Georgia FTA License Suspension: Court Clearance Path
Georgia requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Georgia at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
$200
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Georgia
Georgia operates under a tort liability system—the at-fault driver pays for injuries and property damage. The Georgia Department of Driver Services suspends licenses for Failure-to-Appear on traffic citations, and the court clerk—not DDS—controls the FTA hold release. Proof of insurance is required at registration and during traffic stops.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Certificate (If Underlying Citation Requires)
What Drivers Pay in Georgia
$316–$423/mo
Typical monthly rate in Georgia, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Suspension duration: Licenses suspended over 6 months before clearance face higher rates due to coverage lapse—Georgia insurers consider any gap over 30 days a risk signal.
- Bench warrant status: Active warrants delay reinstatement and extend the coverage gap, compounding rate increases when coverage finally resumes.
- County of citation: Atlanta metro citations processed through Fulton, DeKalb, or Cobb courts take 2–4 weeks for FTA release; rural counties often release within 5 business days.
- Payment history post-reinstatement: The first 6 months of on-time premium payments after FTA clearance improve rate class assignment—one missed payment restarts the clock.
Get Back on the Road After a Missed Court Date
Get My Post-FTA Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Limited Driving Permit
application fee $32.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state acts on a lapse after 10 days.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance before clearing my FTA hold in Georgia?
No—you clear the FTA hold with the court first, then purchase insurance before paying the DDS reinstatement fee. Georgia DDS requires proof of insurance at reinstatement, not at court appearance. If you buy insurance while your license is still suspended, some carriers charge suspended-driver rates even after reinstatement.
Does an FTA suspension in Georgia require SR-22 filing?
FTA holds alone do not require SR-22. But if the underlying citation you missed court for was driving without insurance, DUI, or reckless driving, Georgia DDS will require SR-22 filing for 3 years after reinstatement. The court disposition paperwork states whether SR-22 is required—bring this to your insurance agent.
How long does it take Georgia DDS to reinstate my license after FTA clearance?
Georgia DDS reinstates licenses within 24–48 hours after receiving the court's FTA release and your reinstatement fee payment. If you pay in person at a DDS Customer Service Center, reinstatement is processed same-day. Online payments delay reinstatement 2–3 business days.
Can I get a Georgia hardship license while my FTA hold is active?
No—Georgia does not issue limited permits for FTA suspensions. The suspension remains in place until you appear in court, resolve the underlying citation, and the court releases the hold to DDS. Once released, you pay the reinstatement fee and resume full driving privileges.
Coverage Types
Post-FTA Reinstatement Insurance
Coverage designed for drivers reinstating after FTA clearance. Standard carriers accept FTA-cleared drivers if the underlying citation was minor; non-standard carriers cover FTA drivers with compounding violations.
SR-22 Filing (If Required by Underlying Citation)
Certificate filed by your insurer with Georgia DDS proving continuous coverage. Required for 3 years if your FTA citation was for driving without insurance, DUI, or serious violations.
Liability-Only Coverage
State minimum 25/50/25 coverage with no collision or comprehensive. Cheapest legal option for post-FTA drivers with older vehicles paid in full.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your injuries when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient limits. Optional in Georgia but must be offered at every policy inception.
Standard Auto Coverage Post-Reinstatement
Full-market coverage available to FTA-cleared drivers whose underlying citation was non-serious. Standard carriers accept reinstatement if no SR-22 is required and suspension was under 90 days.