How to Check Your Ohio Driving Record & Points (Free vs. Certified)

If you have received a traffic ticket in Ohio, you are likely worried about two things: your insurance rates and your license status. Ohio uses a strict 12-point suspension system, and points accumulate faster than many drivers realize.

Most people think they have to pay to see their record. This is false.

You can view your “Unofficial” driving record—which includes your current point total—for free on the Ohio BMV website. You only need to pay if you require a Certified copy for legal or employment reasons.

This guide will show you how to access both, how to read your point balance, and the real way to use the “2-Point Credit” to save your license.

How To View Your Ohio Driving Record for Free

1. Go to the Official BMV Portal: Navigate to OPlates.com or the BMV Online Services page.
2. Select “BMV Driving Record”: Look for the option that says “View Unofficial Driving Record.”
3. Log In: You will need:
   • Your Last Name
   • Date of Birth
   • Social Security Number (Last 4 digits)
   • Driver’s License Number
4. View Record: The system will display your 2-Year Unofficial Record immediately.
   • Look for “Point Total”: This will show your active points toward a 12-point suspension.

How to Get a Certified 3-Year Ohio Driving Record

You must use this method if you need a record for a court appearance, an employer (like Uber/Lyft), or an insurance dispute. This record is stamped and official.

• Cost: $5.00
• How to Order:
  1. Go to the same BMV Online Services portal.
  2. Select “BMV Record Request” (not “Unofficial Record”).
  3. Choose “Certified Driver Abstract (3-Year).”
  4. Enter your personal details and pay the $5.00 fee via credit/debit card.
  5. The certified record will be mailed to you (or emailed as a secure PDF depending on current options).

Pro-Tip: Do not pay third-party “background check” sites $20 or more for this. The official state fee is always $5.00.

Understanding the Ohio BMV Point System (The 12-Point Rule)

Ohio points stay “active” for suspension purposes for 2 years from the date of the violation.

The “Danger Zones”:

• 6 Points: You will receive a Warning Letter from the BMV. This is your wake-up call.
• 12 Points: Your license is automatically suspended for 6 months.

Common Violation Point Values:

Violation	Points
Speeding (1-5 mph over)	0 Points
Speeding (6-29 mph over)	2 Points
Speeding (30+ mph over)	4 Points
OVI / DUI (Alcohol/Drugs)	6 Points
Street Racing	6 Points
Hit-and-Run (Leaving the Scene)	6 Points
Driving Under Suspension	6 Points
Texting While Driving	2 Points

Can I Remove Points? The Remedial Driving Course Credit

This is the most misunderstood rule in Ohio. You cannot remove points from your record. They stay there for 2 years.

However, you can earn a 2-Point Credit.

• How it Works: You take a state-approved Remedial Driving Course (Adult Remedial).
• The Benefit: It gives you a “credit” that raises your suspension threshold. Effectively, you can now accumulate 14 points before being suspended, instead of 12.
• The Catch: You can only use this credit once every 3 years and only up to 5 times in your life.
• When to Take It: You should take this course when you have between 2 and 11 points. If you wait until you hit 12 points, it is too late—the suspension is automatic.

FAQs

Conclusion

Checking your Ohio driving record is a free, 5-minute process that can save you from a surprise suspension.

• Use the “Unofficial” tool on the BMV website to check your points for free.
• Watch out for the 6-point warning letter.
• Take a Remedial Course before you hit 12 points to get your 2-point credit.