Getting a replacement Georgia driver's license after you lose it
You can replace a lost Georgia driver's license through the Department of Driver Services (DDS) in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually the DDS website or a local DDS office, where you can get a replacement the same day if you go in person. By mail takes about two weeks. You'll need to prove your identity and Georgia residency, and you'll pay a replacement fee.
The process is straightforward because Georgia treats a lost license the same as a damaged one — you're not renewing or getting a new license, just replacing what you already had. Your license number, expiration date, and restrictions stay the same.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost Georgia driver's license online at the DDS website, in person at a DDS office, or by mail, with online and in-person being fastest.
- You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to an office visit.
- The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license and $57 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you cannot use a credit card online — only debit card or bank account.
- If you replace online or by mail, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready or by email that is valid while you wait for your physical card.
- Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your lost one, so you don't need to update your information elsewhere.
Replacing your license online through the DDS website
The DDS website at dds.georgia.gov lets you order a replacement license without leaving home. Go to the "Driver License" section, select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm your current license information on file.
You'll pay the replacement fee using a debit card or by linking your bank account — the website does not accept credit cards. Once you complete the order, you'll receive a temporary paper license by email that you can print and use when ready. Your physical replacement card will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. This route works if your license is still valid (not expired) and you have not had any major changes to your address or name since you last renewed.
Replacing your license in person at a DDS office
Walking into a DDS office is the fastest way to get a replacement license — you can usually leave with a physical card the same day. Find your nearest office on the DDS website and check the hours before you go. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices use a reservation system, so check ahead.
Bring your proof of identity and proof of Georgia residency. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, certified birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. You'll fill out form DL 43 (process for Replacement Driver License) at the office, pay the fee in cash or card, and they'll take your photo and issue your license on the spot.
Replacing your license by mail
If you cannot go online or visit an office, you can mail in a replacement request. read form DL 43 from the DDS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee — do not send cash.
Mail your packet to the DDS address shown on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive it. You'll receive a temporary paper license by mail that is valid while you wait for your physical card. Keep the temporary license with you until the replacement arrives, as it serves as proof you have a valid license.
What documents you need to bring or send
| Document Type | Acceptable Options |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Social Security card, military ID, or state ID from another state |
| Proof of Georgia Residency | Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail with your current address (must be dated within 60 days) |
| Payment | Cash or card in person; check or money order by mail; debit card or bank account online |
Your residency document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring two documents — one showing your old address and one showing your new address — to explain the change. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.
Replacement fees and what affects the cost
A standard Georgia driver's license replacement costs $32. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (the kind required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025), the fee is $57. Both fees are the same whether you replace in person, by mail, or online.
The fee covers the replacement card only. If you need a duplicate copy of your license for insurance or other purposes, that is a separate request and costs $5. There are no additional fees for using the online or mail-in routes — you pay only the replacement fee itself.
What happens after you order your replacement
If you replace online or by mail, you'll receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal standing as your physical card while you wait. Keep it with you in case you're stopped by police or need to show proof of a valid license. Your physical replacement card will arrive by mail — online orders typically take 7 to 10 business days, and mail-in orders take about two weeks.
Your new license will have the same number, expiration date, and restrictions as your lost one. You do not need to update your address, name, or other information with your employer, insurance company, or the DMV in other states — your license number has not changed. If you need to update your address or renew early for another reason, you can do that in a separate transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if my license is expired?
No. If your license has expired, you must renew it rather than replace it, which requires a vision test and a new process. You can renew online, by mail, or in person through the DDS website. A replacement is only for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses that are still valid.
What if I lost my license and don't know my license number?
You can still replace it in person at a DDS office — bring your proof of identity and residency, and the staff will look up your license number in the system. Online replacement requires your license number, so if you don't have it, the office or mail-in route is your option.
How long is a temporary paper license valid?
A temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it. Your physical replacement card should arrive well before that window closes. If your physical card does not arrive within 45 days, contact the DDS to check the status of your order.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
You do not have to, but you can if you're concerned about identity theft. Reporting it creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. You can file a report online or at your local police station, though it's not required to replace your license.
Can I replace my license if I'm not a Georgia resident anymore?
No. If you've moved out of Georgia and changed your residency, you need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV to find out how to transfer or get a new license there.