Get a replacement Georgia driver's license by visiting your local DDS office with proof of identity and residency, paying the replacement fee, and having your photo taken

Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) issues replacement licenses when yours is lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need to retake the written or road test — a replacement is a straightforward transaction that takes about 30 minutes at a DDS office. You will need to bring specific documents, pay a fee, and have a new photo taken on the spot.

The fastest route is to visit a DDS office in person. You can also renew by mail if your license is not expired and you are not replacing it because it was suspended or revoked, but the in-person visit is more reliable for a lost license because the staff can verify your identity when ready and hand you a temporary document while your permanent card is printed.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license) plus one document showing your current Georgia address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license valid for eight years; you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and do not require an appointment, though wait times vary by location.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one form of valid government-issued photo identification. A U.S. passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card, though this combination takes longer to process.

You also need one document showing your current Georgia address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you have recently moved and your address documents are not yet in your name, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent lease signed by both you and the landlord.

If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, bring the court documents or DDS notice that explains why. DDS will check your driving record before issuing a new license, and if there is an active suspension, they will not issue one until it is lifted.

Where to go and what to expect

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. Enter your county or city, and the site will show you the address, phone number, and current wait time for each location. Some larger cities have multiple offices; pick whichever is closest to you.

Walk in during business hours — Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You do not need an appointment. When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine and wait for your turn. Bring all your documents in one place so you do not have to search for them when called.

When you reach the counter, tell the staff member you are replacing a lost license. They will verify your documents, check your driving record, and ask you to sit for a new photo. The photo is taken on a digital camera at the office — you cannot bring your own. Wear something you are comfortable in; the background is plain and neutral.

The fee and payment options

A replacement driver's license costs $32 in Georgia. This fee covers the new card and the processing. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. If you are replacing a license that expired more than two years ago, you may be charged an additional reinstatement fee — ask the staff member before you pay.

If you are under 21, the fee is the same. If you are 65 or older, you may be charged a reduced fee; ask at the counter. Military members on active duty may be charged a different rate; bring your military ID to confirm.

Your temporary license and when the permanent one arrives

Before you leave the DDS office, you will receive a temporary paper license. This is a valid form of identification and can be used to drive when ready. Keep it in your wallet or purse. It is valid for 45 days while your permanent card is being printed and mailed.

Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The envelope will come from the DDS mail facility, not from the office you visited. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 to check the status.

If you cannot visit an office in person

If you are unable to visit a DDS office, you can renew by mail — but only if your license is not expired and you are not replacing it because it was suspended or revoked. To renew by mail, read the DL 44 form from the DDS website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for $32 to the address on the form. Include a photocopy of your ID and proof of address. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.

If your license is expired or you are replacing it due to suspension or revocation, you must visit an office in person. There is no mail-in option for these situations.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same — bring your documents and pay the $32 fee. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to do so for your own records if the theft was part of a larger incident like a break-in or mugging.

If you are concerned that someone may use your stolen license to commit fraud, you can place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. This step is separate from replacing your license and is not required by DDS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Georgia does not offer online replacement for lost or stolen licenses. You must visit a DDS office in person or mail in your renewal if your license is not expired. For a lost license, the office visit is the only option.

What if I do not have a proof of address document?

If you have no utility bill or lease, bring a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your address and move-in date, signed and dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or mortgage statement also works. If you are homeless, ask the DDS staff about alternative documentation — they have procedures for this situation.

How long does the temporary license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. Your permanent card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary usually covers the wait. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, call DDS customer service at 678-413-8400.

Do I have to retake the written test to replace a lost license?

No. A replacement license does not require you to retake any test. You only need to bring your documents, pay the fee, and have a new photo taken. The written and road tests are only required when you first get a license or when your license expires and you renew it.

What if my driving record shows a suspension I did not know about?

Tell the DDS staff member when ready. They will not issue a new license if there is an active suspension. You will need to contact DDS or the court that issued the suspension to find out why it was placed and what you need to do to lift it. Call 678-413-8400 to speak with someone about your record before you visit an office.