How to Report a Lost or Stolen Georgia License
If your Georgia driver's license is lost or stolen, you need to report it to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and request a replacement. The fastest way is to go in person to any DDS office with proof of identity and pay the replacement fee, which is currently $32 for a standard license. You can also report the loss by phone at 678-413-8400, though you will still need to visit an office or use the mail to get a new card.
Reporting the loss matters because it flags your license number in the system. If someone finds your lost license and tries to use it, the DDS record shows it was reported missing. This also protects you if the license is used fraudulently — you have documentation that you reported it before any misuse occurred.
Do not wait to report. The sooner you report the loss, the sooner you can get a replacement and the sooner your old license stops being valid. If you are unsure whether your license is truly lost or just misplaced, you can still report it; DDS will not penalize you for reporting a license that later turns up.
Key Takeaways
- Report your lost or stolen license to Georgia DDS by phone at 678-413-8400 or in person at any DDS office as soon as you realize it is missing.
- A replacement license costs $32 and requires proof of identity; you can get one the same day if you visit an office in person.
- Your current address must match what DDS has on file, or you will need to update it before you can get a replacement.
- If your license was stolen, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.
- A replacement license has the same expiration date as your original, so you will not lose time on your license validity.
What Documents You Need to Bring
To get a replacement license in Georgia, you must bring proof of identity and proof of your current address. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents — for example, a Social Security card plus a utility bill.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and your DDS record still shows an old address, you will need to update it before you can get your replacement license.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to complete the replacement request. If you do not know your number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it.
Where to Go and How Long It Takes
You can visit any Georgia DDS office to get a replacement license. Find the office nearest you on the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. Call ahead or check online to confirm the hours of your nearest location, because some offices close for lunch or have different schedules.
If you go in person with all required documents, you can usually get your replacement license the same day. The DDS will take a new photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot; your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives.
If you cannot visit an office, you can mail a replacement request to DDS with a completed form DL 43 (process for Replacement License), a copy of your proof of identity, a copy of your proof of address, and a check or money order for $32. Mail it to the address listed on the DDS website. Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks.
If Your License Was Stolen — Fraud Protection Steps
A stolen license is a higher risk than a lost one because someone else has it. Beyond reporting it to DDS, you should place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place an alert by calling any one of the three bureaus; they will notify the others.
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285. Experian: 1-888-397-3742. TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289. The alert lasts one year and is free. If you are concerned about ongoing identity theft, you can also place a credit freeze, which blocks creditors from accessing your credit report entirely unless you temporarily lift it.
Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each bureau once per year at annualcreditreport.com. Look for accounts you did not open or inquiries from creditors you did not contact. If you find fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov and to your bank or credit card company when ready.
Replacing Your License Before It Expires
Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. This means if your original license was set to expire in two years, your replacement will also expire in two years — you do not get extra time. If your license is expiring soon anyway, you may want to renew it at the same time you get your replacement, though this will cost extra.
To renew while replacing, bring the same documents plus a completed form DL 44 (process for Renewal of License). The renewal fee is $32, so replacing and renewing together costs $64. You can do both in one visit to a DDS office.
What Happens If You Drive Without a License
Driving without a valid license in Georgia is illegal, even if you have reported your license lost and are waiting for a replacement. However, the temporary paper license you receive at the DDS office is valid for driving. Keep it with you at all times until your permanent card arrives.
If you are stopped by police and cannot show a valid license or the temporary paper license, you can face a citation. If you have reported your license lost and have the temporary license, show that to the officer. If you have not yet gone to DDS to get a replacement, go as soon as possible.
Scam Alert: Fake Replacement Services
Do not use third-party websites or services that claim to speed up your license replacement or handle the process for you. These services charge fees on top of the DDS fee and do not provide any benefit — you still have to visit a DDS office or mail documents directly to DDS. Some of these sites are scams designed to collect your personal information or money.
The only legitimate way to get a replacement Georgia license is through the Georgia Department of Driver Services directly. Go to dds.georgia.gov, call 678-413-8400, or visit an office in person. Do not pay anyone else to do this for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. You can use other combinations of identity documents, such as a passport, military ID, or a government-issued photo ID paired with a Social Security card. Ask the DDS office what documents you have that will work before you make a trip.
What if I find my license after I report it lost?
You do not need to do anything. Your original license is no longer valid once you have reported it lost and received a replacement. Destroy the original license or return it to DDS. Use only your new replacement license.
Do I have to go to the same DDS office where I got my original license?
No. You can go to any Georgia DDS office. All offices have access to your record and can issue a replacement. Choose the office closest to you.
Will my replacement license have a different number?
No. Your replacement license will have the same license number as your original. The number stays with you unless you request a new one for a specific reason.
How much does a replacement license cost if I also need to update my address?
A replacement license costs $32. If you also need to update your address, there is no additional fee — the address update is included. Bring proof of your new address and the DDS will update your record at the same time.