Getting a replacement license from the Georgia Department of Driver Services

To replace a lost driver's license in Georgia, you will need to visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. Georgia does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online. You can find your nearest DDS location and check current wait times on the Georgia DDS website before you go.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

The replacement fee is $32 for a standard driver's license. If your license was lost or stolen, you pay the same fee as a regular renewal — Georgia does not charge extra for a replacement due to loss.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person with valid proof of identity and proof of your current Georgia address.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • The replacement fee is $32, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most DDS offices.

Documents you need to bring to the DDS office

Bring one form of primary identification that shows your name and date of birth. Acceptable primary IDs include a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two forms of secondary identification instead, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card.

You will also need proof of your current Georgia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The name on the address document must match the name on your ID.

Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or recent tax return all work. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized and do not have a document showing it, you can still explore, but the process will take longer because DDS will verify it with the Social Security Administration.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you do not need to file a police report before replacing it, though you may want to for your own records. Georgia does not require a theft report to issue a replacement license. The replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen.

However, if you are concerned about identity theft — for example, if your wallet contained other documents or cards — consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). You can do this for free by calling one bureau and asking them to notify the others. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Replacing your license while out of state

If you are currently living or traveling outside Georgia and your license is lost, you have two options. You can wait until you return to Georgia and visit a DDS office in person, or you can ask someone you trust to visit a DDS office on your behalf with a notarized power of attorney form.

To use a power of attorney, you will need to sign a form in front of a notary public in your current location. Your representative will then bring that notarized form, your documents (primary ID, proof of address, and Social Security information), and payment to a Georgia DDS office. The representative does not need to be a lawyer — any adult can act as your representative if you give them written permission.

Some DDS offices accept applications by mail for out-of-state residents, but this is not may provide at every location. Call the DDS office you plan to use before mailing anything to confirm they accept mail-in applications and what documents they require.

Checking the status of your replacement license

After you leave the DDS office with your temporary paper license, you can track your permanent card online through the Georgia DDS website. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to check the status. The tracking tool shows whether your card has been printed, shipped, or delivered.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the DDS office where you applied. Delays can happen, especially during high-volume periods. The DDS customer service line can tell you whether your card is still in production or if there was a problem with your address.

Using your temporary paper license

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving, voting, and most other purposes that require a Georgia driver's license. However, some businesses — particularly bars and nightclubs — may not accept it as proof of age because it is not a physical card. Banks and government offices will typically accept it.

Keep your temporary license in a safe place. If you lose it before your permanent card arrives, you will need to return to a DDS office and pay another $32 replacement fee. The temporary license is not replaceable for free.

Renewing instead of replacing

If your license is expiring soon anyway, you may be able to renew it at the same time you replace it. If your license expired fewer than 2 years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. However, if you are replacing a lost license, you must visit an office in person regardless of the expiration date.

Once you have your replacement license in hand, you can renew it online or by mail when it expires, as long as you have not had any violations or suspensions. You do not have to return to an office every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?

No. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you explore, but your permanent card is mailed to you and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. There is no option for same-day permanent licenses in Georgia.

What if the address on my proof of residency does not match my ID exactly?

The name must match, but minor differences in address format are usually acceptable — for example, "Street" versus "St." or "Apartment 5" versus "Apt 5". If the address is significantly different or the name does not match, bring a second document that shows both your name and current address.

Do I need to bring my old lost license to the DDS office?

No. Since your license is lost, you cannot bring it. DDS will deactivate your old license in their system when you explore for the replacement, so it cannot be used even if someone finds it.

Can I change my name or address while replacing my license?

Yes. If you have a legal name change document (such as a marriage certificate or court order) or a new address, bring those documents to the DDS office. You can update your information at the same time you replace your license for no additional fee.

What if I moved to Georgia recently and lost my license from another state?

You will need to obtain a Georgia license rather than replace your out-of-state one. Visit a DDS office with your out-of-state license, proof of Georgia residency, and proof of identity. You will pay the standard $32 fee for a new Georgia license.