What a Georgia driving record shows and who can see it

Your Georgia driving record is a document kept by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) that lists your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations you received, accidents you were involved in, license suspensions or revocations, points on your license, and any DUI or reckless driving convictions. The record covers violations from the past three to five years, though serious violations like DUI stay longer.

Not everyone can see your full record. Your insurance company, an employer who has your permission, a court, law enforcement, and you yourself can access it. A potential employer or landlord cannot see it without your written consent. Georgia keeps different versions of the record — the public version shows less detail than the version you receive for yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order your Georgia driving record online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office, and the online method takes one to two business days.
  • Your record shows traffic violations, accidents, license status, and points accumulated over roughly the past three to five years, with serious violations staying longer.
  • You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to order a record, and the fee is currently $5 for a three-year record or $10 for a seven-year record.
  • Insurance companies and employers can see your record only if you give written permission, but police, courts, and government agencies can access it without your consent.
  • Points from violations stay on your record for a set time — minor violations drop off after three years, but DUI convictions remain for ten years.

How to order your Georgia driving record online

The fastest way to get your record is through the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Go to the "Driving Records" section and select "Order Your Driving Record." You will need your Georgia driver's license number or your Social Security number, your date of birth, and your full name as it appears on your license.

You can choose between a three-year record ($5) or a seven-year record ($10). Pay by credit card or debit card. The system will email you a copy within one to two business days, usually faster. This is the method most people use because it requires no trip to an office and no waiting in line.

Ordering by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can mail a request to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, Attn: Driving Records Unit, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013. Include a completed form DL 43 (available on the DDS website), a copy of your driver's license or ID, and a check or money order for $5 or $10 depending on which record length you want.

Mail requests take two to three weeks to process. You can also visit a DDS office in person — bring your driver's license or ID and payment in cash, check, or card. Walk-in service is available at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day. Call ahead to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours.

Understanding points and violations on your record

Georgia assigns points to moving violations — speeding gets two to six points depending on how far over the limit you were, running a red light is four points, and a DUI is fifteen points. Points accumulate and affect your insurance rates and license status. If you reach fifteen points within a twenty-four-month period, your license is suspended.

Minor violations like speeding drop off your record after three years. Accidents stay for three years. DUI convictions remain for ten years. Reckless driving stays for five years. The time starts from the date of the violation, not the date you paid the fine or went to court. Points do not disappear early even if you take a defensive driving course, though some insurance companies offer discounts for completing one.

What to do if your record contains an error

If you see a violation or accident on your record that you did not commit, or if the details are wrong, you can dispute it. Contact the Georgia DDS in writing with your name, driver's license number, and a description of the error. Include any supporting documents — a court dismissal letter, proof of payment showing a different violation, or a police report showing the incident was not your fault.

Send your dispute to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, Attn: Driving Records Unit, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013. Include a copy of your driving record with the error highlighted. The DDS will investigate and contact you within thirty days. If the error is confirmed, they will issue a corrected record at no charge. Keep copies of everything you send.

How employers and insurance companies access your record

An employer cannot see your driving record without your written permission. If a job requires driving — delivery, rideshare, commercial driving — the employer will ask you to sign a form authorizing them to pull your record. Read what they are asking for carefully; some forms authorize them to check your record multiple times over a period of time, not just once.

Insurance companies can access your record when you explore for a policy or renew one, because you give permission when you sign the insurance process. They use it to set your rates and decide whether to insure you. If your record shows recent violations or accidents, your premium will be higher. Some insurers offer discounts if you have had no violations for a certain number of years.

Points, suspensions, and how to restore your license

Reaching fifteen points in twenty-four months triggers a mandatory suspension. Your license is suspended for a set period — usually six months for a first suspension. You cannot drive during this time, even with a restricted license. The DDS will mail you a notice of suspension; do not ignore it.

To restore your license after suspension, you must wait out the suspension period, then visit a DDS office with a valid ID and pay a $210 restoration fee. You may also be required to pass a written test or vision test. If your suspension was due to a DUI, you may need to complete an alcohol education program first. Check your suspension notice or call the DDS to confirm what is required in your case before you go to the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a violation stay on my Georgia driving record?

Most moving violations stay for three years from the date of the violation. Accidents also stay for three years. DUI convictions remain for ten years. Reckless driving stays for five years. The time does not reset if you pay a fine or take a defensive driving course — it is based on the violation date only.

Can I see what my insurance company sees on my driving record?

Not exactly. Insurance companies receive a version of your record that shows violations and accidents, but they may also see information from other sources like claims history. You can order your own record from the DDS to see what violations are listed, but your insurance company's full report may include additional data. If you want to know what your insurer has on file, you can contact them directly and ask.

What happens if I have a DUI on my Georgia record?

A DUI conviction adds fifteen points to your license when ready and stays on your record for ten years. Your license is suspended for at least 120 days on a first offense. You must complete a DUI education program, pay fines, and may need an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. After the suspension period, you can restore your license by paying the restoration fee and meeting all program requirements.

Do points come off my license if I don't get any more violations?

Points do not automatically disappear from your record, but they do age. After three years from the violation date, the violation itself drops off your record and the points no longer count toward the fifteen-point suspension threshold. However, the violation still appears on your seven-year record. Taking a defensive driving course does not remove points but may may have access to you for an insurance discount.

How do I know if my license is suspended?

The DDS will mail you a notice of suspension, but you can also check your license status online at dds.georgia.gov or call the DDS at 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number ready. If your license is suspended, the notice will tell you the suspension period and what you must do to restore it. Do not drive while suspended — you can be arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license.