Get a replacement license at your local DDS office with your ID and payment

To replace a lost Georgia driver's license, you need to visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, bring an acceptable form of ID, and pay the replacement fee. Georgia does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

You cannot renew or replace your license without appearing in person. This is a state requirement, not a choice. If you have moved since your last license was issued, you will need to update your address at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person with a valid ID and payment; there is no mail or online option.
  • Bring one primary ID document (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) plus one secondary document (utility bill, bank statement, or lease).
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, payable by cash, check, or card at most offices.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police and request a report number to show DDS.

What documents you need to bring

Georgia requires one primary document and one secondary document to prove your identity and residency. Your primary document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy will not work.

Primary documents include a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or passport card. If you do not have any of these, you can use a Social Security card plus a secondary document, though this combination takes longer to process.

Secondary documents prove your current address and include a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from your employer or school also works if it shows your current address.

Where to find a DDS office and what to expect

Georgia has DDS offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county name. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Atlanta and other large cities often have longer wait times, sometimes 45 minutes to an hour during lunch and late afternoon.

Call ahead or check the office's hours before you go. Some offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but a few larger locations now offer online scheduling, which can save you time.

Bring all your documents, your payment method, and be ready to answer questions about your address history and any name changes. The staff will take a new photo and print your temporary license on the spot.

The replacement fee and payment methods

The replacement fee for a standard Georgia driver's license is $32. This covers the cost of the new card and mailing. If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen, the fee is the same — Georgia does not charge extra for replacement versus renewal.

Most DDS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. A few smaller rural offices may accept cash only, so call ahead if you want to be certain. There is no fee to receive your temporary paper license.

How long it takes to receive your new license

You will walk out of the DDS office with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic card for driving, voting, or age verification.

Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provide at the office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. If you are moving soon, update your address at the DDS office before you leave, or the card will be sent to your old address and you will have to request a reissue.

If your license was stolen rather than lost

If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report before you go to the DDS office. This is not required, but having a report number shows DDS that the loss was not your fault and creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number fraudulently.

You do not need the police report to get your replacement license, but it is worth the 10 minutes if you are concerned about identity theft. Some police departments allow you to file a report online for lost documents.

What to do if you cannot find the documents you need

If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can order a certified copy from the Georgia Department of Vital Records or the state where you were born. This takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail. In the meantime, you cannot get a replacement license.

If you have lost your Social Security card as well, you will need to order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you can use it as a primary document at DDS. This also takes several weeks.

If you are in a situation where you need to drive before your documents arrive, ask a family member or friend to drive you, or use a rideshare service. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so once you have it, you can drive legally during that window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

No. If you owe money to Georgia courts for traffic violations or other fines, DDS will not issue a replacement license until the debt is paid or a payment plan is set up. Call the court that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name. This does not cost extra.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DDS office to explore. Once your plastic card arrives in the mail, it goes to the address you provided, so anyone at that address can receive it, but the initial process must be done by you.

What if I moved out of state after my license was lost?

You can still replace your Georgia license by mail if you are out of state. Contact the DDS office where you originally got your license and ask about the out-of-state replacement process. You will need to mail in your documents and payment, and the process takes longer than in-person replacement.

Do I need a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes. DDS will take a new photo when you explore for your replacement license. You cannot use your old photo. Wear something you are comfortable with — the photo will be on your license for up to eight years.