How to Request an Administrative License Suspension Hearing for a Georgia DUI

Facing a DUI in Georgia? Here’s What You Need to Know About Protecting Your Driver’s License

If you or a loved one in their teens or twenties has been charged with a DUI in Georgia, one of the first concerns is often: “How do I protect my driver’s license?” That’s where the administrative license suspension hearing comes in.

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we help people in their teens through their mid-twenties understand and take action during difficult moments like these. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to request an administrative license suspension hearing if you’ve received a DDS-1205 form after being charged with a Georgia DUI.

⚠️ Important: This is general information. Your case may require a different approach. For specific guidance, schedule a complimentary defense strategy meeting with our team.

What Is an Administrative License Suspension Hearing?

An administrative license suspension (ALS) hearing is a separate legal process that occurs when you are charged with DUI in Georgia. It’s handled by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and focuses solely on your driving privileges—not the criminal aspects of your case.

Most often, you’ll need to request this hearing if you received a DDS-1205 form, which is given to you when the officer takes your physical driver’s license.

How to Request a Hearing (And What to Include)

1. Act Fast: You Only Have 30 Days

• Your hearing request must be postmarked within 30 days of the DUI charge.
• Missing this deadline means losing the opportunity to challenge your license suspension.

2. Include the $150 Filing Fee

• Attach a $150 check or money order made payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
• If using a money order, keep the stub as proof.

3. Send It the Right Way

Use certified mail to send your hearing request. This gives you proof of mailing and delivery. Send it to:

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

4. What Information Must Be Included

• Full name as it appears on your driver’s license
• Current address (even if different from the one on your license)
• Driver’s license number (can be found on the DDS-1205 form)
• Date of birth
• Phone number
• Attorney’s contact info if you’re represented
• Details of what you’re challenging
• Names of any witnesses you plan to bring

Tip: Use the DDS Form

To make the process easier, the Georgia DDS has a form available to request an ALS hearing. This form can be downloaded from our website and includes:

• A checkbox to indicate whether you’re requesting the hearing for a DUI administrative suspension or implied consent suspension
• All required fields mentioned above

📸 Pro Tip: Take photos of your completed form, certified mail receipt, and money order. Email the images to yourself or someone you trust in case your phone is lost or damaged.

Should You Even Request a Hearing?

There are strategic reasons for requesting—or not requesting—an ALS hearing. It’s not always the right move in every case. Speaking with a defense attorney before submitting this request could save you from unintended consequences.

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we help young people evaluate their situation and build a strategy that protects their future.

Need Help with a DUI or License Suspension in Georgia?

If you’re facing a DUI charge and don’t know whether an administrative license suspension hearing is the right next step, contact us today. We offer complimentary defense strategy meetings to help you understand your rights and options.

Contact us today to schedule your strategy meeting.