Check your Georgia driver's license status online or by phone
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you look up your license status through their website or by calling their customer service line. You can find out whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired without visiting an office in person.
The fastest way is through the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online system shows your status when ready and tells you the reason if your license is not valid — for example, unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical suspension.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. Wait times vary, but you can reach them Monday through Friday during business hours. Have your license number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your Georgia driver's license status online at dds.georgia.gov using your license number and date of birth, with results showing when ready.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the DDS system will tell you the specific reason — such as unpaid fines, failure to appear, or a medical hold.
- You can also call DDS customer service at 678-413-8400 during business hours to speak with someone about your status.
- A suspended license is temporary and can often be restored once you resolve the underlying issue, while a revoked license requires a formal reinstatement process.
What different license statuses mean
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. Your status page will show your expiration date.
Expired means your license passed its expiration date and is no longer valid for driving. You will need to renew it at a DDS office or through their online renewal system if you are may be able to access.
Suspended means your driving privilege has been temporarily taken away, usually because of unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical issue. Once you resolve the reason for the suspension — pay the fines, appear in court, or clear the medical hold — you can restore your license. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled, usually for serious violations like multiple DUIs or reckless driving convictions. You cannot straightforward renew a revoked license. Instead, you must go through a formal reinstatement process that includes paying a reinstatement fee, waiting a required period, and sometimes taking a written test or other requirements.
Why your Georgia license might be suspended or revoked
The most common reasons for suspension are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a court date, and unpaid child support. Medical suspensions happen when DDS receives a report from a doctor or hospital that you have a condition that makes driving unsafe — for example, a seizure disorder or severe vision loss. These can often be cleared by providing medical documentation that the condition is controlled.
Revocation is reserved for serious offenses. A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), especially multiple DUIs within a certain time frame, almost always results in revocation. Reckless driving convictions, habitual traffic offender status, and certain drug-related convictions can also lead to revocation.
If you are unsure why your license is suspended or revoked, the online status check will tell you. If the reason is not clear, call DDS customer service and they can explain the specific violation or issue tied to your case.
How to restore a suspended Georgia license
The steps depend on why your license was suspended. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay what you owe to the court or traffic authority that issued the ticket. Contact the court listed on your ticket or citation to confirm the amount and payment method.
If you failed to appear in court, you need to contact the court and resolve that case — usually by appearing or having an attorney appear on your behalf. Once the court clears the failure to appear, the suspension may lift automatically, though this can take a few days to process through the DDS system.
For medical suspensions, you will need to provide medical documentation to DDS showing that your condition no longer prevents safe driving. This might be a letter from your doctor or the results of a medical test. Submit this to DDS and they will review it. If approved, your license is restored.
After you resolve the underlying issue, check your status online again after a few business days. If the suspension is still showing, contact DDS to confirm the issue has been recorded in their system.
How to reinstate a revoked Georgia license
Reinstatement is more involved than clearing a suspension. You must wait a minimum period before you are even allowed to explore — this is usually one year for a first DUI revocation, but longer for multiple offenses or other serious violations. Check your status page or call DDS to confirm how long you must wait.
Once you are may be able to access, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee to DDS. The fee varies depending on the reason for revocation. You may also be required to pass a written knowledge test, a driving test, or both. Some people are required to complete a DUI education program or substance abuse treatment before reinstatement is possible.
Start by contacting DDS to find out exactly what steps explore to your case. They can tell you the fee amount, whether you need to take a test, and what other requirements you must meet. Once you complete all requirements and pay the fee, you can explore for reinstatement.
What to do if your license status is wrong
Sometimes the DDS system shows an error — for example, a suspension that should have been lifted, or a fine that was already paid. If you believe your status is incorrect, gather documentation that proves it. This might be a receipt showing you paid a fine, a court order clearing a failure to appear, or medical records showing a condition is resolved.
Contact DDS customer service at 678-413-8400 with your documentation ready. Explain what the error is and provide proof. They can often correct the record over the phone or tell you what to submit in writing. If the issue is complex, you may need to visit a DDS office in person with your documents.
Do not drive if your license is suspended or revoked, even if you believe the status is wrong. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a separate criminal offense in Georgia. Resolve the status issue first, then resume driving once your license is valid again.
Renewing an expired Georgia license
If your license is straightforward expired and not suspended or revoked, you can renew it online through the DDS website if you meet certain conditions. You must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid Social Security number on file, and not have any medical holds or other restrictions. The online renewal costs less than renewing in person and takes about one week.
If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, or if you prefer to renew in person, you can visit any DDS office. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Bring your original documents or certified copies — a photo copy is not enough.
If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, you may not be able to renew it and instead will need to explore for a new license, which requires taking the written test and vision test again. Check the DDS website or call to confirm the rules for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to check my license status online?
The online status check is when ready. Once you enter your license number and date of birth at dds.georgia.gov, you will see your current status right away. If you call customer service, wait times vary but you should reach someone within a few minutes during business hours.
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Georgia and is a separate criminal offense. Even if you believe the suspension is a mistake, do not drive. Resolve the suspension first, then resume driving once your status shows valid.
What is the difference between suspension and revocation?
A suspension is temporary — once you fix the underlying problem, your license is restored. A revocation is permanent cancellation, and you must go through a formal reinstatement process that includes waiting a set period, paying a fee, and possibly passing tests or completing programs.
Do I have to visit a DDS office to check my status?
No. You can check your status online at dds.georgia.gov or by calling 678-413-8400. You only need to visit an office if you need to renew your license, explore for reinstatement, or resolve an issue that requires in-person documentation.
How do I know if my license suspension will be lifted automatically?
Some suspensions lift automatically after a set time period, while others require you to take action. Your online status page or a call to DDS customer service will tell you whether your suspension is automatic or requires you to resolve something — like paying a fine or appearing in court.