Where to check your points online or by phone
The fastest way to check your points is through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. Most states let you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth to see your current point total and any violations on your record. If your state doesn't offer online access, you can call the DMV directly — have your license number ready, and they'll tell you your points over the phone.
Some states also let you check points through a third-party service or by visiting a DMV office in person. The method varies by state, so start by searching "[your state] DMV check points" or "[your state] DMV driver record" to find the exact link or phone number you need.
Key Takeaways
- Most state DMV websites let you log in and view your current points and violations without paying a fee.
- If online access isn't available in your state, call the DMV directly with your license number to ask about your points.
- Points stay on your record for a set number of years — typically three to five years — depending on your state and the violation type.
- Requesting an official driving record costs a small fee in most states, but checking your points through the DMV website is usually free.
What you'll see when you check your record
Your driving record shows each violation, the date it occurred, and how many points it added to your license. A speeding ticket might be 2 to 4 points, a reckless driving charge might be 6 points, and a DUI can be 12 points or more — the exact number depends on your state and the specific offense.
The record also shows when each violation will drop off your record. Once that date passes, the points no longer count toward your total, though the violation may still appear on your history. Some states remove violations after three years, others after five or seven years. Check your state's rules to understand when your points will clear.
Why your state tracks points
Points are a way for your state to track unsafe driving behavior. When your total reaches a certain threshold — often 12 points in a year or 18 points in three years, though this varies — your license can be suspended. The state uses points to identify drivers who need to improve their driving habits or take a safety course.
Insurance companies also check your driving record and may raise your rates if you have recent violations. Knowing your point total helps you understand how close you are to a suspension and what your insurance company might see.
Steps to take if you find points you don't recognize
If your record shows a violation you don't remember or believe is wrong, contact the DMV or the court that issued the ticket. Ask for details about the violation — the date, location, and what you were cited for. If the ticket was issued in error or you paid it but it still appears on your record, the court or DMV can correct it.
Keep copies of any paid tickets or court documents that show the violation was resolved. These documents help prove the error when you contact the DMV or court. The correction process can take several weeks, so check back on your record after a month to confirm the change went through.
How to reduce points through a defensive driving course
Many states let you take an approved defensive driving course to reduce points on your license — usually by 3 to 4 points per course. You typically must take the course within a certain time after the violation (often 30 to 90 days) and cannot take it more than once per year or once every three years, depending on your state.
The course is usually offered online or in person and costs between $20 and $100. After you complete it, you'll receive a certificate to send to the DMV. The points reduction doesn't happen automatically — you have to submit the certificate yourself. Check your state's DMV website for a list of approved courses in your area.
What happens if you reach the suspension threshold
When your points total reaches your state's limit, the DMV will send you a notice that your license is suspended. The suspension period varies — it might be 30 days, 90 days, or longer depending on how far over the limit you went and whether you have prior suspensions.
During a suspension, you cannot legally drive. After the suspension period ends, you'll need to pay a reinstatement fee (usually $50 to $200) and may need to pass a written or driving test before your license is restored. Some states also require you to show proof of insurance or complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do points stay on my driving record?
Points typically stay on your record for three to five years, though some states keep them longer for serious violations like DUI. Once the time period passes, the points no longer count toward your total, but the violation may still appear in your full driving history. Check your state's DMV website for the exact timeline.
Can I check someone else's driving record?
No, you cannot check another person's driving record without their permission. Only the driver, their insurance company, a lawyer, or a court can request the record. If you need information about another driver — for example, after an accident — you can request a copy of the police report instead.
Do points from other states show up on my record?
Yes, most states share violation information through the National Driver Register. A speeding ticket in another state will usually appear on your home state's record and count toward your point total. Some violations may transfer with different point values depending on your state's rules.
What's the difference between checking points and ordering an official driving record?
Checking points through the DMV website is free and shows your current total and recent violations. An official driving record is a formal document that costs a small fee and includes your complete history. You need the official record for some purposes, like job applications or court cases, but checking points online is enough to know where you stand.
Will a defensive driving course remove points that are already on my record?
A defensive driving course reduces your points by a set amount, but it doesn't erase violations that are already there. If you have 8 points and take a course that reduces points by 3, you'll have 5 points left. The course must be taken soon after the violation to count, so don't wait too long.