The fastest way to check your Georgia license status
You can check whether your Georgia driver's license is suspended through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website without paying a fee. Go to dds.ga.gov, find the "License Status" or "Check License Status" tool, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. Have your license number ready. Wait times vary, but you should reach someone within a few minutes during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time).
A third option is to visit a DDS office in person. You can find your nearest location on the DDS website by entering your county. Bring your license or a form of ID. This method takes longer but gives you a printed record of your status if you need one for court or employment purposes.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia DDS website at dds.ga.gov has a free tool to check your license status when ready using your license number and date of birth.
- You can also call DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400 during business hours to ask about your status over the phone.
- A suspension means you cannot legally drive; a revocation is permanent until you meet specific requirements to restore it.
- Common reasons for suspension in Georgia include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and DUI convictions.
- If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue and then request reinstatement through DDS.
Why your Georgia license might be suspended
Georgia suspends licenses for several reasons, and knowing which one applies to you matters because each has a different path to reinstatement. Traffic violations — unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points — account for many suspensions. If you received a ticket and did not pay or did not show up, your license is likely suspended for that reason.
Other common causes include DUI or drug-related convictions, which trigger automatic suspension periods set by state law. Child support arrears also trigger suspension; if you owe back child support, the state can suspend your license to pressure payment. Failure to maintain car insurance or failure to report an accident can also result in suspension.
Less common but still possible: suspension for unpaid court costs, unpaid restitution to a victim, or medical reasons (if a doctor reports that you are unsafe to drive). The online status check will not always tell you the specific reason, which is why calling DDS or visiting in person can be helpful — they can explain what you need to do to clear it.
What the difference is between suspension and revocation
A suspension is temporary. Once you resolve the underlying problem — pay the fine, complete the DUI program, catch up on child support — you can request reinstatement and get your license back. Suspensions typically last from a few months to a few years depending on the cause.
A revocation is permanent until you meet strict conditions. Georgia revokes licenses for serious offenses like multiple DUI convictions within a certain period, habitual traffic offender status (too many violations in a short time), or certain felony convictions. Revocation can last years, and reinstatement requires more than just paying a fee — you may need to complete a substance abuse program, pass a written test, or wait out a mandatory period.
The online status check will tell you which one applies. If you see "revoked," do not assume your driving days are over — call DDS to learn what steps Georgia requires before you can restore your license.
Steps to take after you find out your license is suspended
Once you know your license is suspended, your first step is to find out why. If the online tool does not specify the reason, call DDS at 678-413-8400 and ask. Write down the reason and any case or ticket numbers they give you — you will need these.
Next, take action on the underlying issue. If it is an unpaid fine, contact the court listed on your ticket or citation and pay it. If it is a DUI suspension, you may need to complete a DUI education program before reinstatement is even possible; DDS can tell you which program Georgia recognizes. If it is child support, contact your local child support enforcement office or the Georgia Division of Family Support Services.
Once you have resolved the issue, return to the DDS website or call to request reinstatement. Some reinstatements happen automatically once the problem is cleared; others require you to submit paperwork or pay a reinstatement fee (typically $210 for a standard reinstatement, though this varies). DDS will tell you what you owe and how to pay.
What to do if you need to drive before your license is reinstated
If your license is suspended and you need to drive for work or essential purposes, Georgia offers a limited driving permit in some cases. This is not available for all suspension reasons — DUI suspensions, for example, typically do not may have access to — but unpaid fines or failure to appear suspensions sometimes do.
To request a limited permit, visit a DDS office in person or call 678-413-8400 to ask whether you are may be able to access. If you are, you will need to fill out an process, pay a fee (usually around $35), and show proof of insurance. The permit lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court, but not for other purposes. It is not a full license and does not restore your driving privileges — it is a temporary measure while you resolve the suspension.
If you are not may be able to access for a limited permit, your only legal option is not to drive. Driving on a suspended license in Georgia is a crime and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
How long reinstatement takes after you resolve the issue
The timeline depends on how you request reinstatement and how quickly the underlying issue clears. If you pay a fine online or through the court, the court typically reports the payment to DDS within one to three business days. Once DDS receives notice, your suspension may lift automatically — you can check the status online the next day.
If you are requesting reinstatement for a DUI suspension after completing a required program, you will need to submit proof of completion to DDS. This can take longer because DDS has to verify the program was approved and that you finished it. Plan for one to two weeks after submitting proof.
If you are paying a reinstatement fee, you can do this online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. Online payment is fastest — your license status may update within hours. By mail or in person, allow three to five business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Georgia and can result in criminal charges, additional fines up to $1,000, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive, request a limited driving permit from DDS if you are may be able to access, or find another way to get around.
Will my insurance company know my license is suspended?
Not when ready, but if you file a claim or renew your policy, the insurance company will check your driving record and see the suspension. This can raise your rates or cause them to drop your coverage. Some suspensions, like those for unpaid insurance, will definitely trigger a policy review.
How much does it cost to reinstate a suspended license in Georgia?
A standard reinstatement fee is $210, but some suspensions do not require a fee — it depends on the reason. Call DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out whether you owe a fee and how much. You can pay online, by mail, or in person.
What if I moved out of Georgia after my license was suspended?
Your Georgia suspension remains on your record even if you move. If you get a license in another state, Georgia's suspension may show up when that state checks your driving history, and you could face problems renewing or transferring your license. Resolve the Georgia suspension before moving or explore for a new license elsewhere.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The DDS online tool requires the license holder's license number and date of birth, and it is designed for personal use only. If you need to verify someone else's status for employment or legal reasons, contact DDS directly and explain your situation — they can tell you what information they can release.