How to check your Georgia driver license status
You can check your Georgia driver license status through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website without logging in or creating an account. Go to dds.georgia.gov, find the "License Status" tool, and enter your driver license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired within seconds.
You can also call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time) and speak to someone who can look up your status. Have your driver license number ready when you call. If you do not have your license number, you can provide your full name and date of birth instead, though the call may take longer.
A third option is to visit a DDS office in person. You can find the nearest location and hours on the DDS website. Bring your driver license or a government-issued ID. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- The online status checker at dds.georgia.gov is the fastest way to learn about your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive; a revoked license means the state has terminated your driving privilege and you must reapply to get it back.
- If your license is suspended, you can often find out why and what you need to do to restore it by calling DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400.
- An expired license can usually be renewed online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office, depending on how long it has been expired.
- If you are unsure whether a suspension or revocation is still in effect, check your status before driving to avoid legal consequences.
What each license status means
Valid means your license is current and you are legally permitted to drive. The status will show your expiration date.
Expired means your license is no longer valid because the expiration date has passed. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if it expired yesterday. However, you can renew it online through the DDS website if it expired within the last five years and you have no suspensions or revocations on your record. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to reapply for a new license, which involves taking the written test and vision test again.
Suspended means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain car insurance, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A suspension is not permanent—once you address the reason for the suspension, you can restore your license. The status tool or a call to DDS will usually tell you the reason and what you need to do next.
Revoked means the state has permanently terminated your driving privilege. Revocation typically results from serious violations such as driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or accumulating a very high number of points. To drive again after a revocation, you must wait the required period (which varies by reason) and then reapply for a new license from the beginning, including passing all tests.
Why your license might be suspended
Georgia suspends driver licenses for many reasons, and you may not always know it has happened until you check your status or are stopped by police. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic citations, failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket, and accumulating 15 or more points within a 24-month period.
Other reasons include failure to maintain liability insurance on a vehicle registered in your name, failure to pay child support, failure to pay court-ordered fines or restitution, and medical conditions that make you unsafe to drive (reported by a doctor or the DDS). If you have an out-of-state suspension, Georgia will honor it and suspend your Georgia license as well.
If your status shows a suspension but you do not know why, call DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400. They can tell you the specific reason and what steps you need to take to clear it. Do not assume the suspension will go away on its own—most suspensions remain in effect until you take action.
How to restore a suspended license
The steps to restore a suspended license depend on the reason for the suspension. If it was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay the fine and any associated fees, then request reinstatement through the DDS website or by visiting a DDS office. If it was suspended for failure to appear in court, you must resolve the court case first, then request reinstatement.
If your license was suspended for accumulating too many points, you must wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days to one year, depending on the number of points) and then request reinstatement. Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies. If you are unsure what you need to do, call DDS Customer Service—they can walk you through the specific steps for your situation.
After you have completed all required steps, you can request reinstatement online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Reinstatement usually takes a few business days to process. Your license will not be automatically restored; you must actively request it once the suspension conditions are met.
Renewing an expired Georgia driver license
If your license is expired but not suspended or revoked, you can renew it online through the DDS website if it expired within the last five years. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $32. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to take any tests or visit an office unless you want to update your photo.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it online. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires visiting a DDS office, passing a vision test, and passing a written knowledge test. You will also have a new photo taken. The fee for a new license is $32, and the process takes about 30 minutes at the office.
You can also renew by mail if you prefer not to go online or visit an office. Mail renewal takes longer—typically 2 to 3 weeks—and requires you to submit a form and payment by check or money order. read the renewal form from the DDS website or call 678-413-8400 to request one.
What to do if you cannot find your driver license number
Your driver license number appears on the front of your physical license card. If you do not have your card or cannot read the number, you can still check your status by calling DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400 and providing your full name and date of birth instead. The representative will look up your information and tell you your status.
You can also visit a DDS office in person with a government-issued ID (such as a passport or state ID card) and ask staff to look up your status. They can print a document showing your current license status if you need it for any reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle may be impounded. Always check your status before driving if you think there might be a problem.
How long does a suspension usually last?
Suspension length depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines or failure to appear in court last until you resolve the issue. Suspensions for too many points typically last 30 days to one year. Call DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out the specific length of your suspension.
What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary—once you meet the conditions, your license can be restored. A revocation is permanent termination of your driving privilege. You must wait a required period and reapply for a new license to drive again after a revocation.
Can I renew my license online if it is suspended?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license online or by mail. You must first restore your license by addressing the reason for the suspension, then renew it. If you need help, call DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400.
How much does it cost to restore a suspended license?
Reinstatement fees vary depending on the reason for suspension. Some suspensions have no fee; others charge $100 to $200. Call DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out the exact fee for your situation before you request reinstatement.