How to Check Points on Your License in Georgia: A Step-by-Step Guide

TL;DR: To check points on your license in Georgia, visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, log in or create an account, and request your driving record. You can also check in person or by mail. Your record will show active points, violations, and license status.

Keeping track of your driving record is more important than many drivers realize. Points on your license can affect everything from your insurance premiums to your ability to legally stay on the road. If you rack up too many points in a short period of time, your license can even be suspended. That’s why knowing how to check your points in Georgia can give you a clear picture of where you stand and help you avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.

The process is straightforward, and you can do it online, in person, or by mail. Below is a complete step-by-step guide to checking the points on your license and making sure the information on your record is accurate.

Step 1 — Decide Which Type of Record You Need

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) maintains your official driving record, and they offer a few different versions depending on what you’re looking for:

• Point Summary / Driver Record: Shows only active points and recent traffic violations. This is ideal if your main goal is to check how many points are currently on your license.
• Full Driving History: Includes past violations, suspensions, reinstatements, accidents, and convictions. This version is often used by employers, insurers, or courts.
• Commercial Driving Record (CDL): A specialized report for commercial drivers. This may include additional violations or compliance details not listed on a standard record.

Taking a minute to decide which one you need ensures you won’t waste time or money requesting the wrong type.

Step 2 — Gather Required Information

Before you start the process, make sure you have the necessary details ready. This will make your request go much more smoothly:

• Your full legal name exactly as it appears on your driver’s license
• Date of birth
• Georgia driver’s license number (or your Social Security number if needed for verification)
• Current mailing address and phone number
• A valid payment method (debit or credit card for online requests, or cash/check for in-person or mail requests)

Having these details prepared in advance reduces the chance of delays, especially if you’re making the request online or by mail.

Step 3 — Choose a Request Method

You have several options for obtaining your driving record in Georgia:

Option A — Online (Fastest and Most Convenient)

This is the quickest way to access your driving record.

• Go to the DDS online portal.
• Log in or create an account.
• Follow the instructions to request your record and pay the applicable fee.
• You’ll typically be able to view or download the record instantly.

Why it helps: Online access saves you a trip to the DDS office and allows you to print or save the report immediately.

Option B — In Person

If you prefer face-to-face service, visit a DDS Customer Service Center with a valid photo ID.

• Request your point summary or full driving record.
• Pay the required fee.
• Receive a printed copy on the spot.

Why it helps: Good option if you need assistance or if there’s a complication with your record.

Option C — By Mail

You can also submit a written request to DDS by mail.

• Include identification, payment, and request details.
• Processing may take longer, but it’s useful if you can’t travel or access the internet.

Option D — Third-Party Services

Some background check companies and insurance providers can access driving records (with your consent). While convenient, these are not always as accurate or up to date as DDS records.

Step 4 — Pay Any Applicable Fee

There’s usually a small fee for obtaining your driving record.

• Point summaries may cost less than full records.
• Online requests typically require immediate payment by card.
• In-person and mail requests may accept cash, card, or check.

Keep your payment confirmation or receipt, as it can be useful for follow-ups or disputes.

Step 5 — Review Your Driving Record Carefully

Once you have your record, take time to review it line by line. Look for:

• Active points on your license and when they were assessed
• Violation descriptions (e.g., speeding, improper lane change, failure to yield)
• Conviction dates and whether the ticket was dismissed or reduced
• License status (active, suspended, restricted, etc.)
• Any old violations that may appear but no longer count toward active points

Important to know: In Georgia, points stay active on your record for 24 months, but older entries may remain in your full history.

Step 6 — Address Any Errors or Discrepancies

If you notice something that looks wrong like a violation that was dismissed but still shows up, don’t ignore it. Here’s what to do:

1. Gather all relevant documents (ticket dismissals, court records, payment receipts).
2. Contact DDS to dispute the entry and submit proof.
3. If necessary, reach out to the court that handled the ticket to ensure the correct disposition is sent to DDS.
4. Follow up regularly to confirm the error is removed.

Even a small error can affect your insurance or driving privileges, so it’s worth getting it fixed quickly.

Step 7 — Take Steps to Reduce or Manage Points

Georgia allows eligible drivers to reduce up to 7 points from their record once every 5 years by completing an approved defensive driving course.

Other helpful tips:

• Contest tickets when appropriate to prevent new points.
• Drive carefully to avoid accumulating additional violations.
• Keep track of any changes or removals after taking courses or resolving tickets.

Reducing your points not only protects your license but can also lower your insurance rates.

Step 8 — Special Rules for CDL Holders

If you hold a commercial driver’s license, you face stricter standards.

• Certain offenses can trigger automatic disqualification, even with fewer points.
• Employers may run PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program) reports, so keeping your record clean is critical.
• CDL violations often stay visible longer and can affect your employment opportunities.

Regularly monitoring your record is especially important for commercial drivers.

Step 9 — When Others Access Your Record

Employers, insurance companies, and sometimes landlords may request access to your driving record. Typically, you must sign a release for them to view it.

Be aware:

• A point summary may be enough for insurance.
• Employers may ask for a full history, especially for driving positions.
• Knowing what’s on your record first puts you in control of the conversation.

Step 10 — Make It a Habit to Check Regularly

Monitoring your driving record once or twice a year is a smart habit. It allows you to:

• Spot and fix errors early
• Plan for upcoming point removals
• Keep insurance premiums lower
• Avoid surprise suspensions

Even responsible drivers can benefit from keeping an eye on their records. A small investment of time can protect you from larger consequences later.

Final Thoughts

Checking the points on your Georgia license isn’t complicated, but it’s one of the smartest things you can do as a driver. By staying informed, reviewing your record carefully, and correcting any errors, you can protect your driving privileges and keep insurance costs under control.

Whether you drive for work or just commute daily, staying proactive about your driving record gives you more control and peace of mind.

Keep a digital or printed copy of your record in your files. It can save you time when dealing with insurance, employment, or legal matters.