f you’ve recently received a traffic ticket or are shopping for new car insurance, you might be wondering: how many points do I have on my license? Every state tracks moving violations differently, and accumulating too many points can lead to expensive insurance premiums or even a suspended license.
Fortunately, checking your driving record is easier than ever. In this guide, we’ll break down the exact steps to check your license points online, by phone, by mail, or through third-party services, along with a directory to find specific rules for all 50 states.
State-by-State DMV Directory
Want to know exactly how many points will suspend your license, how to remove points with defensive driving courses, or how long points stay on your record? Find your state below for specific, local details.
Northeast: Connecticut | Delaware | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Vermont
South: Alabama | Arkansas | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | Louisiana | Mississippi | North Carolina | South Carolina | Tennessee | Virginia | West Virginia
Midwest: Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri | Nebraska | North Dakota | Ohio | South Dakota | Wisconsin
West: Alaska | Arizona | California | Colorado | Hawaii | Idaho | Montana | Nevada | New Mexico | Oklahoma | Oregon | Texas | Utah | Washington | Wyoming
What Are License Points and Why Do They Matter?
Before checking your record, it helps to understand how the system works. Most states use a point system to track driving behavior. When you commit a moving violation—like speeding, running a red light, or reckless driving—the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adds “demerit points” to your driving record.
- Insurance Rates: Auto insurance companies check your driving record. More points usually mean higher monthly premiums.
- License Suspension: Accumulating too many points within a specific timeframe (usually 12 to 24 months) can result in a suspended or revoked driver’s license.
- “No-Point” States: Keep in mind that not every state uses a point system. States like Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Washington track violations and penalize drivers, but they do not use a numerical point value system.
Note on Fees and Record Types: Checking your points online often gives you an unofficial record, which is great for personal knowledge and is usually free or very cheap. If you need an official, certified record for court or employment, expect to pay a small processing fee (typically between $5 and $20, depending on the state).
4 Ways to Check Your Driving Record Points
Most states offer multiple ways to access your driving history. Choose the method that works best for you.
1. How to Check Your Points Online (Fastest Method)
The most efficient and convenient method for checking your license points is through your state’s official DMV website.
Step 1: Visit the official .gov website of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Public Safety (DPS), or Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Step 2: Look for the section dedicated to Driving Records, Online Services, or License Check.
Step 3: Create an account or log in. You will typically need your driver’s license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN).
Step 4: Navigate to your dashboard or the specific section displaying your driving record to view your active points.
2. How to Check Your Points by Phone
If you prefer speaking to an automated system or a representative, checking your license points over the phone is a reliable alternative.
- Find the Number: Locate the official customer service phone number on your state’s DMV website.
- Verify Identity: Follow the automated prompts. Be prepared to enter your driver’s license number, zip code, and date of birth using your keypad.
- Get Your Status: Once verified, the system or representative will provide your current point total and license status.
3. How to Request Your Driving Record by Mail
This traditional method takes the longest but is straightforward if you need a physical, certified copy of your complete driving history.
- Download the Form: Visit your state’s DMV website and download the official “Request for Driving Record” form.
- Fill out the Details: Include your full name, driver’s license number, date of birth, return address, and the reason for your request.
- Include Payment: Enclose a check or money order for the required processing fee.
- Mail it In: Send the request to the official DMV mailing address. Processing times vary, so expect it to take a few weeks.
4. Using Third-Party Driving Record Vendors
If your state’s DMV website is difficult to navigate, authorized third-party vendors can pull your driving record for you for an additional convenience fee.
- Choose Carefully: Only use highly reviewed, reputable vendors.
- Provide Information: You will need to input your personal details and driver’s license number.
- Pay the Fee: You will pay the state’s record fee plus the vendor’s service fee.
Privacy Warning: Be highly cautious when using third-party sites. You are handing over sensitive personal information (like your license number and address). Whenever possible, it is always safest to use your state’s official .gov portal to prevent identity theft.
Conclusion:
In this article we explained checking your driving license points. We explained each U.S. state has different methods and offers instructions for each. You can check points via the DMV website, phone, mail, or third-party vendors. Each way has its own good points, and you can choose the one that is easiest for you. Keep an eye on your driving record because it’s important for being a good and safe driver.