Where to find DMV-approved online traffic schools
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website lists the traffic schools it has approved to operate in your state. You do not search for "near me" — instead, you go directly to your state DMV's official site and look for a link labeled "approved traffic schools," "traffic school providers," or "defensive driving courses." Most states maintain this list publicly so you can see which schools are authorized to issue certificates that your DMV will accept.
Once you find the list, you can visit each school's website directly. Most approved online schools let you start a course when ready without scheduling a specific class time. You work through the material at your own pace, usually finishing within a few days. The school then sends your completion certificate to the DMV electronically or by mail, depending on what you chose when you registered.
If you cannot find the list on your state DMV's main page, call the DMV's customer service line or visit a local office. Staff there can tell you which schools are currently approved and whether your state requires you to take the course before or after paying your ticket fine.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV publishes a list of approved traffic schools on its official website — this is the only list you need to check.
- Online traffic schools do not have physical locations or class schedules; you complete the course on your own time and the school sends your certificate to the DMV.
- Before you enroll, confirm with your DMV whether you must take the course before or after paying your ticket, because timing affects whether the course will reduce points on your record.
- The school sends your completion certificate directly to the DMV, so you do not need to print or mail anything yourself.
How to access your state's approved school list
Start by searching "[your state] DMV approved traffic schools" or "[your state] defensive driving course providers." This takes you to the official state page. Each state names this page differently — some call it "Traffic School Providers," others "Approved Courses" or "Point Reduction Programs." Look for a link in the main navigation or search the page for the word "traffic" or "school."
The list usually shows the school name, website, and sometimes a phone number. Some states also note whether the school offers online, in-person, or both options. Click the school's website link directly from the DMV page. Do not search for the school name in Google, because scam sites sometimes rank high and charge more than the official school does.
If your state does not have a public list online, or if the list appears outdated, call your local DMV office. They can confirm which schools are currently approved and whether any have been removed from the list recently.
What happens after you complete an online course
When you finish all the lessons and pass the final test, the school generates a completion certificate. Most online schools send this certificate to the DMV automatically within one to three business days. You do not need to do anything — the school has your DMV record number from when you registered, and it submits the certificate on your behalf.
Some schools give you the option to receive a copy of the certificate by email or mail as well. This is useful to keep for your records, but it is not required. The DMV's copy is what matters for your driving record.
After the DMV receives the certificate, it updates your record to reflect that you completed the course. This usually happens within one to two weeks. If you were ordered by the court to take the course, the school may also send a copy directly to the court. Check your ticket or court paperwork to see whether the school needs to notify the court separately.
Timing: before or after you pay your ticket
Some states require you to take the traffic school course before you pay your fine. Others let you take it after. A few states allow either order. This matters because taking the course at the wrong time can mean it does not count toward reducing points on your record.
Check your ticket or the DMV website to learn your state's rule. If your ticket came with a court order, follow the instructions on that document — the court's timeline overrides the DMV's general rule. When you register for the online school, you will usually see a field asking for your ticket number; the school may use this to verify you are may be able to access before letting you enroll.
If you are unsure whether you should pay first or take the course first, call the DMV or the court that issued your ticket. A five-minute call prevents you from taking the course at the wrong time and having to take it again.
Cost and what is included
Online traffic school costs vary by state and by school, but most range from $20 to $50 for the full course. This is a flat fee — there are no hidden charges or additional payments once you enroll. The fee covers all the lessons, the final test, and the certificate sent to the DMV.
Some schools offer a discount if you pay by a certain date or if you refer a friend. These discounts are optional and do not change what you receive. The course content and certificate are the same whether you pay the full price or a discounted price.
The fee you pay to the traffic school is separate from any fine you owe to the court or DMV. Taking the course does not reduce or eliminate your fine — it only reduces the points added to your driving record. You still owe the full ticket amount to the court.
How long the course takes
Most online traffic school courses take between two and eight hours to complete, depending on your state's requirements and how fast you work through the material. You can pause and resume at any time — there is no time limit to finish, though some schools recommend completing it within 30 days of enrollment.
The course is broken into short lessons with videos, text, and interactive elements. You move through at your own pace. After each section, you answer a few questions to show you understood the material. At the end, you take a final test, which is usually multiple choice and covers the main points from the course.
Most people finish in one or two sittings, but you can spread it across several days if you prefer. There is no penalty for taking longer — the school only cares that you complete all the material and pass the final test before submitting your certificate to the DMV.
What to have ready before you enroll
When you register for an online traffic school, you will need your driver's license number, your ticket number, and the date you received the ticket. Have these details in front of you before you start the registration process. The school uses this information to verify that you are the person who received the ticket and that you are may be able to access to take the course.
You will also need an email address where the school can send your completion certificate and any course materials. Use an email you check regularly, because the school may send important updates or reminders to this address.
Some schools ask for your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number as additional verification. This is normal and helps the school confirm your identity before issuing a certificate that goes to the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take online traffic school if I live in a different state than where I got the ticket?
Yes, as long as the state where you got the ticket allows online courses. The school you take it through must be approved by the state that issued your ticket, not the state where you currently live. When you register, you will select your ticket's state, and the school will show you courses approved in that state.
What if I fail the final test?
Most online traffic schools let you retake the final test at no extra cost. You review the material again and take the test a second time. Some schools limit retakes to two or three attempts, but this is rare. If you do not pass after the allowed retakes, contact the school's customer service — they can usually reset your account so you can try again.
Does the traffic school certificate go to the court or just the DMV?
It goes to the DMV by default. If your ticket came with a court order requiring you to take the course, the school may send a copy to the court as well. When you register, check whether there is a field to enter the court's information. If you are unsure, ask the school during registration whether they will notify the court automatically.
How do I know if a traffic school website is actually approved by my DMV?
Check the DMV's official list first, then visit the school's website from that list. Do not search for the school in Google and click the first result — scam sites sometimes appear high in search results. If you are unsure whether a school is real, call your DMV and ask them to confirm the website address.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind after enrolling?
Refund policies vary by school. Most offer a refund if you request it within a few days of enrolling, before you start the course. Once you begin the lessons, refunds are usually not available. Check the school's refund policy before you pay — this information is usually on their website or in the terms you agree to during registration.