Georgia Driving Records

Driving records are more than just paperwork; they are a reflection of your time behind the wheel. These official documents are tracked by each state and play a key role in everything from job applications to insurance rates.

Because each state sets its own rules, accessing your driving history report or DMV driving records generally depends on where you live. Staying on top of your motor vehicle records helps you take control of your driving future and avoid surprises down the road.

What Is a Georgia Driving Record?

A Georgia driving record, which is officially called a driving history report or a motor vehicle report (MVR), is a document that tracks a person's driving history, including any violations, suspensions, and convictions. These records are mainly maintained by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), while state courts may also hold records related to specific cases.

What Is The Difference Between Official MVRs and Public Driving Records?

If you are in Georgia and need to check your driving history, you have two options: an official record or a public one.

The official MVR typically comes straight from the Georgia DDS. It is the most accurate and detailed report, often used for legal, job, or insurance purposes.

But if you are just curious or want quick access without the hassle, third-party sources like RecordsFinder may help. While it is not a replacement for an official MVR, RecordsFinder is designed to give you fast, easy insight into your Georgia driving history without the wait times or strict eligibility requirements of state agencies.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

You may need your Georgia driving history report or motor vehicle report(MVR) for several important reasons:

• Employment purposes: Many employers, especially those hiring for driving-related jobs, may require an MVR to assess your driving behavior and license status.
• Auto insurance quotes or renewals: Insurance companies may use your driver's record to determine your premium rates based on past violations or accidents.
• Court requirements: If you are involved in a traffic-related case or need to reinstate your license, courts may ask you to provide your official driving history.
• License reinstatement: If your driver's license has been suspended or revoked, the Georgia DDS will likely require your MVR as part of the reinstatement process.
• Personal review: Checking your driving report will generally help you stay on top of any citations, points, or errors that could affect your license or insurance.
• Commercial driver's license (CDL) applications: Georgia CDL applicants must submit an MVR when applying or renewing, especially if operating across state lines.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

When you request a driver report, the details included may vary, depending on where you get it. In general, a driver record may include:

• Your full name, address, and driver's license number
• License class, status, and expiration date
• Points for traffic violations
• Traffic tickets, convictions, and court-related actions
• Reported accidents
• Suspensions, revocations, or cancellations
• Endorsements and restriction
• Out-of-state violations reported to Georgia

Types of Driver Records Available in Georgia

In Georgia, the DDS offers several types of motor vehicle reports (MVRs) to meet different needs. Depending on the purpose of the record, you may choose from varying timeframes and certification levels.

By Timeframe

• 3-Year MVR: This covers the past three years of your Georgia driving history. Commonly used for insurance or basic personal checks.
• 7-Year MVR: This includes a longer driving history, which may be required by some employers or legal entities.
• Lifetime MVR: This generally shows your complete driving record as maintained by DDS, including all available history on file.

By Certification

• Non-Certified Driving History Report
  • Available for personal viewing only.
  • You may view it online for 30 days after the request.
  • You may print it, but it cannot be downloaded or saved to your computer.
  • Suitable for personal reference or informal use.
• Certified Driving History Report
  • An official copy with the DDS stamp and certification is required.
  • Required for employment, court, or insurance purposes.
  • Not viewable online; it is printed and mailed to your address.
  • It may also be sent directly to a third party on your behalf.
  • Reflects your driving history as of the date it is printed.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Georgia

In Georgia, traffic violations generally range from minor infractions to serious offenses that may significantly impact driving privileges and insurance rates. When cited for a violation, drivers receive tickets that require timely action, whether paying fines, contesting charges, or appearing in court.

The Georgia DDS maintains most driving records, while state courts handle case processing. Understanding Georgia's point system, potential penalties, and proper response procedures is essential for all motorists to navigate traffic citations effectively and minimize long-term consequences.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Traffic violations in Georgia are generally classified by severity and type. By severity, they may include infractions (minor), misdemeanors (more serious), and felonies (most serious). By type, violations are either moving (committed while the vehicle is in motion) or non-moving (related to parking, registration, or vehicle condition). Below are some of the most common violations:

• Speeding (under Super Speeder Law)
• Running a red light
• Illegal U-turns
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Failure to yield
• Reckless driving
• Expired tags
• Parking violations
• Driving without insurance
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license

The Georgia Traffic Code covers each of these violations, and penalties are enforced based on the severity of the violation. Repeated offenses or serious violations may lead to escalated fines, longer suspension periods, and even jail time.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

Receiving a traffic ticket in Georgia requires prompt attention to avoid additional penalties. Here is what you need to do when you get a ticket:

• Review the Citation: Examine the ticket for details, including the violation, court information, and payment instructions.
• Decide How to Respond: You have several options:
  • Pay the Fine: If you admit guilt and the violation does not require a court appearance, you can pay the fine. Payments may be made online, by mail, or in person at the court listed on your ticket. For online payments, visit the court or county's website or access the Georgia Judicial Council's Portal. You can also use the portal if you have lost a ticket.
  • Contest the Ticket: If you believe the citation is unjust, you may contest it in court. Do not pay the fine if you plan to contest; paying is considered an admission of guilt. To contest, follow the instructions on your ticket to request a court hearing.
  • Plead No Contest (Nolo Contendere): This plea is treated as a guilty plea but may not be used against you in a civil lawsuit. Georgia allows a nolo contendere plea once every five years, and the judge must approve it.

How Does the Georgia Point System Work?

The Georgia DDS uses a point schedule to monitor driver behavior and identify individuals who pose a higher risk on the road. Each traffic violation is assigned a specific number of points, ranging from two to six, depending on the severity of the offense.

For example, speeding violations add two points if a driver exceeds the speed limit by 15 to 18 mph, but the penalty increases to six points if the driver exceeds the limit by 34 mph or more.

Other violations, such as improper lane usage or failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, typically result in three points being added to a driver's record. More serious offenses like reckless driving carry heavier penalties, adding four points.

If a driver accumulates 15 points within 24 months, their license may be suspended. For drivers under the age of 21, as little as four points may result in suspension. The length of suspension depends on prior offenses and can range from 60 days to several years.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

In addition to the risk of losing driving privileges, accumulating points may lead to higher insurance premiums, substantial fines, and even jail time for serious or repeat violations.

In most cases, points stay on your driving history report for two years from the date of the violation. However, if you are under 18, points typically remain for 12 months. The time begins on the date you committed the violation, not when the points were added.

Fortunately, GA Code Section 40-5-86 allows drivers to reduce up to seven points from their license once every five years by completing a Driver Improvement (defensive driving) course and submitting the original certificate to the Georgia DDS. The DDS website provides a list of approved schools for those interested in taking the course.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

You may be able to remove a violation from your driving record in Georgia, but only under specific conditions. If your case was dismissed, you were not prosecuted, or you were found not guilty, the violation may qualify for record restriction, formerly called expungement.

Under Georgia law (since July 1, 2013), record restriction means the violation is hidden from public view, though it is still accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.

If your violation does not qualify for record restriction, another option is to reduce points on your record. You may lower up to seven points once every five years by completing a certified Driver Improvement course. While this does not erase the violation, it may help protect your driving privileges and insurance rates.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

You can check your DDS driving history or motor vehicle report (MVR) through several methods:

• Online: The Georgia DDS offers a convenient Online Services platform where you may access your MVR. To begin, log in to your DDS Online Services account. If you do not have one, you can easily create an account by entering your driver's license number, license class, name, date of birth, and Social Security Number. Once logged in, select the option to purchase your driving history and follow the instructions.
• By Mail: To request your driving history by mail, you may either complete the Motor Vehicle Request Form (Form DDS-18) or write a letter with the following information:
  • Your full name
  • Driver's license number
  • Date of birth
  • Type of driving history report requested (3-year, 7-year, or lifetime)
  • Your mailing address

  • Place the form or letter in a self-addressed, stamped envelope and send it to:

    Georgia Department of Driver Services

    MVR Request

    P.O. Box 80447

    Conyers, GA 30013

• In Person: You may also request your driving history by visiting a DDS Customer Service Center. Bring a completed original Form DDS-18 (copies or faxes are not accepted) and provide your full name, date of birth, and driver's license number.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Georgia?

The cost for a 3-year driver history report is $6, a 7-year report is $8, and a lifetime driver history report is $8. Payments may be made online using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover, as well as by check or money order by mail. For in-person requests, cash and credit/debit cards are accepted at DDS Customer Service Centers.

Processing times are not specified, but in-person requests are generally processed more quickly. Online requests typically result in driver records being mailed to the requester. It may take several days to a few weeks to deliver mail-in requests.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

While MVRs from the Georgia DDS are not free, they provide a helpful tool through their Online Services platform. Using the DDS 2 GO Mobile Services App, Georgia drivers may manage their license or ID, view a free 2-year driving record, check their driving status, and receive alerts.

For traffic case records, you may access the E-Access Court Record portal to view court records online for free, without visiting the courthouse. To search, you will need the case number or the names of the parties involved.

Some third-party websites also offer free driving history checks. However, the accuracy is not guaranteed, so it is best to use trusted sources and verify the information.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record in Georgia typically results from repeated moving violations like speeding, reckless driving, or DUIs. Georgia's point system tracks offenses and earning 15 or more points within 24 months may lead to license suspension.

Moving violations like speeding and running a red light generally go on your driving record and may affect insurance rates. Non-moving violations like parking tickets usually do not appear unless unpaid, which may escalate to license suspension or even a criminal citation. Warnings do not go on your record and have no impact on your insurance or employment.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

Insurance companies may use your driving history to set rates. In Georgia, a single speeding ticket may raise full coverage costs by roughly 25%, from $2,727 to $3,406. Minimum coverage may rise from $953 to $1,212.

For jobs that involve driving, employers often review your record. Serious offenses like DUIs or repeated violations may disqualify you. Even for non-driving jobs, criminal traffic citations may be a red flag.

Key factors employers consider include the following:

• Severity and recency of the violation
• Number of violations
• Whether fines were paid
• Company-specific traffic policies

To improve your standing, pay fines promptly, consider a defensive driving course, and be upfront with potential employers.

Who Can Access Your Georgia Driving History?

The Georgia Open Records Act (ORA) and the Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) govern access to your Georgia driving history.

While driving records are public documents under the ORA, the DPPA restricts access to personal information contained in those records. Only authorized parties, such as courts, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and certain employers, may access your full driving history for legitimate purposes, often with your consent.

Personal details like Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical or accident information are generally protected and typically redacted to maintain privacy.

FAQs About Georgia Driving Records

Explore frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding Georgia driving records below.

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