Where to check your Florida driver license points
You can check your driver license points through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website without paying a fee. Go to www.flhsmv.gov, select "Driver License" from the menu, and look for the option to check your driving record. You will need your driver license number and date of birth to pull up your record online.
If you prefer not to use the website, you can visit any Florida Driver License office in person and ask for a copy of your driving record. Bring your driver license or ID. You can also call the DHSMV at 1-844-35-FLHSMV (1-844-353-5478) during business hours, though staff may direct you to the online system for faster results.
Your driving record shows every traffic violation, crash, and point assessment from the past three to five years. Points stay on your record for a set time depending on the violation type — most minor infractions drop off after three years, while serious violations like DUI remain longer.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov lets you check your points free using your driver license number and date of birth.
- Florida adds points to your record for traffic violations, and accumulating 12 or more points in 12 months triggers a suspension notice.
- Points for minor violations like speeding drop off your record after three years; serious violations stay longer.
- You can request a formal driving record in person at any Driver License office or by mail if you need it for insurance or court purposes.
How Florida's point system works
Florida assigns points based on the type of violation. A speeding ticket 15 miles per hour over the limit costs 3 points. Reckless driving costs 4 points. Driving with a suspended license costs 6 points. At-fault crashes cost 4 points if no one was injured, and more if someone was hurt. Running a red light or stop sign costs 4 points.
The state tracks points on a rolling 12-month basis. If you accumulate 12 or more points within any 12-month period, the DHSMV will send you a notice of suspension. You then have 10 days to request a hearing if you want to contest it. If you do not request a hearing, your license will be suspended for 30 days for a first offense, 60 days for a second offense within five years, and one year for a third offense within five years.
Points do not disappear automatically when the 12-month window passes — they remain on your record for the full retention period. However, once they age off your record, they no longer count toward the 12-point threshold that triggers suspension.
What happens when you reach 12 points
When you hit 12 points in 12 months, the DHSMV mails you a notice of suspension to the address on file with your license. This notice tells you the suspension will take effect in 10 days unless you request a hearing. You have the right to request a hearing in writing or online through the DHSMV website.
If you request a hearing, a hearing officer will review your record and the violations that led to the points. You can present evidence or testimony about why your license should not be suspended — for example, if you believe a violation was issued in error. The hearing officer decides whether to uphold the suspension, reduce it, or dismiss it.
If you do not request a hearing and the suspension takes effect, your license will be suspended for 30 days if this is your first suspension in five years. During the suspension, you cannot legally drive. After the suspension period ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee (currently $150) and explore to have your license reinstated before you can drive again.
How to reduce points through traffic school
Florida allows you to remove up to 4 points from your record by completing an approved traffic school course. You can do this once every 12 months. The course is usually offered online and takes about four hours to complete. You pay the course provider directly — costs vary but typically range from $25 to $75.
Not all violations may have access to for traffic school removal. You cannot use traffic school to remove points from violations like DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash, or driving with a suspended license. You also cannot use traffic school if you have already used it once in the past 12 months.
After you complete the course, the provider sends a certificate to the DHSMV. The points are removed from your record within a few weeks. This is one of the few ways to actively reduce points rather than waiting for them to age off.
How points affect your insurance rates
Insurance companies in Florida can see your driving record, including points and violations. Each point on your record typically raises your insurance premium. A single 3-point speeding ticket might increase your rate by 10 to 15 percent, while a 4-point violation like reckless driving can increase it by 25 to 40 percent or more. Rates vary by insurer and by how recent the violation is.
Even if your license is not suspended, points on your record will cost you money in higher premiums. Some insurers may also drop you or refuse to renew your policy if you accumulate too many points. This is separate from the state's suspension process — you can lose your insurance coverage before you lose your license.
Checking your points regularly helps you understand what your insurance company sees and what rate increases to expect. If you are close to 12 points, completing traffic school to remove 4 points can prevent a suspension and may also help your insurance rates.
Understanding your driving record printout
When you pull your driving record from the DHSMV, it shows your name, license number, and a list of violations with dates. Each violation lists the point value, the violation code, and the date it occurred. The record also shows any suspensions, revocations, or restrictions on your license.
Your record will note whether points are still active or have aged off. Points that have been on your record for longer than the retention period will no longer appear in the active points total, though they may still show in your history. The document will clearly state your current total points.
If you see a violation on your record that you do not recognize or believe is wrong, you can contact the DHSMV to dispute it. You will need to provide documentation — such as a court record showing the ticket was dismissed — to have it removed. Disputes can take several weeks to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do points stay on my Florida driving record?
Most traffic violations stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. DUI convictions stay for 75 years. Serious violations like reckless driving or hit-and-run may stay for five years or longer. Once the retention period ends, the points no longer count toward suspension, but the violation may still appear in your history.
Can I check someone else's driving record?
No. Only the license holder can request their own driving record online or in person. If you need someone else's record for legal reasons — such as a court case or insurance claim — you must go through the court system or have written permission from that person. Employers and insurers can request records only with the driver's consent.
What if I got points in another state before moving to Florida?
Florida's point system applies only to violations that occur in Florida or are reported to Florida through the Interstate Compact. Points from other states do not automatically transfer to your Florida record. However, if you were convicted of a serious violation like DUI in another state, Florida may impose its own penalties when you explore for a Florida license.
Do points get removed if I pay a ticket?
No. Paying a ticket does not remove points. Points are assigned based on the violation type, not on whether you pay the fine. The only ways to remove points are to wait for them to age off your record (three to five years depending on the violation) or to complete an approved traffic school course, which removes up to 4 points once per 12 months.
Will checking my own driving record hurt my license or insurance?
No. Checking your own driving record does not affect your license status or insurance rates. Only violations and suspensions reported by law enforcement or the court system affect your record. You can check your points as often as you want without any penalty.