Getting a replacement license in Georgia when yours is lost

If your Georgia driver's license is lost, you can replace it through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You'll need to visit a DDS office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, and you'll receive a temporary paper license that day while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Georgia does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online, so a visit to a DDS office is required. The fee for a replacement license is $32 for a standard four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You can choose which term you want when you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with proof of identity and proof of your current Georgia address to get a replacement license.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, payable at the time of process.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and you do not need an appointment at most locations.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Georgia. For identity, DDS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a state ID from another state, or a passport card. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current address on it. The residency document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If your name has changed since your lost license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or court order—bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your new license will be issued under your current legal name, which may not match your lost license.

Finding a DDS office and what to expect

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. Most offices do not require an appointment; you walk in during business hours and take a number. Wait times vary by location and time of day, but typically range from 15 minutes to an hour during mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays.

When you reach the counter, tell the clerk you need a replacement license due to loss. They will verify your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to confirm your address and other information on the process. You will sign the process and pay the fee. The clerk will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed.

Your temporary license and when your new card arrives

The temporary paper license you receive at the DDS office is a valid form of identification and can be used to drive when ready. It is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DDS office where you applied.

Do not discard the temporary license until your plastic card arrives. If your plastic card is lost or damaged in the mail, you will need to return to a DDS office and pay another replacement fee. Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.

If you need to drive before you can visit an office

Georgia does not issue temporary licenses by phone or online. If you need to drive before you can reach a DDS office, you have limited options. You can ask a family member or friend to drive you, or you can use a rideshare service. If you are stopped by police without a valid license, you can show the officer your temporary paper license once you receive it from DDS, but you cannot drive legally without one.

Some employers and schools may accept a police report of a lost license as temporary proof of identity while you wait to visit DDS, but this varies. Contact your employer or school directly to ask what they will accept.

What happens if your replacement license is lost again

If your new replacement license is lost or stolen before it arrives, contact the DDS office where you applied and report the loss. You will need to pay another $32 or $64 replacement fee and visit an office again to have a new photo taken. There is no limit to how many times you can replace a lost license, but each replacement costs the full fee.

If you want to reduce the chance of losing your license again, consider keeping it in a dedicated card holder in your wallet or purse, separate from cash and other cards. Some people photograph their license and store the image securely on their phone as a backup record of their license number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report my license lost to the police and get a replacement without visiting DDS?

No. A police report documents the loss but does not replace your license. You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with proof of identity and residency to receive a replacement. A police report can be useful if you suspect your license was stolen and want a record of that, but it is not required to get a replacement.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still must visit a Georgia DDS office to replace it. If you are traveling and cannot return to Georgia when ready, you can wait until you return home. In the meantime, carry your passport or another form of ID. If you are stopped by police, explain that your Georgia license is lost and show your other ID.

Do I have to pay the full replacement fee if my license was stolen?

Yes. Georgia charges the same replacement fee whether your license was lost or stolen. There is no reduced fee or waiver for theft. If you want a record of the theft for insurance purposes, you can file a police report, but this does not change the replacement fee.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent plastic card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary license expires and is no longer valid for driving.

What if my address has changed since I got my lost license?

When you explore for a replacement, tell the DDS clerk your current address. Your new license will be mailed to your current address on file. Make sure the address you provide is correct, because the license will be sent there. If you move after explore but before the card arrives, contact DDS to update your address.