How to Check the Status of Your Georgia Driver’s License: A Step-by-Step Guide
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To drive in Georgia, you need a valid driver's license. Not only that, but it must be in good standing. Whether you've recently had an infraction, completed a Georgia driver's license renewal, or just want peace of mind, you may want to check the status of your driver's license in Georgia. Fortunately, checking your license status is a fairly simple process.
Overview of Checking Your Georgia Driver's License Status
There are several reasons you may want to do a Georgia driver's license status check. You may have recently switched from a learner's permit to a full license, you may have recently had a license revoked or reinstated, or you may have gone through license renewal. Maybe you want to make sure you have legal status to register to vote.
Whatever your reason for wanting to know your license status, Georgia gives you several ways to do so through the Department of Driver Services (DDS), which is the Georgia DMV.
Methods for Checking Your License Status
If you're wondering how to check a driver's license status in Georgia, there are three simple methods.
Using the Georgia DDS Website
Checking a driver's license status is easy with the Georgia DDS online service. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Georgia DDS website.
- Log into an existing account or create a new one, if necessary.
- Navigate to the "Check License Status" option.
- Enter your personal information, including your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number (found on your Social Security card).
After inputting this information, the site will show your license status.
Contacting the DDS Hotline
If you'd prefer to call, you can check the status of a Georgia driver's license by phone by calling (678) 413-8400, (678) 413-8500, or (866) 754-3687 (outside Metro Atlanta), and following the prompts.
Visiting a DDS Location
Finally, you can always check your license in person by visiting a DDS location. The state advises any visitors to make an appointment to reduce wait times.
Understanding License Statuses
There are four different statuses that a license may have. It's crucial to understand each of these statuses in case your license status restricts your driving privileges. In addition, Georgia car insurance may require you to have special coverage if you're driving with a non-valid license.
Valid
A valid license has not expired and is in good legal standing. This makes you a legally licensed driver and gives you full driving privileges.
Expired
An expired license has passed its validity date. Driving with an expired license can carry significant penalties, including:
- 1st offense: $200 fine, plus a possible jail sentence of two days to one year
- 2nd offense: Up to $300 fine, plus a possible jail sentence from 10 days to one year
- 3rd offense: Up to $400 fine, plus a possible jail sentence from 10 days to one year
- 4th offense or more: Felony charge with a fine of $2,500 to $5,000, plus a jail sentence of one to five years and a possible lifetime license suspension
Suspended
A Georgia suspended license is one that is temporarily invalid, meaning the driver is not permitted to operate a vehicle for a period of time. This may be due to a poor driving record or a specific infraction such as a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction. If you have a suspended license, you must meet a reinstatement requirement to become legally able to drive again.
Revoked
A revoked license is a driver's license has been permanently taken away. You are no longer allowed to drive until the revocation period ends. In Georgia, you can apply to reinstate your license after the revocation period by paying license fees and other fees associated with the revocation, providing the "Official Note of Suspension" sent by the DDS, and retaking driving tests.
What To Do if Your License Status Is Problematic
If you have an invalid Georgia driver's license, you may renew, replace, or reinstate it, depending on the license status.
To renew an expired license:
- Renew online, by mail, or in person at a DDS Customer Service Center.
- If your license has been expired for less than two years, you may renew without taking a driving test. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must pass a road signs test, road rules test, driving test, and vision exam.
You may also renew up to 150 days before a license expires.
To reinstate a suspended or revoked license:
- Check your driver's license status in Georgia with the DDS online, by phone, or in person.
- View requirements and get instructions on the reinstatement.
- Reinstatement requirements vary depending on the reason for the suspension or revocation, and the conditions you must meet for reinstatement depend on the severity of the infraction.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes for Better Coverage
Regardless of your license status, it's absolutely essential to have the appropriate car insurance in Georgia. Even if you have a suspended or revoked license, it's still a good idea to insure your vehicle to protect it from vandalism or theft. Use EverQuote's comparison tools to compare car insurance quotes based on your unique situation and get the coverage you need.