license that was stolen versus lost
Georgia treats lost and stolen licenses the same way for online replacement — you use the same process either way. However, if your license was stolen as part of a larger theft (wallet, purse, or vehicle break-in), consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name using your license number and other personal information.
You can place a fraud alert for free by calling any one of the three bureaus; they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and can be renewed. If you believe your identity has already been compromised, you may want to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov, which creates an official record you can use if fraudulent accounts appear later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the online process if my license expired more than a year ago?
No. The online replacement option only works for valid, unexpired licenses. If your license has been expired for any length of time, you must visit a DDS office in person. You'll need to renew your license, which involves a vision test and may require a new photo, depending on how long it's been expired.
Will I get the same license number on my replacement?
Yes. A replacement for a lost or stolen license keeps your existing license number. The number does not change unless you renew your license (which happens every 8 years in Georgia) or you request a new number for privacy reasons, which requires an office visit.
What if the address on my replacement license is wrong?
If you notice an error after the license arrives, visit a DDS office to correct it. Bring your new license and proof of your correct address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The correction is usually free if the error was DDS's mistake, but you may pay a small fee if you need to update your address for other reasons.
Can someone else order a replacement license for me online?
No. Only you can order a replacement using your own Social Security number and license number. DDS does not allow third parties to place orders on someone else's behalf, even with permission. If you're unable to order online yourself, you'll need to visit a DDS office in person or call 678-413-8400 to discuss other options.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
You don't have to, but you may want to if you believe it was stolen or if you're concerned about identity theft. A police report creates an official record and can help if someone tries to use your license fraudulently. However, ordering a replacement license does not require a police report.