Georgia · DUI · Checked October 2026
DUI License Suspension in Georgia: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
DUI License Suspension in Georgia: What Are the Rules?
You have 30 days to challenge a license suspension after a DUI arrest in Georgia.
- Deadline to challenge
- 30 days
- How it is counted
- The issuance or service date of the notice of intent to suspend (DDS Form 1205 or 1205S); the request must be received or postmarked within 30 calendar days
- Failed test
- First: 30-day minimum (limited permit available); second within 5 years: 18-month minimum; third within 5 years: 5-year minimum (habitual violator)
- Refused test
- 1 year (no regular limited permit; ignition interlock limited permit possible for drivers 21 or older)
- Hardship license
- Limited driving permit
How to Request a Hearing in Georgia
submit an ALS hearing request with the $150 nonrefundable fee to the Georgia Department of Driver Services through DDS Online Services, by mail, or at a DDS Customer Service Center (no fax); the case is docketed with the Office of State Administrative Hearings. Alternatively, a driver 21 or older can apply for an ignition interlock limited driving permit within the same 30 days, which waives the hearing.
Suspension if You Fail a Test in Georgia
first: 30-day minimum (limited permit available); second within 5 years: 18-month minimum; third within 5 years: 5-year minimum (habitual violator)O.C.G.A. § 40-5-67.1; § 40-5-67.2; § 40-5-64.1; Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 375-1-1-.06(f)
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Georgia
1 year (no regular limited permit; ignition interlock limited permit possible for drivers 21 or older)O.C.G.A. § 40-5-67.1; § 40-5-67.2; § 40-5-64.1; Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 375-1-1-.06(f)
Getting a Limited Driving Permit in Georgia
Available after a first DUI conviction in 5 years and during a first administrative suspension; $25, valid one year. Permits restrict driving to work, scheduled medical care and prescriptions, school, support or treatment programs, court, probation or community service, and transporting unlicensed immediate family members, and are not valid in a commercial vehicle. A second conviction in 5 years allows only an ignition interlock limited permit after a 120-day hard suspension. Not available for a refusal suspension (except an ignition interlock limited permit for drivers 21+) or a third conviction (habitual violator).
More on DUI Law in Georgia
See the full overview of DUI laws in Georgia and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Georgia law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Georgia can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Request a Hearing in Georgia?
30 days. How it is counted: the issuance or service date of the notice of intent to suspend (DDS Form 1205 or 1205S); the request must be received or postmarked within 30 calendar days.
How Long Is the License Suspension for Failing a Test?
first: 30-day minimum (limited permit available); second within 5 years: 18-month minimum; third within 5 years: 5-year minimum (habitual violator)
Can You Get a Hardship License in Georgia?
Available after a first DUI conviction in 5 years and during a first administrative suspension; $25, valid one year. Permits restrict driving to work, scheduled medical care and prescriptions, school, support or treatment programs, court, probation or community service, and transporting unlicensed immediate family members, and are not valid in a commercial vehicle. A second conviction in 5 years allows only an ignition interlock limited permit after a 120-day hard suspension. Not available for a refusal suspension (except an ignition interlock limited permit for drivers 21+) or a third conviction (habitual violator).