Where to check your Georgia driver's license points

You can check your points balance through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by phone, or in person. The fastest method is online at dds.georgia.gov — you'll need your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time) and speak to someone who can look up your record. If you prefer to check in person, visit any DDS office with your license and a staff member will print your driving record for you.

The online method is usually fastest because you get your results when ready without waiting on hold. The phone line can have wait times, especially early in the week. In-person visits work well if you're already near a DDS office or if you need a certified copy of your record for insurance or court purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia tracks points on your license using a system where violations add points, and points can lead to suspension if they reach 15 in 24 months.
  • You can check your current points online at dds.georgia.gov, by calling 678-413-8400, or by visiting a DDS office in person.
  • Different violations carry different point values — a speeding ticket might be 2 to 4 points, while reckless driving is 6 points.
  • Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation, but most fall off after 24 months from the conviction date.

What the points mean and how they add up

Georgia's point system assigns a number of points to each traffic violation. Minor infractions like speeding 1 to 10 miles over the limit cost 2 points, while speeding 11 to 19 miles over costs 4 points. More serious violations like reckless driving, hit-and-run, or driving under the influence (DUI) carry 6 points or more. When your total reaches 15 points within a 24-month period, the DDS will suspend your license.

The 24-month window is important: it's a rolling period, not a calendar year. If you got a 4-point violation on March 15, 2023, that violation stops counting toward suspension on March 15, 2025. Points from different violations can stack — so if you get two speeding tickets in one month, both sets of points count toward your 15-point threshold.

How long points stay on your driving record

Points don't disappear when ready after a conviction. Most violations stay on your Georgia record for 24 months from the date you were convicted (not the date you were ticketed). Some serious violations, like DUI, reckless driving, or at-fault accidents, may remain longer — often 5 to 7 years — though the point value itself may only count toward suspension for 24 months.

This matters for insurance companies, which often look at your full driving history even after points stop counting toward suspension. A violation that no longer adds to your suspension risk may still affect your insurance rates. When you check your record online or by phone, you'll see the conviction date, which tells you when the points will stop counting.

What happens when you reach 15 points

If your points total reaches 15 within 24 months, the DDS will send you a notice of suspension. Your license will be suspended for a period that depends on how many times you've been suspended before — typically 30 days for a first suspension, 60 days for a second, and 12 months for a third or subsequent suspension within five years.

You don't lose your license when ready when you hit 15 points. The DDS processes suspensions in batches, so there may be a delay between when you reach 15 points and when the suspension takes effect. Once suspended, you cannot legally drive. To get your license back, you must wait out the suspension period and then pay a reinstatement fee (currently $210 in Georgia) and any other outstanding fines or fees.

Reducing points through defensive driving school

Georgia allows you to reduce points by taking an approved defensive driving course. If you complete the course, you can reduce up to 7 points from your record — but only once every five years. The course must be approved by the DDS, and you typically have 30 days from the date of your conviction to enroll.

Not all violations may have access to for point reduction through defensive driving school. Serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, and hit-and-run cannot be reduced this way. You'll need to check the specific violation on your ticket or record to know whether this option is available to you. The course itself costs money (usually $50 to $150 depending on the provider) and takes several hours to complete, either in person or online.

Understanding your driving record printout

When you request your driving record from the DDS, you'll receive a document that lists every conviction on your record, the date of conviction, the violation code, the points assigned, and the date the points will stop counting. The record also shows any suspensions, revocations, or restrictions on your license. Learning to read this document helps you understand exactly where you stand and what violations are still counting toward suspension.

Your record will show violations in reverse chronological order (newest first). If you see a violation you believe is incorrect — for example, if you paid a ticket but it still shows as a conviction — you can contact the DDS or the court that handled the case to request a correction. Errors do happen, and it's worth checking if something looks wrong.

What to do if your license is suspended due to points

If you receive a suspension notice, read it carefully for the suspension start date and length. You cannot legally drive during the suspension period, even for work or emergencies. Once the suspension period ends, you must pay the reinstatement fee and any other outstanding fines before your license becomes active again.

Some people in suspended status may be able to obtain a limited driving permit that allows driving to work, school, or medical appointments, but this requires a separate request to the DDS and is not automatic. Check the suspension notice to see whether you're may be able to access or contact the DDS to ask about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check someone else's points on their license?

No. Georgia's driving records are private. Only the license holder can check their own points through the DDS website or by calling. Law enforcement, insurance companies, and employers can request records under certain circumstances, but you cannot look up another person's points yourself.

Do points from out-of-state violations count in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia is part of the Driver License Compact, an agreement between states to share traffic violation information. If you get a ticket in another state, that violation will appear on your Georgia record and count toward your 15-point suspension threshold.

What if I pay a ticket but don't go to court — do I still get points?

Yes. Paying a ticket is usually an admission of guilt, which means you're convicted of the violation and points are added to your record. If you want to avoid points, you would need to contest the ticket in court or negotiate with the prosecutor before paying.

How often should I check my driving record?

It's a good idea to check your record at least once a year, or after any traffic stop or conviction. This helps you catch errors and stay aware of how close you are to the 15-point suspension threshold. If you're near 15 points, checking regularly lets you plan ahead for defensive driving school or other options.

Do points affect my insurance rates?

Yes. Insurance companies review your driving record and typically raise your rates after a violation, even if the points haven't reached the suspension threshold. The impact on your rates depends on the type of violation and your insurer's policies.