The spectroscopic characteristics of Dy³⁺ in YAG (Y₃Al₅O₁₂) transparent ceramics prepared by solid state synthesis were investigated, with special attention to the visible (yellow, blue) emissions that could be pumped directly by the new developed blue–violet or near UV laser diodes. The absorption and emission spectra, recorded at different temperatures from 10 to 300 K, were analyzed and relevant new parameters, improved energy level scheme, temperature effects, intensity parameters based on Judd-Ofelt theory and radiative transition rates, branching ratios, etc., were estimated and the data are compared with previous reports on garnet single crystals. The potential of the Dy³⁺: YAG transparent ceramics for yellow or blue laser emission is discussed.