Getting a Replacement License When Yours Is Lost

To replace a lost Georgia driver's license, you will need to visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online — Georgia requires you to appear at an office location. The process takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you are not paying to extend it. If your license has also expired, you will need to renew it at the same visit, which costs more and requires a vision test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DDS office in person with a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current Georgia address.
  • The replacement fee is $32 for a standard license, and you will receive your new license the same day.
  • If your license has expired, you will pay an additional $20 renewal fee and must pass a vision screening.
  • DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and you can find your nearest location and current wait times on the Georgia DDS website.

What You Need to Bring to the DDS Office

Bring one government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a second form of ID, you can bring a combination of documents like a Social Security card and a birth certificate, though this takes longer to process. The staff will tell you on the spot if your documents are acceptable.

You also need proof of 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 do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement.

Bring your Social Security number or your Social Security card. You do not need to bring the card itself — you can straightforward tell the staff your number — but having the card speeds up the process.

The Replacement Fee and What It Covers

A replacement license costs $32. You pay this fee at the DDS office when you submit your documents. Georgia accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

This fee covers a new license with the same expiration date as your original. If your original license expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew instead of replace, which costs $20 more and requires a vision test. If your license expired less than two years ago, the replacement fee alone covers you.

If you lost your license and also need to update your address, change your name, or correct other information, those changes are included in the replacement fee — you do not pay extra.

Finding a DDS Office and Checking Wait Times

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. Visit the official Georgia DDS website and use the office locator tool to find the location nearest you. The site shows each office's hours, phone number, and current wait time. Some offices are busier than others — rural offices often have shorter waits than those in Atlanta or other cities.

DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations closing for lunch. A few offices have extended hours on certain days. Call ahead if the wait time listed online is longer than 30 minutes, because the wait can grow during lunch hours and late afternoon.

You do not need an appointment. Walk in during business hours with your documents, take a number, and wait your turn. If the wait is very long, you can come back at a quieter time — early morning or mid-week often has shorter lines.

What Happens During Your Visit

When it is your turn, a staff member will check your documents and ask you to confirm your address and other information on your license. They will take a new photo — wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, and avoid sunglasses or hats. The photo will be used on your license for the next several years.

If your license is not expired, you will not need a vision test. If it has expired, the staff will conduct a quick vision screening using a machine that takes about one minute. You will read letters or numbers on a screen to show you can see well enough to drive safely.

Once the photo and information are confirmed, you will pay the $32 fee and receive your new license on the spot. The license is valid when ready. If you need to drive before you receive it in the mail (Georgia sometimes mails a duplicate copy), your receipt serves as proof of your valid license.

If Your License Expired While It Was Lost

If your license expired before you lost it, or expired while you were looking for it, you will need to renew rather than replace. This costs an additional $20 on top of the $32 replacement fee, for a total of $52. You will also take a vision test.

A renewal is otherwise the same process — you visit a DDS office in person, bring your ID and proof of address, and receive your new license the same day. The new license will be valid for eight years from the renewal date.

If your license expired more than two years ago, Georgia may require you to take a written driving knowledge test as well as the vision test. Ask the DDS office when you call or visit whether your specific situation requires the written test.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit an Office in Person

Georgia does not allow mail-in or online replacement for a lost license. You must appear in person at a DDS office. If you are unable to travel to an office due to a disability or medical condition, call the DDS at the number listed on their website and ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for a staff member to information you, or they may be able to refer you to a closer location.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Georgia to replace your license. Your lost license is no longer valid for driving, so do not drive until you have your replacement. If you are moving out of Georgia permanently, you will need to obtain a license from your new state instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

Yes. Your receipt from the DDS office is valid proof of your license until your replacement arrives in the mail, usually within one to two weeks. You can drive when ready after your visit. Keep the receipt with you while driving.

What if I lost my license and it was suspended or had restrictions?

Your replacement license will have the same status as your original. If your license was suspended, you cannot drive until the suspension is lifted, even with a replacement. Contact the DDS to find out how to clear a suspension before you visit the office.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No, reporting to police is not required. However, if you are concerned someone may use your lost license for fraud, you can file a report with your local police department for your records. This is optional.

Can I change my address at the same time I replace my license?

Yes. Tell the DDS staff your new address when you visit, and they will update it on your replacement license at no extra cost. Bring proof of your new address with you.

How long does it take to receive my replacement license in the mail?

Most people receive their replacement license within one to two weeks. During busy periods, it may take up to three weeks. You can drive when ready after your office visit using your receipt, so you do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive.