Where to check your Georgia driver's license points

Georgia tracks points on your driver's license through the Department of Driver Services (DDS). You can check your current point total in three ways: online through the DDS website, by phone, or in person at a DDS office.

The online method is fastest. Go to dds.georgia.gov, select "Check Your Driving Record," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will show your current points and any violations on your record within seconds.

If you prefer to call, contact the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. Have your license number and date of birth ready. Wait times vary, but this route avoids the need to visit an office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's online driving record system at dds.georgia.gov shows your current points when ready and requires only your license number, birth date, and last four Social Security digits.
  • Points stay on your record for a set time: moving violations remain for three years, while serious violations like DUI can remain for ten years or longer.
  • Reaching 15 points within a 24-month period triggers a mandatory suspension of your license, so checking your total regularly helps you understand your standing.
  • You can request a formal driving record by mail or in person if you need an official document for insurance, employment, or court purposes.

What different point totals mean in Georgia

Georgia uses a point system where each traffic violation adds a specific number of points to your record. A minor violation like speeding 10 miles over the limit adds two points. Reckless driving adds four points. Failure to yield adds three points. Driving with a suspended license adds six points.

The key threshold is 15 points within any 24-month period. Once you reach 15 points, the DDS will suspend your license automatically. This is not a warning or a fine — it is a mandatory suspension that takes effect unless you request a hearing within 10 days of receiving notice.

Points do not stay on your record forever. Most moving violations drop off after three years from the date of conviction. However, serious violations like DUI, hit-and-run, or driving with a suspended license remain for longer — often ten years or more depending on the specific offense.

How to read your online driving record

When you pull up your record online, you will see a list of violations with the date of each violation, the type of violation, and the points assigned. The record shows violations in reverse chronological order, with the most recent at the top.

Pay attention to the conviction date, not the violation date. Points are calculated from the date you were convicted, not the date you received the ticket. If a violation shows on your record but you are still within the 24-month window from conviction, those points count toward your total.

If you see a violation you believe is incorrect — for example, a ticket you paid off or had dismissed — the online record should reflect that. If it does not, you will need to contact DDS directly with documentation of the dismissal or payment to request a correction.

Requesting an official copy of your driving record

The online check shows your points, but it is not an official document. If you need proof of your driving record for insurance, employment, or a court case, you must order a formal record from DDS.

You can order a certified driving record online at dds.georgia.gov by selecting "Order Your Driving Record." The cost is typically around $5 to $10, depending on how many years of history you request. The record arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Alternatively, visit any DDS office in person with your driver's license and request a certified record. Some offices can print it on the spot for a small fee. Call ahead to confirm your local office offers this service and what payment methods they accept.

What happens if you are close to 15 points

If your current point total is 10 or higher, you are in the danger zone. Any additional violation could push you to 15 points and trigger a suspension. At this stage, defensive driving becomes critical.

Georgia offers a defensive driving course that can reduce your points. If you complete an approved course, you can reduce your point total by up to four points. However, you can only use this reduction once every five years, and you must take the course before you reach 15 points — taking it after a suspension has already begun does not prevent the suspension.

Some insurance companies also offer discounts if you complete a defensive driving course, so the reduction in points is not the only benefit. Search online for "Georgia defensive driving course" to find approved providers in your area.

Disputing a violation on your record

If you believe a violation on your record is wrong, you have the right to request a hearing. This is different from contacting DDS to correct a data entry error. A hearing is for violations you want to contest on the merits — for example, if you were convicted but believe the conviction was unfair or based on incorrect evidence.

To request a hearing, you must do so within 10 days of receiving notice of suspension or within 30 days of the conviction date, depending on the situation. Contact DDS or consult the notice you received for the exact important date and procedure.

If the violation was dismissed or you paid a fine and the record was not updated, that is a data correction, not a dispute. Contact DDS directly with proof of dismissal or payment and ask them to update your record. This usually takes one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a violation to show up on my Georgia driving record?

Violations typically appear within one to two weeks after conviction. The exact timing depends on how quickly the court reports the conviction to DDS. If you were convicted but do not see it online after two weeks, contact DDS to confirm it has been received.

Can I check someone else's driving record?

No. Georgia's online system requires your own license number, date of birth, and Social Security information. Only you, your insurance company, or an attorney with a court order can view your record. Employers can request records with your written consent.

What if I was convicted in another state — does it count toward my Georgia points?

Yes. Georgia is part of the Interstate Compact, which means out-of-state convictions are reported to Georgia and added to your point total. A conviction in Florida, South Carolina, or any other state will appear on your Georgia record and count toward the 15-point suspension threshold.

Does paying a ticket remove points from my record?

No. Paying a ticket is not the same as having it dismissed. Points remain on your record for the full three-year period (or longer for serious violations) regardless of whether you paid the fine. The only ways to reduce points are to complete a defensive driving course or have the conviction overturned or dismissed by a court.

What should I do if I reach 15 points?

Your license will be suspended automatically. You will receive a notice in the mail. You have 10 days to request a hearing if you want to contest the suspension. If you do not request a hearing, the suspension takes effect on the date stated in the notice. To reinstate your license after suspension, you must pay a reinstatement fee and meet any other requirements listed in your notice.