What is the 1205 form?

The Georgia Form 1205 (also called DS-1205) is the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) notice that officers give you after a DUI arrest. It serves as your temporary driving permit for 30 days and notifies you that your license will be suspended unless you take action.

What happens if I do nothing within 30 days?

If you take no action within 30 days, your license will be automatically suspended for one year (first offense). You will not be eligible for a limited permit during most of this time. This is why acting quickly is critical.

Should I appeal or get the ignition interlock permit?

It depends on your situation. The appeal ($150 filing fee) delays the suspension and gives you a chance to fight it, but you might still lose. The Ignition Interlock Limited Permit (IILP) guarantees you can drive but requires installing a device in your car. Consult with a DUI attorney to determine the best strategy.

Is the 30 days calendar days or business days?

Calendar days. Count 30 days from the date of your arrest shown on the 1205 form. Weekends and holidays count. If the 30th day falls on a weekend or holiday, you must act before that day.

How much does it cost to file an appeal?

The filing fee for an ALS hearing appeal is $150, payable to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

What is an Ignition Interlock Limited Permit (IILP)?

The IILP allows you to drive during the suspension period, but only vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer connected to your car's ignition). You must install the device within a certain timeframe and keep it for the duration of your permit period.

You Got a Yellow 1205 Form. You Have 30 Days to Make a Hard Choice.

The officer took your license and gave you a yellow sheet. That's your 30-day temporary permit in Georgia — and a ticking clock. Miss the deadline and you lose your license for a year.

Last verified: January 2026 | Georgia DDS Administrative License Suspension Rules

The 30-Day Deadline is Real — And It's Strict

From the date of your DUI arrest, you have exactly 30 calendar daysto either file an appeal or apply for an Ignition Interlock Limited Permit (IILP).

What Happens at Each Stage

Day 0: Arrest

Officer takes your license, gives you Form 1205 (temporary permit)

Days 1-30: Decision Window

You can legally drive on the 1205 form. Must decide: Appeal or IILP?

Day 31: Suspension Takes Effect

If you did nothing, your license is now suspended for 1 year

Calendar days, not business days. Weekends and holidays count. If day 30 is a Saturday, you must act by Friday.

Your Two Options (Non-Legal Comparison)

You have two paths. Neither is "better" — it depends on your circumstances.

Option A: File an Appeal

Cost

$150 filing fee

What Happens

Delays the suspension while appeal is pending
You get an ALS hearing before a judge
If you win, no suspension at all

Downsides

You might still lose the hearing
Filing fee is non-refundable
Takes time (hearing may be weeks away)

Best for: People who have strong grounds to challenge the suspension (e.g., improper arrest procedures, breath test issues)

Option B: Get IILP

Cost

$25 permit + $70-150/mo interlock

What Happens

You can drive immediately (with interlock)
No hearing required — guaranteed driving
Satisfies part of eventual interlock requirement

Downsides

Must install interlock device in your car
Monthly fees for the device ($70-150)
Effectively waives your right to fight the ALS

Best for: People who need to keep driving for work/family and don't want to risk losing at an appeal hearing

How to Take Action

To File an Appeal

Go to the Georgia DDS website or a DDS office
Submit the ALS appeal request form
Pay the $150 filing fee
Receive confirmation and hearing date

Georgia DDS ALS Information

To Get an IILP

Apply for IILP at DDS within 30 days
Pay the permit fee ($25)
Get interlock installed by approved provider
Return to DDS with installation certificate

Georgia DDS IILP Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official Resources

Related Georgia Guides

Georgia Impound Overview Was Your Tow Illegal?Get Your Belongings

Need Help Deciding? Talk to a DUI Attorney

A DUI attorney can review your case, advise whether to appeal or get the IILP, and represent you at the ALS hearing if you choose to fight.

Find DUI Attorneys