What's in your Georgia driver's license record

Your Georgia driver's license record is a file the Department of Driver Services (DDS) keeps on you. It contains your current license status, any suspensions or revocations, traffic violations, accidents you reported, points on your license, and any restrictions or endorsements tied to your license. This is different from your criminal record — it only covers driving-related events.

Georgia uses a point system where traffic violations add points to your record. Accumulating too many points in a short time can trigger a suspension. Your record also shows whether you've paid fines, completed required courses, or resolved violations. Insurance companies and employers can request your record, so knowing what's on it matters.

Key Takeaways

  • You can view your own Georgia driver's license record online through the DDS website or in person at a DDS office without paying a fee.
  • Your record shows your license status, traffic violations, points, accidents, suspensions, and any restrictions — but not criminal charges unrelated to driving.
  • Georgia assigns points for traffic violations; six or more points in a 24-month period triggers a mandatory suspension.
  • You can request an official copy of your record to show employers, insurance companies, or courts, and the fee varies depending on how you order it.
  • If your record contains errors, you must contact DDS in writing with proof to request a correction.

How to check your record online

The fastest way to view your Georgia driver's license record is through the DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. Go to the "License & ID" section and look for the option to check your driving record. You'll need your driver's license number and date of birth to log in. The online view is free and shows your current status when ready.

The online record displays your license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), any active points on your record, current restrictions or endorsements, and a summary of recent violations. However, the online version may not show your complete history — for a full record going back several years, you may need to request an official copy.

Getting an official copy of your record

An official copy of your Georgia driver's license record is a certified document you can use for employment background checks, insurance inquiries, or court proceedings. You can order it three ways: online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office.

Ordering online through dds.georgia.gov is the fastest method — you pay a fee (typically $5 to $10, though this varies) and receive a digital copy by email within one to two business days. By mail, send a request form with your driver's license number, date of birth, and payment to the DDS address listed on their website; allow 7 to 10 business days. In person, visit any DDS office with your ID and pay the fee on the spot to receive a printed copy when ready.

Understanding points and suspensions on your record

Georgia assigns points to your license for traffic violations. A speeding ticket might be 2 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit you were; reckless driving is 4 points; at-fault accidents are 4 points. Points stay on your record for 24 months from the violation date. If you accumulate six or more points within 24 months, your license is automatically suspended for a period set by DDS — typically 30 days for a first suspension.

You can reduce points by completing a defensive driving course, which removes up to 7 points from your record (you can do this once every 24 months). Some violations, like DUI or driving with a suspended license, result in when ready suspension regardless of points. Your record will show the suspension date, the reason, and when it was lifted or is scheduled to be lifted.

Correcting errors on your record

If your Georgia driver's license record contains an error — a violation you didn't commit, a wrong date, a duplicate entry, or a suspension that should have been lifted — you must contact DDS in writing. Call DDS at 678-413-8400 first to document the error and ask what proof they need.

Send a written request to the DDS address on their website, include your driver's license number and date of birth, describe the error clearly, and attach supporting documents (a court dismissal letter, proof of payment, a corrected ticket, or other evidence). DDS will investigate and respond in writing. This process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Do not assume the error will be corrected without following up — keep copies of everything you send.

What employers and insurance companies see

When an employer or insurance company requests your Georgia driver's license record, they receive a version that shows your violations, points, suspensions, and accidents — but not your personal information like your address or Social Security number. The record they see depends on what they request: a basic record shows recent violations and current status, while a comprehensive record goes back further and includes more detail.

Insurance companies use your record to set rates and decide whether to cover you. Employers in transportation, delivery, or roles requiring a clean driving record use it to screen candidates. You have the right to know if someone has requested your record; DDS does not notify you automatically, but you can ask DDS during a phone call or office visit whether your record has been requested recently.

Clearing violations and improving your record

Traffic violations do not disappear from your Georgia record, but their impact decreases over time. Points expire 24 months after the violation date, meaning they no longer count toward a suspension. However, the violation itself remains on your record as a historical entry — employers and insurance companies can still see it.

The only way to actively reduce points is to complete a defensive driving course, which removes up to 7 points. You can take the course once every 24 months. Some violations can be dismissed or reduced through traffic court if you contest them, which would remove or lower the points assigned. If you were convicted of a violation you believe was unjust, consult a traffic attorney about your options for appeal or expungement — Georgia has specific rules about which records can be cleared, and they vary by violation type.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do violations stay on my Georgia driver's license record?

Violations remain on your record indefinitely as a historical entry, but points expire 24 months after the violation date. After 24 months, the points no longer count toward a suspension, though the violation itself is still visible on your full record history.

Can I see my record if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. You can check your record online or request an official copy even if your license is not valid. Your record will show the reason for the suspension or revocation and the date it is scheduled to be lifted or the steps you must take to restore it.

How much does it cost to get an official copy of my record?

The fee varies by method. Online and by mail typically cost $5 to $10. In-person requests at a DDS office may have a different fee. Check the DDS website or call 678-413-8400 for current pricing.

Will a defensive driving course remove a violation from my record?

No, it removes up to 7 points but does not erase the violation itself. The violation stays on your record, but the points no longer count toward a suspension. You can take the course once every 24 months.

Can I request my record be sealed or expunged?

Georgia does not allow driver's license records to be sealed or expunged in the way criminal records can be. However, if a violation was dismissed in court, you can request DDS correct your record to reflect the dismissal. Contact DDS in writing with a copy of the court order.