Where to find your Florida driver license points
Your Florida driver license points are recorded in the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) database. You can check your current points balance three ways: through the DHSMV website, by phone, or in person at a driver license office.
The fastest method is the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Go to the "Driver License" section and select "Check Your Driving Record." You will need your driver license number and date of birth. The system shows your points when ready, along with any violations on your record from the past three to five years.
If you prefer not to use the website, you can call the DHSMV at 1-844-5-FLORIDA (1-844-535-3742) during business hours. A representative can tell you your points over the phone. You can also visit any Florida driver license office in person and ask for a copy of your driving record, though this takes longer than the online or phone options.
Key Takeaways
- Check your points through flhsmv.gov by entering your driver license number and date of birth, which takes about two minutes.
- Florida adds points to your record when you are convicted of traffic violations, and points stay on your record for three to five years depending on the violation type.
- Reaching 12 points within 12 months triggers a suspension, 18 points within 18 months triggers a longer suspension, and 24 points within 36 months triggers an even longer one.
- Points can be removed early by completing an approved defensive driving course, which removes up to four points from your record.
How points accumulate on your Florida license
Points are added to your record when you are convicted of a traffic violation. Different violations carry different point values. A speeding ticket is typically 3 points, reckless driving is 4 points, and at-fault accidents are 4 points. More serious violations like fleeing police or driving with a suspended license carry 6 points.
The points stay on your record for a set time based on the violation. Most violations remain for three years from the conviction date. Some violations, like at-fault accidents, stay for five years. The DHSMV website shows the conviction date and removal date for each violation on your record, so you can see exactly when each point will drop off.
Points only count toward suspension if they accumulate within a certain window. Twelve points within 12 months, 18 points within 18 months, or 24 points within 36 months all trigger different levels of license suspension. This means a violation from four years ago does not count toward your current total, even if it still appears on your record.
What happens when you reach the suspension threshold
If you reach 12 points within 12 months, the DHSMV will suspend your license for 30 days. You will receive a notice in the mail before the suspension takes effect, giving you time to plan. During the suspension, you cannot legally drive.
Reaching 18 points within 18 months results in a 3-month suspension. Reaching 24 points within 36 months results in a 12-month suspension. Each suspension is progressively longer, and the point windows get wider, making it harder to avoid suspension once you have accumulated violations.
You can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect if you believe the points were assessed incorrectly. The notice you receive will explain how to request this hearing and the important date for doing so. After a suspension ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges.
Removing points through a defensive driving course
Florida allows you to remove up to 4 points from your record by completing an approved defensive driving course. You can take this course once every 12 months, so if you have accumulated more than 4 points, you can take it again the following year to remove more.
The course must be approved by the DHSMV. You can find a list of approved providers on the DHSMV website under "Approved Driving Schools and Courses." Most courses are offered online and take about four hours to complete. Some providers offer in-person classroom options as well.
Taking the course before you reach the suspension threshold can prevent your license from being suspended. Even if you have already been suspended, completing the course afterward can help you avoid a longer suspension the next time you accumulate violations. The points are removed from your record about two weeks after you complete the course and the provider reports it to the DHSMV.
Understanding your driving record printout
When you pull your driving record from flhsmv.gov or request one in person, it shows several pieces of information. At the top is your current points total and the date it was calculated. Below that is a list of every conviction on your record, including the violation type, the date of conviction, the points assigned, and the date the violation will be removed from your record.
The record also shows any suspensions or revocations you have had, including the dates they were in effect. If you have an active suspension, it will be clearly marked. The record does not show traffic stops where you were not convicted, only violations that resulted in a conviction.
Keep a copy of your driving record for your own records. You may need it if you are disputing a violation, explore for certain jobs, or working with an insurance company. The record is free to view online, though some driver license offices charge a small fee for a printed copy.
Disputing points if you believe they were assessed incorrectly
If you see points on your record that you believe are wrong, you have the right to request a hearing. This might happen if you were convicted of a violation you did not commit, or if the points were assessed at the wrong level.
To request a hearing, contact the DHSMV within 30 days of receiving notice of the points being added to your record. You can request a hearing by mail, phone, or in person at a driver license office. Bring any documentation that supports your case, such as court records showing the conviction was overturned or a letter from the court showing a different conviction than what appears on your record.
The hearing officer will review your case and the court records. If the court records show the points were assessed incorrectly, the DHSMV will remove them. If the court records match what is on your driving record, the points will remain. This process typically takes several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for points to show up on my record after I get a ticket?
Points appear on your record after you are convicted, not when you receive the ticket. If you pay the ticket or plead guilty, the conviction is reported to the DHSMV within a few weeks. If you contest the ticket in court, points are added only if you are found guilty. The timeline varies depending on how quickly the court processes the case.
Can I remove points by paying a fine or taking a course before I go to court?
No. Points can only be removed after a conviction has been recorded. Taking a defensive driving course before your court date does not prevent points from being added if you are convicted. However, some judges may reduce the points assigned if you show proof of completing a course, so it is worth asking your attorney about this option.
What if I move out of Florida — do the points follow me?
Yes. Florida points remain on your Florida driving record regardless of where you live. If you get a Florida license again in the future, those points will still be there. However, if you obtain a license in another state, that state has its own point system and will not automatically transfer Florida points to your new license.
Does checking my own driving record affect my points or insurance?
No. Checking your own driving record through flhsmv.gov or by phone does not affect your points, your license, or your insurance rates. Only traffic violations and convictions affect your insurance. You can check your record as often as you want without any penalty.
Can I check someone else's driving record?
No. The DHSMV only allows you to check your own driving record online. You cannot view another person's record without their permission and driver license number. If you need someone else's record for legal reasons, you must request it through the court system or with written permission from that person.