Free Guide to Georgia Driver's License Suspension Information

Understanding Georgia Driver's License Suspension: The Basics

A driver's license suspension in Georgia means your driving privilege has been temporarily removed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). During a suspension, you are not legally permitted to drive any vehicle on public roads. This is different from a revocation, which is permanent until you go through formal reinstatement procedures. Understanding the difference matters because suspension periods have defined end dates, while revoked licenses require specific steps to restore driving privileges.

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Georgia suspends licenses for various reasons. According to the Georgia DDS, common causes include failing to pay traffic tickets, accumulating too many points on your driving record, driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, and failing to maintain required insurance. Other reasons include unpaid child support through the Georgia Office of Child Support Services, failure to appear in court, and medical conditions that make driving unsafe. Some suspensions are administrative, meaning they happen automatically when certain conditions are met.

The length of a suspension varies significantly based on the reason. A suspension for unpaid tickets might last until you resolve the ticket, while a DUI suspension can range from six months to several years depending on whether it's your first offense and other circumstances. Point-based suspensions typically last until you have fewer points or complete a defensive driving course. Understanding why your license was suspended and for how long is the first step toward addressing the situation.

Georgia residents should know that driving with a suspended license is illegal and carries serious consequences. A person caught driving on a suspended license may face criminal charges, additional fines up to $1,000, possible jail time up to 12 months, and further license suspension. Vehicle impoundment is also possible in some cases. These penalties make it important to understand your suspension status before getting behind the wheel.

Takeaway: Determine why your license was suspended and for how long by checking your DDS records or contacting the department directly. This information shapes all your next steps.

How to Check Your Georgia Driver's License Status

Before taking any action regarding a suspension, you need to know your current license status. Georgia provides several methods to check whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid. The most direct way is through the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. The site has a "Check License Status" tool where you enter your driver's license number and date of birth. This tool returns your license status and, in many cases, basic information about any suspensions.

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Another option is to call the Georgia DDS Customer Service Center at 678-413-8400. Representatives can look up your status and explain the reason for any suspension. You can also visit a local DDS office in person. Georgia has Driver Services offices throughout the state, and staff members can print a status report showing suspension details. Bring a valid form of identification to confirm who you are.

When checking your status online or by phone, have your driver's license number and Social Security number ready. The system will ask for these to confirm your identity. If you don't have your license number, your full name and date of birth may work, though the online tool prefers the license number for accuracy. The status check typically takes less than five minutes and is free.

Your status report will show several pieces of information: whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked; the date the suspension started; the expected end date if applicable; and sometimes the reason for suspension. However, not all suspension details appear in the basic status check. If you need more complete information—such as the specific statute violated or court case details—you may need to contact the court that issued the suspension or the agency responsible for it, such as the DUI Task Force or Child Support Services.

Georgia residents should check their status before attempting to renew or reinstate a license. Trying to renew a suspended license online or at a DDS office will be rejected automatically. Checking first prevents wasted time and helps you understand what steps are necessary before you can legally drive again.

Takeaway: Use the Georgia DDS online tool, call 678-413-8400, or visit a local office to confirm your license status and suspension details before taking further action.

Common Reasons for License Suspension in Georgia

Georgia suspends licenses for numerous reasons, each requiring different resolution methods. Understanding the specific cause of your suspension is essential because the path forward depends on it. One of the most common reasons is accumulating too many points on your driving record. Georgia uses a points system where traffic violations add points: a speeding ticket might add three points, reckless driving adds four points, and a DUI adds four points. When a driver reaches 15 points within a 24-month period, the DDS automatically suspends their license for at least six months.

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Failure to pay traffic fines or court costs is another frequent cause. When you receive a ticket in Georgia, you are ordered to pay or appear in court by a specific date. If you miss this deadline and don't pay the fine, the court notifies the DDS, which suspends your license. The suspension remains in effect until you pay the fine, any accumulated late fees, and court costs. Some counties allow payment plans, which can help resolve this type of suspension.

DUI and DWI convictions trigger mandatory suspensions. A first DUI offense results in a 12-month suspension, though you may become eligible for a work permit after 120 days if you install an ignition interlock device and meet other requirements. A second DUI within 10 years brings a three-year suspension, and a third brings a five-year suspension. These suspensions are among the longest and most strictly enforced in Georgia.

Insurance-related suspensions occur when you fail to maintain continuous auto insurance or don't provide proof of insurance after a traffic stop or accident. Georgia's Mandatory Insurance Law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. If you let your policy lapse and are discovered, the DDS is notified and your license is suspended. This suspension ends once you provide proof of current insurance and pay a $210 reinstatement fee.

Administrative suspensions also happen for medical reasons. A doctor or the DDS may determine that a person has a medical condition making them unsafe to drive—such as severe vision loss, seizure disorders, or cognitive decline. In these cases, the DDS issues a medical suspension. Reinstating a medically suspended license requires a medical examination and clearance from a healthcare provider.

Child support-related suspensions are issued through cooperation between the Georgia Office of Child Support Services and the DDS. If a parent falls significantly behind on court-ordered child support payments, their license can be suspended. This suspension ends when child support becomes current and arrears are addressed.

Takeaway: Identify your specific suspension reason—whether it's points, unpaid fines, DUI, insurance, medical, or child support—because each reason has a different resolution process and timeframe.

Steps to Resolve a Driver's License Suspension

Once you know why your license was suspended, specific steps exist to resolve the issue. The process differs by suspension type, but all require some action on your part. For suspensions caused by unpaid traffic fines, contact the court that issued the ticket. You can find the court's contact information on the original ticket or by calling the county courthouse. Explain that your license is suspended due to unpaid fines and ask about payment options. Many courts offer payment plans allowing you to pay in installments rather than all at once. Once you've paid the full amount, the court notifies the DDS, and your suspension is lifted.

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For point-based suspensions, you have two paths forward. The first is to wait out the suspension period, which is typically six months. Once this period ends, you must complete a Safe Driving Course approved by the Georgia DDS and pay a $210 reinstatement fee. The second path is to take the Safe Driving Course before the suspension period ends, which can reduce the suspension length. You can take this course at various educational institutions, online through approved providers, or in person at a local driving school. The course costs between $20 and $100 depending on the provider.

For DUI suspensions, the process is more complex. Your suspension is mandatory and non-negotiable for the first 120 days. After 120 days, you may become eligible for a Limited Driving Permit (LDP) if you install an approved ignition interlock device in your vehicle, complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program, and pay fees. The ignition interlock device costs approximately $60 to $100 monthly and prevents the vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You'll need to maintain this device for the entire suspension