Georgia Drivers’ License Reinstatement and Renewal Information in DUI Arrests

By: Bubba Head, Atlanta DUI Lawyer with 48+ Years Defending Georgia Drivers

Was your license suspended after a DUI arrest in Georgia?

Under Georgia DUI law, your license may be suspended immediately following arrest if the officer issues a DDS 1205 form, which typically occurs after a refusal of state-administered testing or a blood alcohol content (BAC) reading over the legal limit.

For many drivers in Georgia, the law provides options to preserve limited driving privileges after a DUI arrest, either by requesting an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) appeal or applying for an Ignition Interlock Device Limited Permit (IIDLP). However, strict deadlines apply, and immediate action is required.

However, If you (or your lawyer) fail to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing or apply for and receive permission to install a 12-month Ignition Interlock Device within thirty days of arrest in Georgia, it will lead to administrative driver’s license suspension.

With timely filings and proper legal representation, many drivers are able to protect their ability to drive, either by successfully challenging the administrative suspension, qualifying for a Limited Driving Permit, or, in some cases, getting a DUI reduced to reckless driving.

How Long is a DUI License Suspension?

The length of a driver’s license suspension after a DUI in Georgia depends on several factors, including prior DUI offenses, chemical test refusal, the outcome of the administrative license suspension (ALS) hearing, and the criminal court disposition.

If you refused chemical testing and lost your ALS hearing, you face a 12-month administrative suspension with no limited permit eligibility. Separately, a first DUI conviction (without refusal) typically results in a 12-month suspension. A second DUI conviction within 5 years carries a 3-year suspension, while a third DUI within 5 years leads to a 5-year habitual violator revocation.

Georgia License Reinstatement GA After Suspension for DUI Conviction

Reinstatement generally requires an in-person visit to a DDS Customer Service Center to present DUI School completion certificates and required documentation. In limited situations, DDS may authorize online or mail reinstatement depending on your specific case. . However, if you refused post-arrest testing and lost your ALS hearing, you may not be eligible for early reinstatement and must serve the full suspension period.

For a first-time DUI offender (non-refusal), you must:

• Serve 120 days of your suspension period.
• Complete a DDS-approved DUI or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program.
• Pay the reinstatement fee:
  • $200 (online, if eligible)
  • $210 (in person at DDS).

Can I Get a Limited Driving Permit While My License Is Suspended in Georgia?

You may qualify for a limited permit if:

• You are 21 or older
• This is your first DUI offense in 5 years
• You hold a valid Georgia driver’s license
• You did not refuse the state’s breath, blood, or urine test
• You file a DDS appeal or IIDLP application within 30 days of arrest

The limited permit fee is $32 and is valid for up to one year. Renewal is possible, with a renewal fee of $10.

While a limited permit can help some drivers stay on the road during their suspension, it’s not a substitute for fully resolving your case and understanding how to get your suspended license reinstated in GA through DDS.

Hiring an Award-Winning Georgia DUI Lawyer to Help You Save Driving Privileges

Remember, you only have 30 DAYS to file a license suspension appeal or apply for an ignition interlock device, or your driver’s license will be suspended for up to one year! Since the FREE lawyer consultation costs you nothing, why not talk to Bubba Head, Larry Kohn, or Cory Yager now? With 4 metro Atlanta locations, our experienced Atlanta DUI lawyers near me are available 24 hours a day, on weekends, and on all major holidays. Call us at (404) 567-5515.