Get a replacement license at your local Georgia DDS office with your ID and a completed form

To replace a lost driver's license in Georgia, you need to visit a Driver Services office in person, bring a valid ID and proof of your Social Security number, and complete form DL 44. The office will take a new photo, charge you a replacement fee (currently $32 for a standard license), and issue your replacement on the spot or mail it within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office's workload.

You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online in Georgia. The state requires an in-person visit so they can verify your identity and take a new photograph. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the same visit, though not all offices issue them when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a valid ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) to your local Driver Services office.
  • Complete form DL 44 before you arrive, or fill it out at the office — either way takes only a few minutes.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license; you pay at the time of your visit.
  • Most offices issue your new license the same day, but some mail it within 7 to 10 business days if they are busy.
  • Ask for a temporary paper license if you need to drive before your permanent replacement arrives.

What documents you need to bring

Georgia requires two pieces of information at your visit: proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, a state ID card, or a tribal ID. A credit card, library card, or school ID will not work.

For your Social Security number, bring the original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a bank statement with your full number on it. A photocopy of your Social Security card is acceptable. If you do not have any of these documents, call your local Driver Services office before you go — they can tell you what other documents they will accept in your specific case.

You do not need to bring your old license (since it is lost), and you do not need to bring proof of residency unless you have also moved and need to update your address at the same time.

How to find your nearest Driver Services office

Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) operates offices in most counties. The fastest way to find your nearest location is to visit the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov and use their office locator tool, or call 678-413-8400 to ask for the office closest to you.

Some offices are busier than others. If you call ahead, the staff can tell you what time of day is typically quieter and whether they have a wait. Many offices now use an online appointment system — check the DDS website to see if your local office offers appointments, because booking one can cut your wait time significantly.

Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. A few larger offices have extended evening or Saturday hours. Check before you go so you do not make a trip for nothing.

Complete form DL 44 before or at the office

Form DL 44 is the process for a Driver's License or ID Card. You can read it from the DDS website, print it at home, and fill it out before your visit — this saves time at the office. Or you can arrive early and fill it out there; the office staff can help if you have questions about any section.

The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. It also asks whether you want to be an organ donor. You do not need to be perfect — if you make a small mistake, the staff will correct it or ask you to initial the change.

Sign the form in front of the staff member who processes your process. They will not accept an unsigned form.

What happens at your visit and what to expect

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your completed form DL 44 and your documents. A staff member will verify your identity, check your Social Security number against state records, and ask you to sit for a new photograph. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for the next 8 years (or 4 years if you are under 21).

After the photo, you will pay the $32 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. The staff will then tell you whether your new license will be issued the same day or mailed to you. If the office is not busy, you may walk out with your license in hand. If they are busy or if there is a system issue, they will mail it to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days.

Ask about a temporary paper license before you leave. Not all offices issue them, but some do — if yours does, they will give you a printed temporary that you can use to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

If you also need to update your address or other information

If you have moved since your lost license was issued, you can update your address at the same visit. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The staff will update your record and print your new license with the correct address.

If you need to change your name, add or remove an organ donor designation, or update any other information, tell the staff member when you check in. Most changes can be made during your replacement visit without extra fees or forms, though some (like a legal name change) may require additional documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive before my replacement license arrives?

If your office issues a temporary paper license, yes — you can drive on that while you wait for your permanent license by mail. If your office does not issue temporary licenses, ask whether they can print your new license the same day. If neither is possible, you should not drive until your replacement arrives, because you have no valid license to show a police officer.

How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?

Georgia says 7 to 10 business days, but the actual time depends on how busy your local office is and whether there are any delays in the mail. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, call your local Driver Services office and ask them to check the status.

What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?

Bring a passport or military ID instead of a state ID. If you lost your Social Security card too, bring a W-2, tax return, or bank statement with your number on it. You do not need to report the theft to DDS — just bring whatever documents you have.

Do I have to pay the replacement fee if the license was lost through no fault of my own?

Yes. Georgia charges $32 for a replacement license regardless of how it was lost. There is no waiver or exception for theft or accident. The fee is the same whether you lost it, it was stolen, or it was damaged.

What if I cannot get to a Driver Services office in person?

Georgia does not allow mail-in or online replacement for a lost license. You must visit an office in person. If you have a disability that makes travel difficult, call your local office and ask whether they can make an exception or arrange an alternative — some offices may be able to help in specific situations.