What's on your Georgia driving record and how to get it

Your Georgia driving record is a document maintained by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) that shows your driving history — every traffic violation, accident, suspension, and license action tied to your name and driver's license number. It's the official record that insurance companies check, employers review, and courts reference. You can request your own record in person, by mail, or online through the DDS website.

The record includes moving violations (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, DUI convictions, and points accumulated under Georgia's points system. It does not include arrests that didn't result in a conviction, or violations from other states unless Georgia has been notified through the Interstate Compact on Drivers Licenses.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's DDS maintains your driving record, which shows violations, accidents, suspensions, and license actions for the past three to five years depending on the violation type.
  • You can order your record online through the DDS website, by mail to the DDS address in Atlanta, or in person at any DDS office without paying a fee for your own copy.
  • Insurance companies and employers commonly request your record, so checking it yourself first lets you spot errors or outdated information before they see it.
  • Points stay on your record for three years from the violation date, and violations remain visible for longer periods depending on severity — minor infractions may drop off after three years, while DUI convictions stay for ten years.

How to order your own Georgia driving record

The fastest way is through the DDS online system at dds.georgia.gov. Go to the "Driving Records" section, select "Order Your Driving Record," and follow the prompts. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The online order is processed when ready, and you can read or print it right away. There is no charge for ordering your own record.

If you prefer to order by mail, send a written request to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, Driving Records Unit, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, Georgia 30013. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing takes about two weeks. You can also visit any DDS office in person with your ID and request a copy on the spot — most offices print it while you wait.

What violations stay on your record and for how long

Georgia uses a points system where moving violations add points to your record. These points remain for three years from the date of the violation. A speeding ticket adds two to six points depending on how far over the limit you were. Reckless driving adds four points. Running a red light or stop sign adds three points. Improper lane change adds two points. When you accumulate 15 points within a 24-month period, your license is suspended.

Some violations stay visible longer than three years. A DUI conviction remains on your record for ten years. At-fault accidents typically show for three to five years. Traffic violations that result in license suspension or revocation stay on your record for the duration of the suspension plus additional years depending on the reason for suspension. Minor infractions like parking violations do not appear on your driving record at all — only moving violations and accidents do.

How insurance companies and employers use your record

Insurance companies request your driving record to calculate your premium. A clean record with no violations or accidents keeps your rate low. Each violation or accident increases your rate, and the increase depends on the severity. A speeding ticket might raise your rate by 10 to 15 percent. A DUI can raise it by 50 percent or more. Some insurers will not insure drivers with recent DUI convictions at all, or will only do so through a high-risk pool at much higher cost.

Employers in certain fields — commercial driving, rideshare, delivery, security, or any job involving a company vehicle — routinely check driving records as part of hiring. A DUI conviction, multiple violations, or a suspended license can disqualify you from these positions. Even if you're already employed, a license suspension can end your job if driving is part of your duties. Some employers also check records for roles that don't involve driving, particularly if the job requires bonding or a security clearance.

Correcting errors on your Georgia driving record

If you find an error — a violation you didn't commit, an accident you weren't in, or a point total that doesn't match the violations listed — contact the DDS directly. Call the Driving Records Unit at the DDS customer service line or visit a local DDS office with your record and documentation of the error. Bring any court documents, insurance paperwork, or police reports that prove the violation was dismissed, the accident wasn't your fault, or the violation belongs to someone else.

If the error involves a conviction that was later overturned or dismissed, bring a copy of the court order. The DDS will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process typically takes two to four weeks. If you dispute a violation that you believe was issued in error, you may need to go through the court system first — the DDS record reflects what the court entered, so the court record must be corrected before the DDS record will change.

Points and license suspension thresholds

Georgia's points system is straightforward: accumulate 15 points within 24 months and your license is suspended for a minimum of one month. The suspension length increases with each subsequent suspension. A first suspension is typically 30 days. A second suspension within five years is 60 days. A third is 90 days. You cannot drive during a suspension — doing so is a separate criminal offense.

To reinstate your license after suspension, you must pay a reinstatement fee (currently $210 in Georgia, though this amount can change), complete any required defensive driving course if ordered by the court, and wait out the suspension period. Some suspensions also require you to file an SR-22 form with your insurance company, which certifies that you carry the state's minimum liability coverage. Check your suspension notice for the specific requirements for your case.

How long violations affect your insurance rates

Insurance companies typically look back three to five years on your driving record, though some look back seven years for serious violations like DUI. A minor speeding ticket usually stops affecting your rate after three years. A DUI or reckless driving conviction can affect your rate for five to seven years or longer, depending on your insurer. Some companies offer accident forgiveness or violation forgiveness programs that remove one incident from your record for rate purposes, but you have to ask about these programs — they're not automatic.

The best way to improve your record is time and clean driving. Each year without a violation or accident makes your record cleaner. Some insurers offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course, which can offset a recent violation. Taking a course doesn't remove the violation from your official record, but it can lower your insurance rate and sometimes reduce points on your record by up to four points (check with your insurance company and the court for current rules).

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my driving record?

Check it at least once a year, or when ready after any traffic stop, accident, or citation. This lets you catch errors early and know what insurers and employers will see about you. If you're shopping for insurance or explore for a job that requires a driving record, check it beforehand so you're not surprised by what shows up.

Can I remove a violation from my record early?

No, you cannot remove a violation before its time expires. However, if a violation was dismissed in court, you can request that the DDS update your record to show the dismissal. Some states offer expungement, but Georgia does not expunge traffic violations from your driving record — they remain visible for the full retention period.

Will a violation from another state show on my Georgia record?

Yes, if you were licensed in Georgia at the time. Georgia is part of the Interstate Compact on Drivers Licenses, which means other states report violations to Georgia and vice versa. Your Georgia record will show out-of-state violations committed while you held a Georgia license.

What's the difference between my driving record and my driving abstract?

A driving abstract is a shortened version of your full record — it shows only the most recent violations and suspensions, not your complete history. Some employers and insurers request an abstract instead of the full record. Both are available from the DDS, and you can specify which one you want when you order.

Do I need a lawyer to dispute a violation on my record?

Not necessarily. If the violation was dismissed in court, you can contact the DDS directly with a copy of the court order and they will update your record. If the violation is still active and you believe it was issued in error, you would need to challenge it through the court system, which may benefit from legal information depending on the circumstances.