California DMV maintains a list of traffic schools it has approved to offer online courses

The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not run traffic school itself. Instead, it approves private traffic schools to offer courses that satisfy traffic school requirements. If you need to take traffic school — usually because you received a traffic ticket and want to keep the conviction off your record — you must choose a school from the DMV's approved list.

The DMV publishes this list on its official website. You can search by county or by school name. Every school on the list has met DMV standards for curriculum, instruction, and testing. Schools not on this list may not be recognized by the court or the DMV, which means you could complete the course and still have the violation appear on your driving record.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV's approved traffic school list is searchable by county and school name on the official California DMV website.
  • Only schools on the DMV's approved list will satisfy a court order or traffic ticket requirement.
  • Online traffic schools must still be DMV-approved; the format does not change the approval requirement.
  • You should confirm with your court or the traffic school that the course meets your specific ticket's requirements before enrolling.
  • Most approved online schools charge between $20 and $50 for the course, though prices vary.

Where to find the official DMV approved traffic school list

Go to the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. Look for the traffic school section under "Tickets and Violations" or use the site search function to find "approved traffic schools." The DMV provides a searchable database where you can filter by county.

Enter your county name to see all approved schools operating in that area. The list shows the school name, phone number, and website. Some schools operate statewide online, so you may see more options than schools physically located in your county. Verify that the school you choose is listed as approved for online instruction, not just classroom-only.

How to verify a school is actually DMV-approved

Before you pay for any course, confirm the school appears on the current DMV list. Schools sometimes close or lose approval, and scam websites may claim approval they do not have. Visit the official DMV site directly — do not click a link from a search result or advertisement, as those may lead to impostor sites.

Once you find a school on the DMV list, visit that school's website directly and look for language stating it is DMV-approved. Legitimate schools display this prominently. If you cannot find this statement, call the school's phone number listed on the DMV site to confirm. Do not rely on the school's own advertising alone; the DMV list is the source of truth.

What information you need before choosing a school

Before enrolling, contact your court or the traffic school to confirm the course meets your ticket's specific requirements. Some tickets have restrictions — for example, certain violations may require in-person instruction rather than online, or may have other conditions. Your traffic ticket or court paperwork should state whether online traffic school is an option for your violation.

Ask the traffic school whether they report completion directly to the court and DMV, or whether you must submit proof yourself. Most approved schools handle this automatically, but the process varies. Confirm the school's refund policy in case you cannot complete the course. Get the school's customer service phone number in case you have technical problems during the course.

How the enrollment and course process works

Once you have chosen a school from the approved list, you will create an account on their website and provide your ticket information. The school will verify your ticket details against court records. You will then pay the course fee, which typically ranges from $20 to $50 depending on the school.

You will take the course online at your own pace, usually completing it within a set timeframe — often 30 days. The course includes video instruction, reading material, and a final test. You must pass the test to receive a certificate of completion. The school then sends this certificate to the court and DMV electronically. You should receive confirmation within one to two weeks that the court has received and processed your completion.

What happens if you cannot find your county or school

If the DMV list appears incomplete for your county, contact the DMV directly at 1-800-777-0133 or visit a local DMV office. Staff can tell you which schools are currently approved in your area and whether online instruction is available for your violation type.

If you have already taken a course from a school that is no longer on the approved list, contact the court that issued your ticket when ready. The court may still accept the completion certificate if the school was approved at the time you took the course, but you need to resolve this before the ticket's important date passes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take traffic school online if my ticket is for a serious violation?

Not always. Some violations — such as reckless driving, driving under the influence, or driving with a suspended license — may not be may be able to access for traffic school at all, or may require in-person instruction. Your ticket or court paperwork will state whether online traffic school is an option. If you are unsure, call the court listed on your ticket.

What if I start a course and cannot finish it?

Contact the traffic school when ready. Most approved schools allow you to pause and resume within their timeframe, or offer a refund if you withdraw before completing the course. Check the school's refund policy before you pay. If you miss the important date, you may need to contact the court to request an extension.

Do I need to print anything or submit documents myself?

No. Approved traffic schools report your completion electronically to the court and DMV. You do not need to print or mail anything. You will receive a confirmation email from the school showing your certificate number. Keep this email for your records, but the court will have the official record.

Can I use an out-of-state traffic school?

No. You must use a school approved by the California DMV. Out-of-state schools are not recognized by California courts or the DMV, even if they are approved in their own state. Stick to the official DMV approved list for your county.

What if the school's website looks different from what the DMV lists?

Contact the school using the phone number on the DMV list to confirm you have the correct website. Scam sites sometimes use similar names to legitimate approved schools. When in doubt, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to verify the school's current contact information.