If you’re worried that your Georgia driver’s license may be suspended — or if you’ve just found out it is — you’re not alone. Every day, drivers across Georgia discover their license has been suspended without any warning. The good news? In most cases, you can take steps to resolve the issue and get back on the road.

This guide walks you through how to check your license status, the most common reasons for a suspension, and what to do next.

How to Check Your Georgia Driver’s License Status

There are three ways to find out if your Georgia license is suspended:

Check Online Through Georgia DDS

The fastest option. Visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website at dds.georgia.gov and use their “Check License Status” tool. You’ll need:

• Your driver’s license number
• Your date of birth
• The last four digits of your Social Security number

The system will tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or canceled — and in many cases, it will tell you why.

Check by Phone

Call the Georgia Department of Driver Services directly:

• Metro Atlanta: (678) 413-8400 or (678) 413-8500
• Outside Metro Atlanta: (866) 754-3687

Be prepared to verify your identity with the same information listed above.

Check in Person

You can visit any Georgia DDS office with a valid form of identification. While this takes more time, it can be useful if you need to ask questions or handle paperwork on the spot.

Important: Make sure your current address is on file with DDS. Many drivers miss suspension notices simply because DDS mailed them to an old address. If you’ve moved recently, update your information as soon as possible.

Common Reasons Your Georgia License May Be Suspended

There are a number of reasons your Georgia license or driving privileges could be suspended. Here are the most common:

Failure to Appear (FTA) in Court

This is one of the most frequent causes we see — and it catches many drivers completely off guard. If you missed a traffic court date, even unintentionally, the court can report it to DDS and your license may be suspended as a result.

The frustrating part? You may not even realize you missed the court date until an officer pulls you over and tells you your license is suspended. At that point, you could be facing new charges for driving on a suspended license on top of the original ticket.

If you think your suspension is related to a missed court date, you can usually find out which court issued the FTA by checking your driving history at dds.georgia.gov. The court name should be listed under the suspension. From there, you’ll need to contact that court to begin the process of clearing your FTA.

→ Learn more about how to clear an FTA and get your license reinstated

Too Many Points on Your Record

Georgia uses a points system for traffic violations. If you’re 21 or older and accumulate 15 or more points within a 24-month period, DDS will suspend your license. Drivers under 21 face stricter rules — even a single four-point violation can trigger a suspension.

Common point values include:

• Speeding (15-18 mph over): 2 points
• Speeding (19-23 mph over): 3 points
• Speeding (24-33 mph over): 4 points
• Speeding (34+ mph over): 6 points
• Reckless driving: 4 points
• Following too closely: 3 points

If you’ve received multiple tickets in a short period, it’s worth checking your record. A traffic violation attorney can help you understand your options for reducing points or fighting tickets before they result in a suspension.

→ See the full Georgia points breakdown

Unpaid Traffic Tickets or Fines

If you received a traffic ticket and didn’t pay it by the deadline — even if you forgot about it — the court may have reported it to DDS. This can result in a suspension that stays in effect until you resolve the underlying ticket.

DUI Conviction or Refusal

A DUI arrest in Georgia triggers two separate processes: the criminal case and an administrative license suspension (ALS) through DDS. If you were arrested for DUI, you have only 30 days to request an ALS hearing or your license may be automatically suspended.

→ Learn about Georgia DUI license penalties and the 1205 notice

Failure to Maintain Insurance

Georgia law requires all drivers to maintain car insurance. If your insurance company reports a lapse in coverage, DDS can suspend your license and registration.

Other Reasons

Less common causes include being declared medically unfit to drive, failure to pay child support, and certain criminal convictions. If you’re unsure why your license was suspended, checking your driving history online or speaking with an attorney can help clarify the situation.

What to Do If Your License Is Suspended

Once you know your license is suspended, the next step depends on the reason for the suspension.

For FTA Suspensions

The first step is to contact the court that issued the FTA. You can usually find this information on your DDS driving history. In many cases, resolving the FTA is a matter of communicating with the court, paying an FTA fine, and completing the appropriate paperwork — including a 912 form — to have DDS lift the suspension.

The process varies from court to court. Some courts will require you to appear before a judge, especially if you’re handling it without an attorney. One of the benefits of hiring a lawyer is that in many cases, the attorney can have the FTA and bench warrant lifted without requiring you to appear in court.

For Points Suspensions

If your license was suspended due to point accumulation, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course and wait out the suspension period before you’re eligible for reinstatement. Contact DDS for the specific requirements tied to your suspension.

For DUI Suspensions

DUI-related suspensions involve a more complex process. You may need to navigate both the criminal case and the administrative suspension. If you’re within 30 days of your arrest, acting quickly is critical.

For All Suspensions

No matter the reason, you’ll generally need to:

1. Resolve the underlying issue with the court or relevant agency
2. Obtain a clearance letter or 912 form from the court (for FTA suspensions)
3. Pay the DDS reinstatement fee
4. Verify with DDS that your license is valid before you start driving again

That last step is important — don’t assume your license is reinstated just because you’ve taken the other steps. Confirm it directly with DDS.

If you’re an out-of-state driver, the process can be more complicated. Georgia’s 912 form may not be familiar to licensing authorities in other states, and there’s nothing automatic about the reinstatement even after you’ve acquired the form. We often assist out-of-state clients in managing this communication to ensure a smoother process.

Don’t Drive on a Suspended License

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth saying plainly: if your license is suspended, do not drive until it’s reinstated. Driving on a suspended license in Georgia is a misdemeanor that can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension period. And if an officer pulls you over, you could be arrested on the spot.

We understand how disruptive a license suspension can be. For most people, not being able to drive affects everything — your job, your family, your daily life. But the consequences of driving on a suspended license are almost always worse than the inconvenience of resolving the suspension properly.

Passing a school bus is one of the more serious traffic tickets you can receive. The consequences can be harsh, and both the prosecutor and judge are unlikely to unilaterally offer a reduced charge.

Instead, you may be offered a higher fine, or stiffer sentence than you would have expected.

Keep in mind that the normal maximum and minimum sentencing still applies.

The maximum penalty for passing a school bus is quite significant:

• 12 months in jail and
• $1000.00 fine

This is not to say that you should expect a lengthy jail sentence under normal circumstances.

However, you should anticipate the possibility of probation.

Many judges and prosecutors will argue that probation should be imposed to be sure that you maintain a clean driving record for 12 months after your conviction.

They could require that you submit a copy of your driving record to probation every month for an entire year.

They may also want you to enroll in one or more driving instructional courses, such as Alive @ 25, Victim Impact Panel, Risk Reduction, and/or Defensive Driving.

A conviction for passing a school bus will result in 6-points on your license.

If you are under 21 this will suspend your license.

If you are over 21, but you have 9 or more points on your driving history, then this will also suspend your Georgia license.

Call Now to Schedule a Consultation: 404-771-6675

Even if you have a clean driving history you can expect a weighty penalty. This is because, in part, it is one of the handful of charges that evokes an emotional response from prosecutors and judges as it is a law that is specifically designed to protect the most vulnerable members of our society — children.

As a result, it is important that you at least consult with an attorney before going to court on this type of ticket. If you are not familiar with your court’s practices, you could be exposing yourself to unnecessary risk.

Similarly, “move over” law and child endangerment tickets may result in particularly stiff sentences.

You should consult with a lawyer so that you know your options and fully understand the potential consequences of this type of conviction.

A lawyer may be able to help you mitigate some of the more serious consequences of a conviction for passing a school bus.

A lawyer may also be able to recognize legal arguments that could result in the charge being dismissed entirely, or simply help you strategize a plan for presenting persuasive mitigating information to the Court that could result in a reduction of the charge or sentence.

 

In Georgia, the Department of Driver Services (DDS) maintains a points system for traffic violations. Certain traffic offenses are assigned a specific number of points. If a 21 + year old driver accumulates 15 or more points within a two-year period, their license may be suspended.

Here is a list of common traffic offenses and the number of points that are typically assigned for each offense:

• Speeding: 2-5 points depending on the speed
• Reckless driving: 4 points
• Following too closely: 3 points
• Improper passing: 3 points
• Failure to obey traffic control device: 3 points
• Failure to us turn signal: 2 points

It’s important to note that the number of points assigned for a particular offense may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Drivers are encouraged to consult with an attorney if they have questions or need legal advice.

Points Suspensions:  O.C.G.A. §40-5-57
15 or more points or more within a 24-month period will suspend the license of a non-commercial driver over the age of 21.  If you are under 21, your license is much more likely to be suspended upon conviction of one traffic offense.

Suspensions for drivers under the age of 21:
§3-3-23(a)(2)) Purchasing an alcoholic beverage by a person under 21 years of age (§40-5-57.1)
§3-3-23(a)(2) Attempt to purchase alcohol by an underage person (§40-5-63(e))
§3-3-23(a)(2) Possession of alcohol by a minor while operating a vehicle (§40-5-63(e))
§3-3-23(a)(3) Misrepresenting age for the purpose of illegally obtaining an alcoholic beverage (§40-5-57.1)
§3-3-23(a)(5) Misrepresenting identity or using false identification for the purpose of purchasing or obtaining any alcoholic beverage (§40-5-57.1)
§40-6-397 Aggressive Driving (§40-5-57.1)
§40-6-45(a)(1) Improper Passing on a hill or curve (§40-5-57.1)
§40-6-163 Unlawful passing of a school bus (§40-5-57.1)
§40-6-181 Exceeding the speed limit by 24 mph or more (§40-5-57.1)

Suspensions for drivers under the age of 18:
§40-5-57.1 Accumulation of four (4) or more points in any consecutive twelve (12) month period (§40-5-57.1)

If you suspect your driver’s license is suspended, you may contact the Department of Driver Services at (678) 413-8500 or (866) 754-3687 (outside Metro Atlanta) or visit the DDS website at www.dds.ga.gov .

Neither the Judge nor the prosecutor have an obligation to inform you of the exact license penalties you will incur when you plead guilty to a traffic offense.

There are numerous ways to avoid a point suspension on your record.  Before you go to court, call a traffic ticket lawyer today to find out what kind of consequences you may be looking at and what you may be able to do to avoid a suspension.

Call 404-771-6675 to Schedule a Consultation With Erin

Under O.C.G.A. 40-6-181 the following points will be added to your record for the speeds listed below:

Speeding Points Schedule

O.C.G.A. 40-6-181

Other Points Schedule

The following traffic violations may result in 1 point being assessed against your Georgia driver’s license

• O.C.G.A. 40-6-241.1 Violation of Usage of Wireless Telecommunications Device
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-241.2 Operating a Vehicle while Text Messaging

The following traffic violations may result in 2 points being assessed against your Georgia driver’s license

• O.C.G.A. 40-6-248.1 Unsecured Load Resulting in Accident
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-253 Open Container
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-254 Unsecured Load Resulting in Accident

The following traffic violations may result in 3 points being assessed against your Georgia driver’s license

• O.C.G.A. 40-6-2 Failure to Obey Person Directing Traffic
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-6 Emergency Vehicle Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-11 No Proof of Insurance-Motorcycle
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-14 Limits on Sound Volume
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-16 “Move Over” Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-17 Use of Traffic-Control Device Preemption Emitter (while operating a motor vehicle)
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-20 Disregard of Traffic Control Device or Signal
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-21 Failure to Obey Traffic Signal or Light
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-23 Failure to Obey Flashing Signal
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-24 Lane Direction Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-26(a) Tampering with Traffic Signs or Signals (while operating vehicle)
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-26(b) Operating Vehicle on Closed Roadway
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-27 Tampering with Pavement Markers (while operating vehicle)
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-40 Improper Lane Usage
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-41 Failure to Yield to Oncoming Traffic
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-42 Improper Passing
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-43 Improper Passing on the Right
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-44 Improper Passing
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-46 Passing in a No Passing Zone
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-47(b) Wrong Way on One-Way Road
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-47(c) Rotary Traffic Island Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-48 Failure to Maintain Lane
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-49 Following Too Closely
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-50 Driving Within Gore or Improper Entry to Controlled Access Highway
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-51 Improper Use of Controlled-Access Road
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-52 Truck Lane Usage Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-53 Bus or Motorcoach Lane Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-55 Failure to Yield to Bicycle
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-56 Failure to Maintain Safe Distance from Bicycle
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-70 Failure to Yield at Intersection
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-71 Failure to Yield when Turning Left
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-72 Stop/Yield Sign Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-73 Failure to Yield when Crossing or Entering Road
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-74 Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-75 Failure to Yield to Construction Vehicle
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-76 Failure to Yield to Funeral Procession
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-91 Failure to Yield to Pedestrian
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-93 Failure to Exercise Due Care Near Pedestrian
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-94 Failure to Yield to Blind Pedestrian
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-98 Driving Through Safety Zone
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-120 Improper Turning
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-121 Improper U-Turn
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-122 Improper Starting
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-123 Failure to Signal Turn
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-124 Improper Use of Signal
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-125 Improper Use of Hand Signal
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-126 Improper Use of Turn Lane
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-140 Railroad Grade Crossing Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-141 Disregard of Stop Sign at Railroad Grade Crossing
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-142 Failure to Stop at Railroad Grade Crossing
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-143 Improper Movement of Heavy Equipment at Railroad Grade Crossing
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-144 Improper Emerging from Alley, Driveway or Building
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-160 School Bus Speeding Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-161 School Bus Headlight or Communication Device Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-162 School Bus Signal Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-164 School Bus Disembarking Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-165 School Bus Operation Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-184 Impeding the Flow of Traffic
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-205 Obstructing an Intersection
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-240 Improper Backing
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-241 Failure to Exercise Due Care
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-242 Driving with Obstructed View
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-244 Allowing Passenger in House Trailer
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-245 Improper Mountain/Canyon Driving
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-246 Coasting
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-247 Improper Following of Emergency Vehicle
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-248 Crossing Fire Hose
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-248.1 Unsecured Load Resulting in Accident
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-250 Wearing Device Impairing Vision or Hearing
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-251 Laying Drags
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-252 Cruising
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-253.1 Improper Transportation of Infectious Substance
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-254 Unsecured Load Resulting in Accident
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-271 Violation of Duty Upon Striking Unattended Vehicle
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-272 Violation of Duty Upon Striking Fixed Object
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-273 Failure to Report Accident
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-275 Failure to Remove Vehicle From Roadway
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-311 Improper Operation of Motorcycle
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-312 Motorcycle Lane Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-312(e) Operation of Motorcycle Without Head/Tail Light
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-313 Clinging to Vehicle While on Motorcycle
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-314 Motorcycle Equipment Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-315 Motorcycle Protective Gear Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-326 Operating Personal Assistive Mobility Device While Intoxicated
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-352 Moped Headgear Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-361 Low Speed Vehicle Lane Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-362 Low Speed Vehicle Roadway Violation
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-393.1(c) Feticide by Vehicle-2nd Degree

The following traffic violations may result in 4 points being assessed against your Georgia driver’s license

• O.C.G.A. 40-6-45 Improper Passing on Hill or Curve
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-390 Reckless Driving

The following traffic violations may result in 6 points being assessed against your Georgia driver’s license

• O.C.G.A. 40-6-163Unlawful Passing of School Bus
• O.C.G.A. 40-6-397 Aggressive Driving

The following is a list of offenses for which the DDS will suspend a license or driving privileges, upon being informed of a conviction by a court:

§40-6-393 Homicide by Vehicle (1st and 2nd Degree) (§§40-5-54, 40-5-63)
§40-6-270 Hit-and-run or Leaving the Scene of an Accident (§§40-5-54, 40-5-63)
$40-6-394 Serious Injury by Vehicle (§§40-5-54, 40-5-63)
$40-6-393.1 Feticide by Vehicle (1st Degree) (§§40-5-54, 40-5-63)
§40-5-120 Fraudulent or Fictitious Use of or application for a license or ID card (§§40-5-54, 40-5-63)
§40-5-125 Fraudulent or Fictitious Use of or application for a license or ID card (§§40-5-54, 40-5-63)
§40-6-15 Operating a motor vehicle with a revoked, cancelled, or suspended registration (§§40-5-54, 40-5-63)
§40-6-186 Racing on Highways or Streets (§§40-5-54, 40-5-63)
§40-6-395 Using a motor vehicle in fleeing or attempting to elude an officer (§§40-5-54,
40-5-63)
§40-6-391 Driving under the Influence/DUI – Child Endangerment (§40-5-63)
§40-6-255 Failure to Pay for Gasoline (§40-5-57.2)
§40-6-10 No Insurance/Failure to Show Proof of Insurance (§40-5-70)
§40-5-121 Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (§40-5-121)
§32-6-30 Refusal to Weigh (§32-6-30)
§40-5-30 Violation of License Restriction (not mandatory, at the discretion of the court)

• Any violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act (Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated) (§40-5-75)
• Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used (§§40-5-54, 40-5-63)
• Any felony forgery conviction if related to an identification document (§40-5-54)
• Accumulation of fifteen (15) or more points in any consecutive 24 month period (§40-5-57)

To order a copy of your driving record follow these steps:

1. Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website: The website is located at https://dds.georgia.gov/.
2. Click on the “Driver Services” tab: This tab is located at the top of the page.
3. Click on the “Order Your Driving Record” link: This link is located under the “Driver Services” tab.
4. Select the type of driving record you want: There are two options available: a 3-year driving record and a 5-year driving record.
5. Provide your personal information: Drivers will need to provide their name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and mailing address.
6. Pay the fee: There is a fee for obtaining a copy of your driving record. The fee can be paid online using a credit card.
7. Wait for your driving record to arrive: It may take a few days for the driving record to arrive in the mail.

It’s important to note that the driving record will only show information about the driver’s history in Georgia. If the driver has a history of traffic offenses or accidents in other states, this information may not be reflected on the driving record.