§ 19-6-28.1.Suspension of, or denial of application or renewal of, license for noncompliance with child support order
Chapter 6. Alimony and Child Support · Article 1. General Provisions · Last amended 2009 · Last verified October 9, 2026
Full Text of § 19-6-28.1
Plain-English Summary
This section adds a pressure point beyond contempt: the licenses a parent needs to drive, work, hunt or fish. In a proceeding to enforce a child support judgment or order, the court may use this tool if competent proof shows two things: the respondent has built up arrears equal to or greater than the current support due for 60 days; and the respondent is licensed to practice a trade, business, profession or occupation, licensed to hunt or fish, licensed to drive, owns a motor vehicle registered in Georgia in his or her name, or is applying for issuance or renewal of any such license or registration.
If both are shown, the court may order the licensing or registering entity to suspend the license or registration, or deny the application, and to report back to the court on what it did. “License” and “licensing entity” are defined broadly, from the Department of Public Safety to boards for pharmacists, insurance agents, real estate brokers and appraisers, mortgage lenders and brokers, securities salespersons, foresters and pesticide applicators, and the professions and businesses under Chapter 1 of Title 43.
Two safeguards apply. Before entering any order, the court shall consider evidence of the respondent’s ability and willingness to comply with the support order. And the court shall tell the respondent what counts as competent proof of compliance for the licensing entity: written proof of payment by cash or certified check, notice issued by the court, or notice from a child support receiver if one has been appointed. The order is discretionary; the statute says the court “may” act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Georgia suspend my driver’s license for unpaid child support?
Yes, if the court is satisfied by competent proof that you owe arrears equal to or greater than the current support due for 60 days and that you hold or are applying for a driver’s license. The court may order the license suspended or the application denied. It must first consider evidence of your ability and willingness to comply.
How far behind on child support before a license can be suspended in Georgia?
The arrears must be equal to or greater than the current support due for 60 days. The court must also be satisfied by competent proof that you hold, or are applying for, a covered license or a Georgia vehicle registration in your name.
Can my professional license be suspended for child support arrears in Georgia?
Yes. The section covers licenses to conduct a trade, business, profession or occupation, issued by any licensing entity of the state, including boards for pharmacists, real estate brokers, insurance agents and others. The court may order the license suspended or the application denied once the arrears requirement is met.
How do I prove I’ve paid so my license can be restored?
The court must tell you what counts. Competent proof of compliance for the licensing entity is written proof of payment by cash or certified check, notice issued by the court, or notice from a child support receiver, if one has been appointed.
Does the court have to consider whether I can afford to pay before suspending my license?
Yes. Evidence relating to your ability and willingness to comply with the child support order shall be considered before the court enters any order under this section. Even when the arrears requirement is met, suspension is discretionary: the court “may” order it. The weight given to your circumstances is up to the judge.
Amendment History
Laws 1996, p. 453, § 3; Laws 1997, p. 1613, § 9; Laws 1999, p. 81, § 19; Laws 1999, p. 329, § 2; Laws 2008, Act 528, § 10, eff. July 1, 2009.