Licensed commercial drivers must obtain CDL replacement in Georgia as soon as possible after losing or damaging their license. To replace CDL license credentials, commercial drivers must apply in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Customer Service Center. Although the state offers many DDS services through its online portal, DMV CDL replacement online is not currently an option.

Replacing a stolen, damaged or lost CDL drivers license will result in the applicant obtaining a duplicate CDL license. This duplicate has all the same privileges, endorsements and restrictions as the original document. For security purposes, you may change the number on a CDL that has been stolen. To learn more about how to replace a CDL license in Georgia, review the following sections.

When do you need to get a duplicate CDL license in Georgia?

There are many different situations that call for a CDL replacement, such as when you cannot find your commercial license card. A lost CDL drivers license is perhaps the most common reason for requesting a replacement. You must also apply for a duplicate CDL if your name changes after a marriage or divorce, or due to another legal reason.

CDL replacement is also required when the card becomes faded, creased, burned or otherwise damaged to the point that the text or photo cannot clearly be seen. You should also replace CDL license credentials and get a new photo taken if your appearance alters drastically, such as after losing a lot of weight or growing a beard.

If you need to replace a CDL license that was stolen, be sure to file a theft report with the local law enforcement agency. If you can provide a police report when you apply for a duplicate CDL in Georgia, DDS will change your license number. In addition, having a police report can help guard against identity theft or other illegal use of your stolen CDL.

Failing to replace CDL license cards promptly can result in a traffic citation for driving without a valid commercial license in your possession. If you receive a ticket for driving without a CDL, that could possibly result in the loss of your employment as a commercial driver. CDL replacement fees are a mere fraction of what you stand to lose if you get caught driving without a license.

If you need a Georgia DMV CDL replacement within 150 days of the license’s expiration date, DDS requires you to go ahead and renew your CDL instead of just getting a replacement. Note that replacement via renewal may require additional paperwork, such as an updated medical record. In addition, when you get a duplicate CDL license through renewal, you must pay a higher fee plus a small fee for each endorsement added to your credential.

Documents Required to Replace a CDL in Georgia

When you apply for a duplicate CDL in GA, you are required to show specific types of identification documents. You may present one document from the Category A list below or two documents from the Category B list. Documents used must be original or certified copies, and no photocopies or faxes will be accepted. Note that your name on your identification documents must match the name on your CDL license and all documents must be in English.

Category A (One Document Required)

• Valid U.S. passport or passport card not expired more than 10 years
• U.S. birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Forms FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
• Expired GA driver license, driver permit or ID card
• Valid, unexpired permanent resident card (Form I-551)
• Unexpired, valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD; Forms I-766 or I-688B)
• Valid, unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa affixed (must be accompanied by an approved I-94 form verifying the most recent arrival in the United States)
• Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
• Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)

Category B (Two Documents Required)

• Marriage license
• Social Security Card
• Previous year’s income tax return or W-2
• Current home, life, auto or health insurance policy
• Voter registration card
• Current vehicle registration receipt
• Military ID card or military dependent ID card (valid or expired)
• Military orders
• Valid Georgia gun permit
• I-797C, Notice of Action with Case Type I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card)

How to Replace a Georgia CDL in Person

CDL replacement is available at DDS Customer Service Centers located throughout the state. Most DDS Customer Service Centers are open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and many offer extended hours on Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

You may apply for a duplicate CDL in Georgia during normal business hours by arriving with an approved form of identification from the documents listed above. Be sure to bring a form of fee payment, as explained below, and a copy of your police report if your CDL was stolen. The DDS clerk will process your request and issue your new card.

Note that if you wish to change the number on your commercial driver license, that is only permissible if you are at risk for identity theft by keeping your current license number. Georgia DDS states that you may replace CDL license numbers if the current one is the same as your Social Security Number, or if you provide a police report proving that your license was stolen.

CDL Replacement Fees in Georgia

The current GA CDL replacement fee is $5. DDS accepts payments by cash, money order, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards. You may also pay your fee with any debit card featuring the Visa or MasterCard logo. Make checks or money orders payable to DDS.

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