Where to get a replacement license in Georgia

You can replace a lost Georgia driver's license at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. There are about 60 locations across the state — you do not have to go to the one that issued your original license. Find the office nearest you on the DDS website by entering your county or city.

You can also renew or replace your license online through the Georgia DDS website if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet other conditions. The online process costs less and takes about two weeks for the card to arrive by mail. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a DDS office on the same day.

Walk-in service is available at all DDS locations, but wait times vary widely. Some offices have shorter lines early in the morning or mid-week. You can also schedule an appointment online, which reserves your place and usually reduces wait time.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your lost license at any Georgia DDS office, not just the one that issued it originally.
  • The online replacement process costs $32 and takes about two weeks, while in-person replacement at a DDS office costs $32 and is when ready if you request a temporary paper license.
  • You will need to bring a Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and one form of ID such as a passport or military ID.
  • If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud, report it to the DDS and consider placing a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized) and proof of your current Georgia address. Acceptable proof of residency includes 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.

You will also need one form of government-issued photo ID. A U.S. passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all count. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.

If you are replacing a license that was stolen, bring a police report if you have one. The DDS does not require it, but having it on hand can help if you later need to dispute fraudulent charges or accounts opened in your name.

The cost and how long it takes

A replacement driver's license costs $32 in Georgia, whether you do it online or in person. This is the same fee as a standard renewal. If you choose to get a REAL ID-compliant license (which you will need for domestic air travel starting in 2025), the cost is $35.

If you replace your license in person at a DDS office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you replace it online, the card takes about two weeks to arrive and you cannot get a temporary license.

The 30-day temporary license is valid for driving, so you can use it right away if you need to get on the road. Write down the temporary license number in case you are pulled over, since you will need it to show the officer.

Replacing your license online versus in person

The online replacement process is faster if you do not need to drive when ready. You log into your DDS account (or create one), upload a photo, verify your information, and pay the $32 fee. No office visit is required. The card arrives in about two weeks. You cannot get a temporary license this way.

The in-person replacement at a DDS office takes longer on the day you go (because of wait times), but you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent card arrives in about two weeks. Choose this route if you need to drive before your replacement card arrives.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot use the online process. You must go to a DDS office in person. The same applies if your address has changed and you need to update it at the same time.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was lost in a theft rather than just misplaced, report it to the police and get a report number. This creates a record in case someone uses your license information to open accounts or commit fraud. You do not need the police report to replace your license with the DDS, but keep it for your records.

Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and ask to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. A fraud alert is free and lasts one year. You can renew it if needed.

Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can check your report for free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see accounts you did not open, dispute them with the credit bureau and the company that opened the account.

If your license is suspended or revoked

If your Georgia license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.

Contact the DDS directly to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or wait out a suspension period. Once the issue is resolved, you can replace your lost license.

If you are unsure of your license status, call the DDS at 678-413-8400 or check your status online through the DDS website. Having this information before you go to an office saves you a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with just the temporary paper license?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and counts as your legal driver's license during that time. You can use it to drive, rent a car, or show as proof of identity. Keep it with you when you drive.

What if I moved out of Georgia after losing my license?

If you no longer live in Georgia, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV or equivalent agency. You can use your temporary Georgia paper license to drive until your new state license arrives.

How do I create a DDS account to replace my license online?

Go to the Georgia DDS website and select the option to create an account. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you cannot remember your license number, you can look it up using your name and date of birth.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person at a DDS office. Your permanent card is mailed to your address on file, so you do not need to pick that up.

What if my replacement card arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact the DDS office where you applied and explain the problem. You can request a reprint. If the card has your wrong address or name, you will need to correct that information first, which may require additional documents.