Checking Your Driving Record: A Georgia Guide

How to Check Your Driving Record in Georgia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your driving record is a detailed report that provides information about your driving history, including traffic violations, accidents, DUIs, and more. In Georgia, checking your driving record is a straightforward process that can be done through various methods, including online, in-person, or by mail. It’s essential for Georgia residents to know how to check their driving record as it can impact employment opportunities, insurance rates, and personal verification needs.

Why Checking Your Driving Record is Important

There are several reasons why you might want to check your driving record in Georgia:

1. Employment: Many jobs, especially those that require driving, may require you to provide a clean driving record. Employers in transportation, delivery services, and other driving-related fields typically perform driving record checks to assess the safety and reliability of potential employees.
2. Insurance: Your driving history is a critical factor in determining your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies often use your record to assess your risk as a driver. Checking your driving record before applying for insurance can help you understand what potential insurance carriers will see.
3. Personal Verification: If you’ve been involved in an accident, received a traffic ticket, or were convicted of a DUI, it’s important to verify that the information on your driving record is accurate. Checking it periodically allows you to dispute any errors that might appear.

What Information Is Included in a Georgia Driving Record?

A driving record in Georgia typically includes the following information:

• Traffic Violations: These include speeding tickets, running red lights, failure to yield, and any other offenses committed while driving.
• DUI/DWI Convictions: If you’ve been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), this will appear on your record, which can significantly affect your insurance rates and employability.
• License Status: Your record will show whether your driver’s license is valid, suspended, or expired, among other statuses.
• Accident History: If you’ve been involved in a car accident, the details will appear on your record. This could include who was at fault, any damages, and any legal consequences.
• Points on the Record: Points are added to your driving record when you are convicted of traffic violations. Accumulating too many points can lead to a suspension of your license.

Overview of How to Check Your Driving Record in Georgia

Georgia offers several options for checking your driving record:

1. Online: The easiest and most efficient method is to check your driving record online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website.
2. In-Person: You can also visit a local DDS office to request a copy of your driving record in person.
3. By Mail: If you prefer, you can request your driving record via mail by completing a form and sending it to the Georgia DDS.

There are different types of driving records available, including a 3-year record, a 7-year record, or a complete driving history. Each record type varies in the amount of history included, with the complete driving history showing the longest period of your driving activity.

Below is a table summarizing the methods available for checking your driving record in Georgia:

How to Check Your Georgia Driving Record: The Process and Options

Now that you understand why checking your driving record is important, let’s explore the detailed process for checking your driving record in Georgia. You have three primary options to access your record: online, in person, and by mail. Each method has its own set of requirements and costs.

Option 1: Check Your Driving Record Online

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) offers a convenient online portal where you can check your driving record. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the Georgia DDS Website: Go to the official DDS website at https://www.dds.georgia.gov.
2. Create an Account or Login: If you don’t have an account, you will need to create one. If you already have an account, simply log in.
3. Request Your Driving Record: Once logged in, you can request a 3-year, 7-year, or complete driving history. Select the type of record you want.
4. Provide Necessary Information: You will need to provide personal information, including your full name, address, date of birth, and your Georgia driver’s license number.
5. Payment: The cost for an online record request is around $6.00 for a 3-year driving history.
6. Receive Your Record: After payment, your driving record will be available for download instantly.

Option 2: Check Your Driving Record In-Person

If you prefer to check your record in person, you can visit any local Georgia DDS office. Here’s how the process works:

1. Prepare the Required Documents: Bring a valid form of identification such as your driver’s license or state-issued ID.
2. Visit a DDS Office: Go to your nearest Georgia DDS office. You can find the nearest location by visiting the DDS website.
3. Request the Driving Record: Inform the clerk that you would like to request your driving record. Fill out the necessary forms and pay the required fee.
4. Pay the Fee: The fee for an in-person request may vary by location, but it typically ranges between $5.00 and $10.00.
5. Receive Your Record: In some cases, you may receive your driving record the same day, depending on the office and demand.

Option 3: Check Your Driving Record by Mail

If you prefer to check your driving record by mail, follow these steps:

1. Download the Request Form: Go to the DDS website and download the Driving Record Request Form.
2. Complete the Form: Fill out the form with your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and driver’s license number.
3. Mail the Form: Mail the completed form, along with a check or money order for the required fee, to the address provided on the form.
4. Wait for Processing: It may take 7 to 10 business days to receive your driving record by mail, depending on the volume of requests.

Verification of Identity and Required Documents

For both the online and in-person methods, you will be required to verify your identity. Ensure you have the necessary documentation, such as your driver’s license number, date of birth, and full name. This information helps to ensure the privacy and accuracy of the driving record.

Fees for Obtaining Your Driving Record

The cost for obtaining your driving record depends on the method:

• Online: $6.00 for a 3-year record.
• In-Person: Fees can range from $5.00 to $10.00 depending on location.
• By Mail: Around $5.00.

Payments for online requests are made via credit or debit card, while in-person and mail requests are typically paid by check or money order.

How to Interpret Your Driving Record

When you receive your driving record, review it carefully for the following:

• Traffic Violations: Ensure that all tickets and violations listed are accurate.
• DUI/DWI: If you have a DUI or DWI, check the dates and details to ensure they are correct.
• Points on Your License: Points can accumulate from traffic violations. Be aware of how many points you have, as too many points may result in suspension of your license.

Legal Aspects of Checking Your Driving Record in Georgia

There are several legal considerations when it comes to checking your driving record in Georgia:

• Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA): This federal law restricts the release of personal information from your driving record. Only authorized individuals, such as you (the driver) or employers with your consent, can access your record.
• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): If your driving record is being used for employment, insurance, or credit purposes, it must comply with the FCRA. Employers must obtain written consent before checking your record, and you must be notified if the information is used to make a hiring decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Checking your driving record in Georgia is an essential step in maintaining an accurate history and protecting your privacy. Whether for employment purposes, verifying your history for insurance, or simply confirming the accuracy of the information, knowing how to access your driving record ensures that you stay informed and make confident decisions. For those looking for a quicker, more efficient way to obtain their driving record, ExactBackgroundChecks offers easy access to your driving history in Georgia. Make sure to regularly review your record to avoid any surprises down the road.