Valid for 30 days from the date it's issued, form DS-1205 serves as a temporary driver's license for Georgia drivers who've had their license confiscated due to a drunk-driving arrest. Form 1205 is a driver's notice that an immediate suspension of his or her Georgia driver's license will be requested of the Department of Driver Services (DDS).

Administrative Suspension of a Georgia Driver's License

A Georgia driver's license is administratively suspended when a driver:

  • Refuses to take a chemical test, or refuses implied consent
  • Blows over the legal limit:
    • If 21 or older, a chemical test reveals a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or greater
    • If under 21, a chemical test reveals a BAC of 0.02 or greater
    • If operating a commercial vehicle, a chemical test reveals a BAC of 0.04 or greater

If you are arrested for a Georgia drunk driving offense, you have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request, in writing, an administrative hearing from the Office of the State Administrative Hearings. Failure to do so may result in losing your driver's license while the criminal DUI case is pending.

There are instructions on the temporary driver's license regarding requesting administrative review of your Georgia driver's license suspension, including information you must include in your request. Your DUI defense attorney can represent you at the administrative hearing.

The administrative suspension is separate from any criminal penalties that may result from a DUI conviction. Drivers charged with DUI in Georgia, whether a first, second or other repeat offense, will face both a civil (administrative) and criminal process related to a drunk-driving charge.

Source: Georgia Department of Driver Services