Where to check your Florida driver's license points

You can check your points through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by phone, or in person. The fastest way is the online system at Florida's official DHSMV portal, which shows your current point total within seconds. You'll need your driver's license number and date of birth to log in.

If you prefer not to use the website, you can call the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 during business hours and speak to a representative who will look up your record. You can also visit any Florida Driver License office in person with your ID and ask a clerk to print your driving record.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's DHSMV website lets you check your points when ready using your driver's license number and date of birth.
  • Points stay on your record for three to five years depending on the violation, and accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months triggers a suspension.
  • You can request a formal driving record (which costs a small fee) if you need an official document for insurance or legal purposes.
  • Traffic school completion removes four points from your record if you were cited for a moving violation and meet Florida's requirements.

How Florida's point system works

Florida assigns points to your driving record based on the type of violation. A speeding ticket might be three points, reckless driving is four points, and a crash where you're found at fault is four points. Not all violations add points—parking tickets and equipment violations typically do not.

Points accumulate on your record and remain there for a set time. Most violations stay for three years from the date of conviction. More serious violations like DUI or habitual traffic offender convictions stay for five to seven years. Once the time period passes, the points drop off automatically.

What happens when you reach 12 points

If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period, the DHSMV will suspend your license. The suspension is typically 30 days for a first offense. A second suspension within five years lasts 60 days, and a third suspension lasts 150 days.

You'll receive a notice in the mail before the suspension takes effect, giving you time to understand what happened. Once your suspension period ends, you can reinstate your license by paying a reinstatement fee (currently $150) and meeting any other requirements the DHSMV lists in your notice.

Using the DHSMV website to check your record

Go to www.flhsmv.gov and look for the "Driver License" or "Check Your Driving Record" section. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will display your current points and a list of violations on your record.

The online system updates regularly but may lag by a few days after a conviction is entered into the court system. If you were recently cited and don't see it yet, check back in a few days. If you need a certified copy of your driving record for insurance or court purposes, you can order one through the same website for a fee, or request it by mail.

How traffic school can reduce your points

If you were cited for a moving violation (not a crash or criminal offense), you may be able to take a Florida-approved traffic school course to remove four points from your record. You must request this option before your court date or within the timeframe your citation allows—typically 30 days.

Traffic school courses are offered online and in person by approved providers throughout Florida. Completion takes four to eight hours depending on the course format. Once you finish, the provider sends proof of completion to the court, and the points are removed from your record. You can use traffic school only once every 12 months.

Requesting an official driving record

If you need a formal, certified copy of your driving record for insurance, employment, or legal purposes, you can request one through the DHSMV. The record shows your points, all violations, suspensions, and reinstatements. You can order it online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office.

Online orders typically arrive within three to five business days. Mail requests take longer. There is a fee for certified records (currently around $7.50, though this varies). An uncertified record is sometimes available when ready online at no cost if you just need to see your information for personal reference.

What to do if you disagree with the points on your record

If you believe points were added to your record in error, or if you were acquitted of a charge but the points remain, you can file a dispute with the DHSMV. Contact your local Driver License office or call the DHSMV to request the process for challenging the record.

You'll need documentation supporting your claim—such as a court document showing acquittal or dismissal. The DHSMV will review your case and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process can take several weeks, so contact the DHSMV as soon as you notice the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do points stay on my Florida license?

Most moving violations stay on your record for three years from the conviction date. More serious violations like DUI remain for five to seven years. After the time period expires, the points are automatically removed and no longer count toward suspension.

Can I check someone else's driving record?

No. Florida law restricts access to driving records to the person whose record it is, their attorney, or authorized third parties with written permission. You cannot check a family member's or friend's record without their consent and signature.

What if I'm suspended and need to drive for work?

Florida offers a hardship license (also called a business purpose license) in some cases during a suspension. You must petition the court in the county where you were convicted. Approval is not may provide and depends on your specific situation and the judge's decision.

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

Yes. Florida is part of the Driver License Compact, an agreement between most states to share traffic violation information. Out-of-state violations are added to your Florida record and count toward the 12-point suspension threshold.

How much does it cost to reinstate my license after suspension?

The current reinstatement fee is $150. You may also owe court costs or fines related to the original violation. Contact the DHSMV or your local Driver License office to confirm the total amount owed before you attempt to reinstate.