The fastest way to check your Georgia license status
You can find out whether your Georgia driver's license is suspended by checking the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website directly, by phone, or in person. The online method is fastest: go to dds.ga.gov, select "License Status Check," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
If you prefer to call, contact the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. Have your license number ready. You can also visit a DDS office in person with your license or ID, though this takes longer than the online or phone options.
A suspension means you cannot legally drive in Georgia or any other state until the suspension is lifted. It is different from a revocation, which is permanent and requires you to reapply for a license after a waiting period. Knowing which one applies to you determines what steps come next.
Key Takeaways
- Check your license status online at dds.ga.gov using your license number and date of birth, or call 678-413-8400 during business hours.
- A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue, while a revocation is permanent and requires reapplication.
- Common reasons for suspension in Georgia include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and medical disqualification.
- You can request a hearing to contest a suspension if you believe it was issued in error or if circumstances have changed.
- Once the reason for suspension is resolved, you must pay a reinstatement fee (currently $210 for most suspensions) before you can drive legally again.
Common reasons your Georgia license gets suspended
Georgia suspends licenses for several reasons, and the cause determines how you get it lifted. Unpaid traffic fines or court costs are among the most common triggers. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or failed to appear in court, DDS will suspend your license automatically.
Child support arrears also lead to suspension. The Georgia Department of Human Services can request a suspension if you fall behind on court-ordered payments. Medical disqualification is another reason—if your doctor reports that you have a condition that makes you unsafe to drive, or if you fail a vision or hearing test, DDS may suspend your license.
Suspension can also result from accumulating too many points on your driving record (15 points in 24 months, 20 points in 36 months, or 24 points in 60 months), driving with a suspended or revoked license, or failing to maintain insurance after being required to carry it. Some suspensions are also issued by courts as part of a sentence for certain criminal convictions.
What to do if your license is suspended
Once you know your license is suspended, your first step is to find out the specific reason. The DDS website or phone line will tell you the cause and what you need to do to resolve it. Do not drive while suspended—doing so is a separate crime and can result in arrest, fines, and additional license penalties.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the ticket and pay what you owe. Once the court confirms payment, it will notify DDS, and your suspension will be lifted. If the issue is child support arrears, you will need to contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or your child support enforcement office and make arrangements to catch up on payments.
For medical suspensions, you will need to resolve the underlying health issue and provide documentation to DDS—such as a letter from your doctor confirming you are now safe to drive, or proof that you have passed a new vision or hearing test. The specific requirements depend on why you were medically suspended.
Requesting a hearing to contest your suspension
If you believe your license was suspended in error or if circumstances have changed, you have the right to request a hearing. You must submit a written request to the DDS within 10 days of receiving notice of the suspension. Include your name, license number, the reason you are contesting the suspension, and any supporting documents.
Mail your request to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013, or submit it through the DDS website. DDS will schedule a hearing and notify you of the date and time. At the hearing, you can present evidence and argue your case. An administrative law judge will decide whether to uphold or overturn the suspension.
If you miss the 10-day window, you can still request a hearing, but you will need to show good cause for the delay. Contact DDS directly to ask about your options if you are past the important date.
The reinstatement process and fees
After you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you must pay a reinstatement fee before your license becomes valid again. The current reinstatement fee in Georgia is $210 for most suspensions, though some suspensions carry different fees. You can pay this fee online at dds.ga.gov, by mail, or in person at a DDS office.
Once you pay the fee and DDS processes your payment, your license will be reinstated. You do not need to take a new written or driving test unless your suspension was for a medical reason—in that case, you may need to pass a vision or hearing test again before driving.
Keep proof of your reinstatement payment in case you are stopped by law enforcement. It can take a few business days for the reinstatement to appear in the DDS system, so if you are pulled over shortly after paying, show the officer your payment receipt.
How to avoid future suspensions
Pay traffic fines and court costs on time. If you receive a ticket, check the due date on the citation and pay before that date. If you cannot afford the full amount, contact the court about a payment plan—courts often allow you to pay in installments rather than suspend your license.
Keep your car insurance current and provide proof to DDS if you are required to carry it. Respond to any court summons or notice promptly. If you are ordered to pay child support, make your payments on schedule. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, inform your doctor and follow their recommendations.
Check your driving record periodically to monitor your points. You can order a copy of your record from DDS for a small fee. If you are close to the point threshold, focus on safe driving to avoid accumulating more violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a suspension to show up after I get a ticket?
It depends on the reason. If the court reports an unpaid fine or failure to appear, DDS may suspend your license within days. For other reasons like child support arrears, it can take weeks. Check your status online or by phone if you are unsure whether a suspension has been issued yet.
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Georgia, even if you are only driving to work or for essential errands. You must use other transportation or wait until your suspension is lifted. Driving while suspended can result in arrest and additional penalties.
What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary and ends once you resolve the underlying issue and pay the reinstatement fee. A revocation is permanent and means you must wait a set period (usually one to five years, depending on the reason) before you can reapply for a new license. You will need to pass the written and driving tests again.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if the suspension was a mistake?
If DDS determines the suspension was issued in error after a hearing, you should not have to pay the reinstatement fee. Contact DDS to confirm this before paying. If the suspension was valid but you have now resolved the issue, you will need to pay the fee to reinstate your license.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Georgia does not issue hardship licenses for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for unpaid fines or failure to appear, you may be able to get a limited license if you can show financial hardship. Contact the court that issued the suspension to ask about this option.