Suspended license in Georgia: points, other causes, and how to reinstate

How the points system works

Most states assign points to moving violations and suspend the license when the total inside a set window crosses a threshold. The threshold, the window and how long each violation keeps counting are all set by the state.

Georgia's Point System adds points to the license upon conviction of certain violations; values range from 2 to 6 points, and a driver with 15 points in a 24-month period will have their license suspended.

Points period stated by the agency: 2 years. Points count toward suspension when 15 or more accumulate, measured by offense date, in any consecutive 24-month period; the suspension level (first, second, third assessment) is measured within five years. The DDS pages do not state how long points remain on the record.

“First (1st) assessment (within five (5) years): Plea of nolo contendere accepted? Suspension Limited Driving Permit Yes Yes 1-year $25.00-valid for 1-year”

“has accumulated fifteen (15) or more points, as measured by the offense date, in any consecutive 24-month period shall be suspended”

Check points or the driving record: dds.drives.ga.gov

Traffic school and point reduction

Under O.C.G.A. § 40-5-86, a licensed Georgia resident who completes a DDS-approved 6-hour Driver Improvement (defensive driving) course and submits the original certificate may have up to 7 points reduced, but not below zero, once in any 5-year period. DDS certifies the clinics; online courses are not accepted for license-related purposes. Once a license has been suspended for points, a points reduction does not stay or amend the suspension.

“Up to 7 points can be reduced once every 5 years. In accordance with rule O.C.G.A §40-5-86. To qualify for a Points Reduction, you must successfully complete a certified Driver Improvement (defensive driving) course.”

Other reasons a license is suspended, and what ends each one

These are the causes the licensing agency itself lists on its suspension pages, with what it requires to lift each one. Court-imposed suspensions and DUI suspensions are covered on the state's DUI pages.

Reinstating after a non-DUI suspension

Reinstatement fee: $200 by mail or online / $210 in person. DDS's fee table lists mandated fees by suspension type: Points Violation $200/$210 (first), $300/$310 (second), $400/$410 (third); Failure to Appear $90 online / $100 in person; No Proof of Insurance $200/$210 (first) and $300/$310 (second or more); Child Support Non-Compliance $25/$35; Super Speeder $50 after the $200 fee. A discount applies when paying by mail or, when eligible, online.

“Failure to Appear (FTA) $90.00 Pay Fees Online $100.00 No Proof of Insurance (First Offense) $200.00 $210.00 No Proof of Insurance (Second/More) $300.00 $310.00 Points Violation (First Offense) $200.00 $210.00 Points Violation (Second Offense) $300.00 $310.00 Points Violation (Third Offense)”

1. Check the license status and requirements in Online Services

   DDS states requirements vary by suspension type, conviction and number of offenses, and that Online Services (or the DDS 2 GO app) shows the license status and step-by-step reinstatement instructions for the individual record.

   “The fastest way to see the requirements for your situation is to sign in to Online Services, where you can check your license status and view step-by-step reinstatement instructions.”

2. Complete the course or obtain the release the cause requires

   For a points suspension, this is a certificate of completion from a DDS-approved defensive driving course; for FTA, a court release; for child support, a release from the Division of Child Support Services; for no insurance, proof of insurance or an SR-22A.

   “1. Submit a payment by mail or in person, select for details of Reinstatement Fees and Payment Options . 2. Present a Certificate of Completion from a DDS Approved Defensive Driving Course.”

3. Pay the reinstatement fee in full

   Payment may be made by mail (with the Official Notice of Suspension and any certificates, to the DDS Validation Unit, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013), online through Online Services, or in person at a Customer Service Center; partial payments are not accepted.

   “Payments can be made by mail, online, or in person. Reinstatement Payment Options By Mail A discount is given to most reinstatement categories when paid online or by mail.”

4. Present identity documents if reinstating in person

   At a Customer Service Center, proof of identity and all reinstatement documents (the Official Notice of Suspension and any required certificate) must be presented; centers accept cash and cards but not checks or money orders.

   “You must present proof of identity to reinstate your driver's license. Visit Georgia REAL ID for a list of identify documents. Bring all reinstatement documents to the CSC with you”

Official page: dds.georgia.gov

After a DUI the steps are different: how to get a license back after a DUI in Georgia.

Driving during a non-DUI suspension

Available in some cases · Limited Driving Permit. A limited driving permit is available during the suspension period for a first or second points suspension (age 21 and over) and can be issued as soon as the suspension appears on the driving record; it is not available for a third points suspension, a child support suspension or a no-insurance suspension. The permit restricts driving to purposes such as work, scheduled medical care, school, treatment programs and court, and DDS may specify places, routes and times.

“4. Can I get a limited permit while suspended for too many points (first offense)? Yes. Select for Limited Driving Permit Information.”

For the privilege after a DUI, see driving after a DUI in Georgia.