Fulton County DDS ALS Hearing Guide
How to appeal your Administrative License Suspension (ALS) and protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest.
Last verified: January 6, 2026
10-Day Deadline
You have exactly 10 business days from your arrest to appeal your Administrative License Suspension (ALS). Miss this deadline and your license is automatically suspended. No exceptions.
Enter your arrest date to see your deadline:
If You Appeal in Time
- * Hearing scheduled with OSAH
- * Chance to keep your license
- * May get limited permit faster
If You Miss the Deadline
- * Automatic 1-year suspension
- * No hearing, no appeal
- * Starts on 46th day after arrest
How to Appeal Your ALS
In Georgia, you appeal your Administrative License Suspension to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). The hearing is conducted by the Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH), not the criminal court.
File Through Attorney
Why: Must be filed properly with DDS
Deadline: Within 10 business days of arrest
Handles both ALS appeal and criminal case
File Pro Se (Self)
Where: Georgia DDS online or by mail
What to File: Request for ALS Hearing
Cost: $150 filing fee
Not recommended - legal complexity
What OSAH Will Consider
Grounds for Appeal:
- * Officer lacked reasonable suspicion for stop
- * Improper administration of chemical test
- * Officer failed to read implied consent notice
- * Testing equipment not properly calibrated
Documents to Gather:
- * DDS Form 1205 (given at arrest)
- * Citation and ticket copies
- * Any police reports available
- * Witness information
Georgia ALS Suspension Periods
Failed Chemical Test (0.08+ BAC)
- 1st:1-year suspension (limited permit eligible immediately with IID)
- 2nd:3-year suspension (limited permit after 120 days with IID)
- 3rd+:5-year suspension (no limited permit for 2 years)
Refused Chemical Test
- 1st:1-year suspension (limited permit after 30 days with IID)
- 2nd:3-year suspension (limited permit after 18 months)
- 3rd+:5-year suspension (no limited permit)
Important: 10-Year Lookback
Georgia looks back 10 years for prior DUI offenses. A second offense within 10 years carries significantly harsher penalties under O.C.G.A. 40-6-391.
What to Expect at the Hearing
ALS appeals are heard by OSAH
The Office of State Administrative Hearings conducts ALS hearings, not the criminal court. This is an administrative proceeding separate from your criminal DUI case.
Duration
30-60 minutes typically
Who's There
You, your attorney, OSAH judge, possibly arresting officer
What They Review
Probable cause for stop, proper test procedures, implied consent reading
Evidence That Can Help
- Dashcam or bodycam showing procedural errors
- Intoxilyzer calibration records (if not current)
- Witness statements about your sobriety
- Medical conditions affecting field sobriety tests
Should You Hire an Attorney?
With an Attorney
- Can challenge stop legality
- Knows how to challenge test procedures
- Can get limited permit faster
- Handles both ALS appeal and criminal case
Without an Attorney
- State has experience against you
- May not know proper legal arguments
- Harder to get limited permit
- Lower success rate statistically
If You Lose Your Appeal
Losing the ALS appeal isn't the end. You still have options to maintain limited driving privileges:
Ignition Interlock
Drive with IID installed
Limited Permit
Work, school, medical, treatment
Georgia DDS Customer Service Center
For license reinstatement after suspension ends, or questions about your driving record:
FAQ
Related Guides
Upon a DUI arrest in Fulton County, the arresting officer will likely seize your driver’s license and issue a DDS-1205 form. This form acts as a temporary driving permit, valid for 45 days, but the critical deadline for protecting your driving privileges is much shorter.
The 30-Day Deadline to Request an ALR Hearing
You have only 30 calendar days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). This hearing is separate from your criminal DUI case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended. Missing this deadline results in an automatic license suspension.
How to Request an ALR Hearing in Fulton County
You cannot request an ALR hearing online. You must submit a DDS-1206 form and a formal legal letter. Filing fee must be paid via check, money order, or cashier's check made payable to the 'Georgia Department of Driver Services' with the driver's full name and license number inscribed. Hearing requests should be sent via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested to:
Georgia Department of Driver Services RM – Hearing Requests PO Box 80447 Conyers, GA 30013
What Happens at the ALS Hearing?
Hearings are held virtually.
Where is the Hearing Held?
If an in-person hearing is requested, the hearing is held at: Office of State Administrative Hearings 225 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 400 Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Hardship Permit Availability
Even if your license is suspended, a limited driving permit might be available. An Ignition Interlock Limited Permit (IIDLP) is an alternative option for first-time offenders, issued for one year, with potential removal of restriction after 120 days of successful compliance.
To request a hearing, send the required forms via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested to Georgia Department of Driver Services, RM – Hearing Requests, PO Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013.
Sources
Last updated: January 6, 2026
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