How to Get Your Driver's License Back After a Georgia DUI Conviction

 

If you have had your driver’s license suspended or revoked in Georgia, you will have to take steps to get it reinstated. Some people choose to work with a Georgia DUI lawyer to ensure that they follow the correct procedures.

 

Be aware that your driver license suspension starts at the time of your conviction, but the time doesn’t court until you have turned in your driver’s license. If you did not turn in your driver license, you have not completed your suspension period. If you have lost your driver license, you can have your lawyer file the proper affidavit.

 

What Are the Steps You Must Take?

 

After your suspension ends, you must complete a DDS-approved Drug Use Risk Reduction program and pay fines related to your case. You must complete all court-mandated requirements, such as jail time, community service hours, and counseling. If you have been convicted of two or more Georgia DUI charged within the past 10 years, you will be required to get a state-approved clinical evaluation.

 

You should have received this information in court or by mail, but if you have questions, you can call the Department of Drivers Services at 678-413-8400 or toll-free at 866-754-3687. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5:15 pm.

 

Then in order to reinstate your license, you must apply in person at a DDS Customer Service Center that offers reinstatements services. Not all locations do, so you should call in advance to confirm.

 

Alternately, you can request reinstatement or further information on your requirements in writing by mailing:

Department of Driver Services
P.O. Box 80447
Conyers, GA 30013
 

Include your full name, driver’s license number, date of birth, mailing address, and signature.

 

Making a Payment

 

If you are paying in person at a Customer Service Center, you can pay with cash, personal/business check, money order, cashiers check, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Be aware that partial payments are not accepted.

 

If you are paying by mail, you can pay with personal/business check, money order, cashiers check, or credit cards using the Credit Card Authorization Form.

 

To find out how much you need to pay, contact the Department of Driver Services.

 

Can You Get a Restricted Drivers License?

 

If you drivers license has been suspended, you may be able to get a restricted drivers license. If you already have two or more previous Georgia DUI convictions, you will not be eligible. A restricted driver license will only allow you to drive to and from work, medical services, classes, driver’s education, treatment programs ordered by the court, and Ignition Interlock Centers. They may even specify specific routes, amounts of time, or particular vehicles you can use. The best way to determine if you are eligible is to contact a DUI attorney.

 

When Are Ignition Interlock Devices Required?

 

If this is your second Georgia DUI conviction, then you will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on your car for 6 months. You will not have your driver license reinstated; instead you will have a limited permit. You must also submit proof of completion of Georgia DUI alcohol or drug risk reduction program, clinical evaluation, and enrollment or completion of treatment if required by evaluation.

 

What About My Car Insurance?

 

You may also be able to take a state-approved Georgia DUI/Defensive Driver course to reduce the number of points on your drivers license. This is available to you once every five years. In some cases, this will lower your insurance rates, but you should check with your agent before enrolling.

 

When Do I Need a Georgia DUI Lawyer?

 

If you have been convicted of multiple DUIs or an aggravated DUI charge, then it can be to your benefit to hire an experienced Georgia DUI attorney to help you through the process. Reinstatement isn’t automatic in all cases.