CONYERS — The last thing you want to realize after coming back from a great summer vacation is that you have made it back without your license.

It is not uncommon to lose your driver’s license or have it stolen while on vacation, and this summer the Department of Driver Services wants to advise individuals on how to replace a license as quickly as possible.

According to Susan Sports with the Department of Driver Services, “After any heavy travel period such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and summer vacations, DDS sees an increase in lost licenses.”

The key to retrieving an ID is to plan ahead, Sports said. Drivers should not wait until they are in a situation where they’ve lost a license to figure out what steps to take to get it back. While waiting to receive a new license, drivers can be issued a citation by law enforcement if they are found to be driving without a physical license.

Drivers should make a copy of their driver’s license and make a note of the license number so they will be able to access it immediately if something happens to the original. Also, “whenever a driver’s license must be shown, always secure it properly immediately (instead of placing in a pocket),” Sport said.

In order to receive a new license, a replacement may be ordered from DDS online at www.dds.ga.gov. Drivers must be able to provide the driver’s license number, as well as Social Security number. Payment is required via American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa credit card. A replacement card will be mailed within 30 days.

To obtain a new license in person, drivers should go to a DDS location ready to provide proof of identity, such as birth certificate or passport, with the driver’s name as it appears on the license. All documents must be original or certified copies; no photocopies will be excepted.

Drivers who cannot obtain a birth certificate or passport can use the following forms of identification: original Social Security card; certified copy of marriage license; previous year’s income tax return; current auto, home, life or health insurance policy (cards not accepted); current auto registration receipt or voter registration card.

Victims of theft must bring a copy of the police incident report in order to have a new driver’s license number issued on the new card.

All DDS customer service centers are closed on Mondays statewide. A complete list of hours, services and locations can be accessed at http://dds.ga.gov/locations/locationlist.aspx.