How points come off your New York license
New York removes points from your driving record through two paths: the DMV's point reduction program (which requires a defensive driving course), or automatic removal after a set time period. The automatic path is slower but requires nothing from you — points straightforward expire. The course path is faster and costs money, but you control the timing.
Points stay on your record for 18 months from the violation date, but they stop counting toward suspension after 11 months. This matters: you can get suspended based on points from violations that are technically still on your record. The DMV counts points differently depending on whether you caused an accident, so check your actual record before deciding which route to take.
Key Takeaways
- New York automatically removes points 18 months after the violation date, but you can remove up to four points sooner by completing an approved defensive driving course.
- You can take a defensive driving course only once every 18 months, so timing matters if you have multiple violations.
- Check your actual point total on your DMV record before enrolling in a course — some violations carry different point values than drivers expect.
- A course removes points but does not erase the violation from your record or affect your insurance rates.
- You must request the point reduction through the DMV after completing the course; the course provider does not file it automatically.
Taking a defensive driving course to remove points faster
A defensive driving course removes up to four points from your record and can be completed online or in person. The course takes between four and eight hours depending on the provider, and costs between $20 and $50. You can take one course every 18 months, so if you have eight points, you would need two courses spread across 18 months to remove all of them.
You must complete the course before requesting the point reduction. After you finish, the course provider gives you a completion certificate. You then submit that certificate to the DMV — either by mail to the address on your license, by uploading it through your DMV account online, or by bringing it to a DMV office in person. The DMV processes the request and removes the points within two to four weeks.
The course removes points but does not change your insurance rates or erase the violation from your record. Insurance companies see the violation itself, not just the points, so a course will not lower your premiums. It only prevents the points from triggering a suspension or adding to your insurance costs through the DMV's surcharge system.
Waiting for points to expire automatically
If you do not take a course, points fall off your record automatically 18 months after the violation date. You do not need to do anything — the DMV removes them on its own. This is the only option if you have already taken a defensive driving course in the past 18 months, since New York limits you to one course per 18-month period.
The 18-month clock starts from the violation date, not the date you received the ticket or paid the fine. If you were pulled over on March 15, the points expire on September 15 of the following year, regardless of when you handled the ticket. Check your DMV record to see the exact violation date for each ticket.
Understanding point values and suspension thresholds
Different violations carry different point values. A speeding ticket 1 to 10 miles over the limit is three points. Speeding 11 to 20 miles over is four points. Reckless driving is five points. Causing an accident while committing a violation adds two extra points to the violation itself. You can view the full point schedule on the DMV website, but the fastest way to know your exact situation is to check your own record.
New York suspends your license when you accumulate 11 or more points within 18 months. Once you hit 11 points, the DMV sends you a notice and your license is suspended 30 days later. If you remove points through a course before hitting 11, you avoid suspension entirely. If you are already suspended, points still expire after 18 months, but you must wait out the suspension period before you can drive again.
Checking your current point total
Before you decide whether to take a course, check your actual DMV record to see how many points you currently have. You can view your record online through the DMV website by logging into your account, or you can request a copy by mail. The online method is when ready; the mail method takes about two weeks.
Your record shows each violation, its point value, and the date it will expire. This tells you whether you are close to the 11-point suspension threshold and how much time you have before points fall off on their own. If you have six points and the oldest violation expires in four months, waiting is faster than paying for a course. If you have nine points and the oldest expires in 14 months, a course now prevents a suspension.
Finding and enrolling in an approved course
The DMV maintains a list of approved defensive driving course providers on its website. You can search by county or provider name. Most providers offer online courses that you can complete at your own pace, usually finishing in one sitting. Some offer in-person classes at specific times and locations. The course content is standardized — all approved courses cover the same material — so choose based on convenience and cost.
When you enroll, the provider will ask for your driver's license number and the violation you want to address. You do not need to submit anything to the DMV before taking the course. After you complete it and receive your certificate, that is when you contact the DMV with proof of completion.
Submitting your course certificate to the DMV
After completing your course, you have 30 days to submit your certificate to the DMV. You can submit it three ways: mail it to the address printed on your driver's license with a cover letter stating your name, license number, and date of birth; upload it through your DMV account online if you have one; or bring it in person to any DMV office.
Keep a copy of your certificate for your records. The DMV will send you a notice when the points have been removed, usually within two to four weeks of receiving your submission. If you do not hear back after a month, contact the DMV to confirm they received it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a defensive driving course if I already have a suspension?
Yes, you can take the course while suspended. However, removing points does not lift an active suspension — you must wait out the suspension period. The course is useful if you want to prevent a future suspension or if you are working toward reinstating your license and want to show the DMV you have taken corrective action.
Will a defensive driving course lower my insurance rates?
Not directly. Insurance companies see the violation on your record regardless of whether you took a course. However, some insurers offer a small discount for completing a defensive driving course, so ask your agent. The main benefit of the course is preventing a suspension, which would be far more expensive than any insurance increase.
What happens if I do not submit my course certificate to the DMV?
The points remain on your record. Completing the course does not automatically remove points — you must submit the certificate to trigger the removal. If you lose your certificate, contact the course provider for a replacement copy.
Can I remove points from a violation that happened more than 18 months ago?
No. Points expire 18 months after the violation date and are automatically removed. You cannot remove them through a course after they have already expired, because they no longer count toward your total.
If I take a course and remove four points, but I have eight points total, when can I take another course?
You can take another course 18 months after you completed the first one, not 18 months after the violation date. If you completed your first course on June 1, you can take a second course on June 1 of the following year. Plan accordingly if you have multiple violations you want to address.