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Getting a DUI is serious no matter where it happens—but the situation becomes more complex when you’re arrested in one state but live in another. If you’re a Georgia resident and are charged with DUI in another state, you might wonder how the penalties will affect you at home. Will your Georgia license be suspended? Will you have to complete penalties in both states? And how do Georgia’s laws come into play?
This type of situation falls under what’s known as an interstate DUI case, and it’s not uncommon—especially for residents who travel for work, vacations, or college. The short answer is: yes, a DUI in another state can and likely will follow you home to Georgia. Both the state where the offense occurred and Georgia may take action, often in coordination.
This post explains what Georgia residents should expect if they’re convicted of a DUI out of state. We’ll cover license suspensions, penalties that carry over, how states share information, and why DUI laws vary across state lines. While this is not legal advice, it’s a practical overview of what to expect in this edge-case scenario.
How States Communicate DUI Offenses Across Borders
Most U.S. states, including Georgia, are part of the Driver License Compact (DLC). This agreement allows states to share information about serious driving violations—especially DUI offenses. When a Georgia resident is convicted of a DUI in another state, that conviction is reported back to Georgia’s Department of Driver Services (DDS).
Once Georgia receives notice of an out-of-state DUI, it can impose its own penalties—separate from those applied by the state where the DUI occurred. This means you could face:
- Suspension or revocation of your Georgia driver’s license
- Mandatory DUI Risk Reduction Program in Georgia
- Fines or fees through Georgia DDS for reinstatement
- Additional restrictions or permit limitations in Georgia
The DLC ensures that drivers cannot escape DUI consequences simply by returning home. Georgia treats an out-of-state DUI as if it occurred within state lines when it comes to licensing and administrative penalties.
Will Georgia Suspend Your License for an Out-of-State DUI?
Yes, Georgia can suspend or revoke your license if you’re convicted of a DUI in another state. This typically happens after the other state reports the offense to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), which then reviews the conviction under Georgia law.
If the out-of-state conviction would be considered a DUI under Georgia law, DDS may take the following actions:
- Suspend your Georgia license for the standard period (usually 12 months for a first offense)
- Require you to complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program within Georgia
- Deny renewal of your license if it’s up for renewal while suspended
- Impose reinstatement fees and conditions similar to those applied after an in-state DUI
The suspension is considered an administrative action. Even if you’ve already served penalties in the other state—like jail time, community service, or license restrictions—you may still need to comply with Georgia-specific requirements to regain full driving privileges.
Completing DUI Penalties Across State Lines
One of the most confusing aspects of getting a DUI out of state is figuring out which state you’re responsible to—and for what. In most cases, you’ll need to complete criminal penalties (like jail, fines, or community service) in the state where the DUI occurred, and administrative penalties (like license suspension and education programs) in your home state—Georgia.
Here’s a breakdown:
- The state where the DUI occurred:
Handles court-related sentencing, such as jail time, probation, court costs, and community service. - Georgia (your home state):
Handles licensing consequences and may require completion of Georgia’s DUI Risk Reduction Program or other requirements before reinstating your license.
In some cases, the two states may coordinate, allowing you to complete certain requirements in your home state. For example, if the other state orders DUI education, it may accept proof of completion from a Georgia-certified program. However, this isn’t guaranteed, and you must confirm with both jurisdictions.
If you ignore Georgia’s requirements, your license will remain suspended, even if you’ve completed everything required in the other state.
Out-of-State DUI and Your Georgia Driving Record
When Georgia receives notification of your out-of-state DUI conviction, it becomes part of your Georgia driving record. This record is maintained by DDS and can impact everything from future DUI penalties to insurance rates and even employment background checks.
Here’s what this means:
- If you receive another DUI in Georgia, the out-of-state conviction will count toward your offense total
- A second DUI (even if the first was out of state) may result in increased jail time, longer license suspension, and ignition interlock requirements
- Insurance companies in Georgia will see the out-of-state DUI and likely raise your insurance premiums
- Any future court proceedings in Georgia will take your full DUI history into account, not just in-state convictions
Georgia law does not treat out-of-state DUIs as “separate” or less serious than in-state ones. For all practical purposes, your record will reflect the out-of-state DUI the same way it would if it occurred in Georgia.
Why DUI Penalties Vary Between States
One reason interstate DUI cases can be so confusing is because DUI laws vary significantly between states. Each state sets its own rules for BAC thresholds, penalties, license suspensions, and even what counts as a DUI.
Here are a few examples of how DUI laws differ:
- BAC thresholds for enhanced penalties (e.g., 0.15% in one state vs. 0.20% in another)
- First offense outcomes (some states offer diversion programs; Georgia does not)
- Length of license suspension and permit availability
- Felony thresholds (Georgia charges a fourth DUI in 10 years as a felony; other states may vary)
As a Georgia resident, you are subject to the laws of the state where the offense occurs at the time of the incident. However, your Georgia license and driving privileges are governed by Georgia law, which kicks in once the state is notified.
This dual-layer system explains why someone might face court penalties in one state and license consequences in Georgia, even if they’ve already satisfied the court’s requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Out-of-State DUIs for Georgia Residents
Will Georgia find out about my DUI in another state?
Yes. Most states report DUI convictions to Georgia through the Driver License Compact.
Can I lose my Georgia license because of an out-of-state DUI?
Yes. Georgia can suspend or revoke your license if the out-of-state offense would be considered a DUI under Georgia law.
Do I have to do DUI school in Georgia if I already did it in another state?
Possibly. Georgia may require you to complete the Georgia-certified DUI Risk Reduction Program, even if you completed a similar course elsewhere.
What happens if I don’t comply with Georgia’s requirements?
Your license will remain suspended in Georgia, and you may be unable to renew it or get a limited driving permit.
Will an out-of-state DUI show up on my Georgia driving record?
Yes. It will be treated as a DUI conviction for purposes of future penalties and administrative actions.
Does Georgia count an out-of-state DUI toward future offenses?
Yes. An out-of-state conviction counts toward your total, meaning a future DUI in Georgia could be treated as a second or third offense.
Can I get a limited driving permit in Georgia after an out-of-state DUI?
In some cases, yes—but only after fulfilling Georgia’s own reinstatement conditions and requirements.
Conclusion
If you live in Georgia and get a DUI in another state, you’re not off the hook when you return home. Georgia’s Department of Driver Services will likely suspend your license, require DUI education, and apply other administrative penalties—even if you’ve already completed sentencing in the state where the offense occurred. Because states share information under the Driver License Compact, a DUI anywhere becomes a DUI everywhere when it comes to your record and your ability to drive.
To see how Georgia’s DUI laws interact with other states and why penalties vary, visit the State By State DUI Laws page.
For more insight into how location affects sentencing and driver penalties, check out Why DUI Penalties Vary by State.