What endorsements on your license mean

An endorsement is a code printed on your driving license that shows you have been convicted of a traffic or driving-related offense. It is not the same as a suspension or revocation — you still hold the license, but the endorsement is a permanent record of that conviction that appears whenever someone checks your record.

Each endorsement is a two-letter code followed by a number. The code tells you what offense led to the endorsement, and the number tells you how many points were assigned to your license for that offense. Different states use different codes, so an endorsement that means one thing in one state may mean something different in another.

Endorsements stay on your record for a set period — usually three to ten years depending on the offense and your state — but they do not disappear automatically on a specific date. You have to request removal once the waiting period has passed.

Key Takeaways

  • Endorsements are two-letter codes on your license showing traffic convictions, and they remain visible to employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement until you request removal.
  • Each state maintains its own endorsement codes, so you must check your state's driver manual or DMV website to decode what your specific endorsements mean.
  • Points assigned to endorsements accumulate, and reaching a threshold (usually 12 points in most states) can result in license suspension.
  • You can request removal of an endorsement once the waiting period ends, typically three to ten years after the conviction date, by contacting your state DMV.

Where to find your endorsements

Your endorsements appear on the physical license card itself, usually printed on the back or in a designated section. The exact location varies by state — some print them below your photo, others list them in a separate box with the heading "Convictions" or "Endorsements."

You can also see your full driving record, including all endorsements and their point values, by requesting an official record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states allow you to order this online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Some states charge a small fee for this report, usually between $5 and $15.

If you have lost your physical license or cannot read the endorsement codes clearly, ordering an official record is the most reliable way to see exactly what is on your license and when each endorsement will be may be able to access for removal.

How to decode your state's endorsement codes

Each state publishes a list of endorsement codes in its driver manual and on its DMV website. Common codes include "SP" for speeding, "DUI" for driving under the influence, "RS" for reckless driving, and "FI" for failure to provide proof of insurance — but these codes are not universal across all states.

To find your state's specific codes, visit your state DMV website and search for "endorsement codes" or "conviction codes." You can also read the official driver manual, which typically includes a full table matching each code to its offense and point value. If you cannot find the list online, you can call your state DMV directly and read them your endorsement codes; staff can tell you what each one means and when it will be may be able to access for removal.

Write down the removal date for each endorsement as you decode them. This date is usually three to ten years from the conviction date, depending on your state and the severity of the offense.

Understanding points and license suspension

Each endorsement carries a point value. When you accumulate too many points within a certain time period — commonly 12 points in three years, though this varies by state — your license is automatically suspended. The suspension is separate from the endorsement: even if you have only one endorsement, if that endorsement carries enough points to reach the threshold, suspension can follow.

Points do not all count equally. A minor speeding ticket might be 2 points, while a DUI conviction might be 6 or more. Some states also allow points to "drop off" after a certain period of safe driving, meaning they no longer count toward suspension even though the endorsement remains on your record.

You can check your current point total by requesting your driving record from your state DMV. Knowing your point total tells you how close you are to suspension and helps you understand the consequences of any future traffic violations.

When endorsements can be removed from your record

Most states allow you to request removal of an endorsement once a waiting period has passed — typically three to ten years from the conviction date. Some states remove endorsements automatically after this period; others require you to submit a formal request. Check your state DMV website to learn which applies in your state.

A few states offer programs that remove points or endorsements early if you complete a defensive driving course or maintain a clean record for a set period. These programs vary widely, so contact your state DMV to ask whether you are may be able to access for early removal.

To request removal, contact your state DMV and ask for the process in your state. You will typically need to provide your license number, the date of the conviction, and proof that the waiting period has passed. Some states process this request online, others by mail, and some require an in-person visit.

How endorsements affect insurance and employment

Insurance companies can see your endorsements when they check your driving record, and endorsements almost always result in higher premiums. A single endorsement can increase your rate by 10 to 50 percent or more, depending on the offense and your insurer. Some companies may refuse to insure you at all if you have certain endorsements, such as a DUI.

Employers who hire drivers — for delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking, or any job involving a vehicle — routinely check driving records as part of the hiring process. Endorsements on your record can disqualify you from these positions, even if the conviction happened years ago. Some employers will hire you despite an endorsement if enough time has passed, but this is at their discretion.

Removing endorsements from your record once you are may be able to access can lower your insurance costs and improve your chances of employment in driving-related roles. This is one reason it is worth tracking the removal date for each endorsement and submitting a request as soon as you become may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I have endorsements on my license?

Yes, endorsements do not prevent you from driving. However, if your accumulated points reach your state's threshold, your license will be suspended and you cannot drive legally. Check your point total with your state DMV to see how close you are to suspension.

Do endorsements from other states show up on my license if I move?

Yes. States share driving records through a system called the National Driver Register. If you move to a new state, your new license will reflect all endorsements from your previous state. You must follow your new state's rules for removal, which may differ from the old state's timeline.

What happens if I get a new traffic violation before my endorsement is removed?

The new violation will add points to your license separately. Your old endorsement remains on your record until the waiting period ends and you request removal. You now have two separate convictions to track, and both sets of points count toward suspension.

Can I dispute an endorsement that I think is wrong?

Yes. If you believe an endorsement was recorded in error, contact your state DMV and explain the issue. You may need to provide court documents showing the conviction was overturned or dismissed. The DMV will investigate and correct the record if an error is found.

How long does it take to remove an endorsement once I request it?

Processing time varies by state, typically ranging from two weeks to two months. Some states process removal requests online and update your record within days; others handle them by mail and take longer. Contact your state DMV to ask about the timeline in your state.