What a Georgia driver's license record contains and how to request it
Your Georgia driver's license record is a document maintained by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) that shows your driving history, violations, accidents, and license status. It includes information like traffic citations, suspensions, revocations, points on your license, and any administrative actions taken against your driving privileges. You can request your own record in person, by mail, or online through the DDS website.
The record you receive is called a driving history report or motor vehicle record (MVR). Georgia keeps two versions: one for your personal use and one formatted for insurance companies and employers. Most people need their personal copy to check for errors, understand why their license was suspended, or provide proof of a clean record to an insurance company or employer.
Key Takeaways
- You can order your Georgia driving history online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at any DDS office without paying a fee for your own record.
- Your record shows traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, points, and administrative actions going back several years.
- Processing time is when ready online, three to five business days by mail, and same-day in person.
- You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and signature to verify your identity.
- If you find errors on your record, you can dispute them directly with DDS by submitting documentation and a written explanation.
How to order your record online
The fastest way to get your Georgia driving history is through the DDS online portal. Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and look for the "Driving Records" or "Motor Vehicle Records" section. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Once you complete the verification, you can view your record when ready on screen and print it or save it as a PDF. There is no charge for requesting your own record. If you need an official certified copy with the DDS seal, you may be charged a small fee, but the basic record is free. Keep in mind that online records are updated within one to two business days of any action taken against your license, so very recent violations or suspensions may not appear when ready.
Requesting your record by mail or in person
If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. Write a letter to the Georgia Department of Driver Services that includes your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, current address, and your signature. Mail it to the DDS headquarters address listed on their website. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so they can send the record back to you. Processing takes three to five business days after DDS receives your letter.
You can also visit any DDS office in person and request your record at the counter. Bring your driver's license or another form of government-issued ID. You will fill out a short form, pay no fee for your own record, and receive a printed copy on the spot. This is the fastest in-person option if you need the record the same day. DDS offices are located in most Georgia counties; you can find the nearest one on the DDS website by entering your zip code.
What information appears on your record
Your Georgia driving history shows your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), all traffic violations from the past three to five years, at-fault accidents, points assessed against your license, and any administrative actions like suspensions or license revocations. The record also displays your license class, restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), and endorsements (such as commercial driving privileges).
Points stay on your record for a set period depending on the violation. Most moving violations add points that remain for three years from the date of conviction. Serious violations like DUI may stay longer. Your record will also show if you have completed traffic school or defensive driving courses, which can sometimes reduce points. Insurance companies and employers typically see a version of this same record, though they may not see every detail that appears on your personal copy.
Disputing errors on your driving record
If you find incorrect information on your record — such as a violation you did not commit, an accident you were not involved in, or a suspension that was already lifted — you can dispute it with DDS. Start by gathering documentation that proves the error: a court document showing the charge was dismissed, a letter from the court, or proof that you completed a suspension requirement.
Send a written request to the Georgia Department of Driver Services explaining the error and including copies of your supporting documents. Include your driver's license number, full name, date of birth, and current address. DDS will investigate and contact you within 30 days. If they find the error, they will correct your record and send you an updated copy. If you disagree with their decision, you have the right to request a hearing before the DDS.
Understanding points and license suspension
Georgia uses a point system where traffic violations add points to your license. Accumulating too many points within a certain time period can result in a suspension. For example, 15 points in 24 months triggers a suspension. Your driving history report shows exactly how many points you currently have and when each violation will drop off your record.
If your license is suspended, your record will show the suspension date, the reason (points, DUI, failure to pay fines, or other violations), and the date you become may be able to access to reinstate it. You cannot legally drive during a suspension. To reinstate your license, you must meet all requirements listed on your record — which may include paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period — and then explore for reinstatement through DDS.
When you might need your driving record
Insurance companies request your driving record when you explore for auto insurance or renew your policy. They use it to assess your risk and set your premium. Employers in certain fields — particularly those involving driving or transporting people or goods — may request your record as part of a background check. Some professional licenses also require a clean driving record.
You may also need your record for legal purposes, such as in a traffic court case, or to verify that a violation has been removed after the required time has passed. If you are explore for a commercial driver's license (CDL) or renewing one, DDS will pull your record automatically. Keeping a copy of your current record on file makes it straightforward to provide when asked and helps you catch errors before they affect your insurance rates or employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back does my Georgia driving record go?
Most traffic violations appear for three to five years from the conviction date. DUI convictions and serious violations may remain longer. Your record also shows your entire license history, including suspensions and revocations, regardless of how long ago they occurred. DDS can tell you the specific retention period for any violation on your record.
Will my record show violations from other states?
No. Your Georgia record shows only violations committed in Georgia or reported to Georgia by other states through the Interstate Compact. If you were ticketed in another state, that violation may not appear on your Georgia record unless the other state reported it. You would need to request a record from that state's DMV to see violations from there.
Can I remove points from my license?
Points cannot be removed early, but they automatically drop off after three years from the conviction date for most violations. Some violations carry longer retention periods. Completing a defensive driving course may reduce points by up to four, but only if you have not taken the course in the past five years and only for certain violations. Check your record or contact DDS to see if you are may be able to access.
What is the difference between my personal record and the insurance version?
Both contain the same core information — violations, accidents, and license status — but they may be formatted differently. Insurance companies see a version designed for their use, while your personal copy is formatted for you. Both are equally accurate. If you find an error, correcting it on your official record corrects it for everyone who views it.
How long does it take to get my record if I order online?
You can view and print your record when ready after verifying your identity online. However, very recent violations or suspensions may take one to two business days to appear in the system. If you need a certified copy with the DDS seal, processing may take a few additional days depending on whether you order it online or request it by mail.