Georgia Driving Records

Georgia driving records, also known as motor vehicle reports (MVRs), are comprehensive documents that outline an individual's driving history within the state. These documents are considered public records under Georgia Open Records Law.

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is the official state agency overseeing driving records. This governing body tracks an individual's driving history and provides access to individuals requesting it and other authorized entities.

The information contained within Georgia driving records is crucial. It can be used for various purposes, including monitoring individual driving standing, employment screening, and legal proceedings.

It is essential for individuals to be well-informed about driving records. By staying knowledgeable about their driving history, individuals can proactively manage their driving reputation and comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Types of Driving Records Available in Georgia

The Georgia DDS issues two types of driving records: non-certified driving records and certified driving records.

Both types summarize an individual's driving tenure. Moreover, they can be requested for various lengths, such as a 3-year period, 7-year period, or lifetime period.

Below is a detailed information regarding the two types of driving records in Georgia:

Non-Certified Georgia Driving Record

A Non-Certified Georgia Driving Record is an unofficial copy of an individual's driving history in the state. This record includes traffic violations, points accrued, license status, suspensions, revocations, and any accidents the driver has been involved in. While it contains comprehensive driver details, the Georgia DDS does not officially authenticate it.

This report will only be available 30 days after the requested date. It is also only accessible through the DDS website and cannot be downloaded or printed.

Typically, non-certified driving records are used for personal reference or informal purposes, such as verifying one's driving history or checking the accuracy of reported violations.

Certified Georgia Driving Record

A Certified Georgia Driving Record is an official document that provides a detailed overview of an individual's driving history. This certified version is stamped and signed by the Georgia DDS, making it an authoritative record that can be used for various purposes, such as employment, insurance, or regulatory compliance.

The certified driving record contains similar information found in a non-certified version. However, this type is distinct from a non-certified version as it is not viewable online but can be printed, certified, and mailed to the requester.

Furthermore, this report allows authorized transmission to a third party on the requester's behalf.

How To Request a Georgia Driving History Report?

Individuals have different options for requesting a Georgia driving history report. They can either order online, by mail, or in person.

Online

The DDS Online Services enable individuals to access Georgia driving records online. On this platform, interested parties can purchase and view non-certified records or submit a request for a certified copy.

To initiate either process, drivers must log in to their DDS Online Services account. If they don't have one, they can sign up by providing details such as license number, license class, name, birth date, Social Security Number, etc.

Upon logging in to the online platform, individuals must choose the purchase driving history from the menu options. They must then follow the instructions and pay the required fees.

The Georgia driving records requested online are typically mailed to the requester.

By Mail

Georgian drivers seeking a certified copy of their driving history can conveniently request it by mail.
For this process, they must download and complete the Motor Vehicle Request Form (Form DDS-18) or draft a request letter containing the following essential details:

Full name
Driver's license number
Date of birth
Preferred length of the driving history report (3-year, 7-year, or lifetime)
Mailing address

Following this, applicants should enclose the filled form or request letter and the required payment in a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The entire package can then be sent to the address below:

Georgia Department of Driver Services

MVR Request

P.O. Box 80447

Conyers, Georgia 30013

In Person

Individuals also have the option to request a 3-year, 7-year, or lifetime Georgia driving history report in person.

To initiate this process, the applicant must complete Form DDS-18. This form must be original, as faxes and copies are not accepted.

Subsequently, the applicant should proceed to a DDS Customer Service Center Location. At this location, essential information such as the licensee's full name, date of birth, and Georgia driver's license number must be provided.

Individuals must pay the required fee for the requested record. Upon payment, the DDS will issue the driving record immediately.

Fees For Requesting Georgia Driving Records

Requesting a driving record in Georgia involves fees. A 3-year driver history report costs $6, while a 7-year or lifetime driver history report costs $8.

Online requests can be paid using American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa credit cards. Besides that, online request payments can be submitted by mail, with a payment coupon generated at the end of the transaction.

If opting for a mail request, payment can be made through checks, money orders, or cashier's checks payable to the DDS. Credit card payments are also accepted for mail requests but require the inclusion of a Credit Card Authorization Form.

For in-person requests, payment can only be settled using cash and major credit or debit cards since the DDS Customer Service Centers do not accept checks, cashier's checks, or money orders.

Uses of Georgia Driving Records

Georgia driving records, particularly the certified ones, serve various purposes that are essential in different contexts:

Employment Screening: Employers use records to assess applicants for driving roles, ensuring safety and qualifications.
Insurance Assessments: Insurers use records to determine risk profiles and set rates.
Regulatory Compliance: Required for industries like transportation to ensure safety and legal adherence.
Subpoenas and Court Orders: Law enforcement and attorneys use records for legal proceedings.
Personal Use: Individuals can check their own records to monitor license status and driving history.

While Georgia driving records serve multiple purposes, the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) strictly regulates their use and disclosure. This law limits the access and sharing of information contained within the records to legally permitted purposes. Unauthorized use or disclosure of individual information can lead to legal penalties.

Understanding Georgia’s Driving Laws

Motorists in Georgia must acquaint themselves with the state's driving laws for road safety and legal compliance. Below are the key aspects that drivers must be aware of regarding Georgia's driving regulations:

Georgia Licensing and Vehicle Registration Laws

Before an individual can legally drive in Georgia, they must secure a state-issued driver's license. This mandate is codified in Georgia Code Section 40-5-20.

If caught driving without a license in Georgia for the first time, penalties include a minimum fine of $500, potential jail time of two days, and a two-month license suspension. Subsequent violations within five years escalate the consequences significantly, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, at least ten days in jail, and an extended license suspension period.

Moreover, under Georgia Code Section 40-2-20, vehicle owners must register their vehicles annually for legal operation. Failure to comply results in misdemeanor charges, with first-time offenders facing potential jail time of up to 12 months and fines up to $1,000. Repeat offenses incur harsher penalties as determined by the court.

Georgia Auto Insurance Law

Georgia drivers are mandated to maintain automobile liability insurance for the vehicles they operate. The Georgia Code Section 33-7-11 specifies the minimum auto insurance coverage requirements, which include bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, along with $25,000 for property damage per accident.

Failure to meet these requirements results in severe penalties. Drivers face a $200 fine, a 60-day license suspension, and a $60 vehicle registration reinstatement fee for initial violations. Subsequent violations incur fines up to $1,000, a 90-day license suspension, and a $160 reinstatement fee, with the potential for jail time.

At-fault uninsured drivers are also personally responsible for all costs, including legal and medical expenses. Furthermore, violators of this code may need to file an SR-22 form for three years, leading to increased insurance premiums.

Georgia’s Uniform Rules of the Road

In Georgia, drivers must adhere to the Uniform Rules of the Road, which ensure safe and efficient roadway use. This includes:

Obeying traffic signs, markings, and signals
Staying on the right side of the road except when passing or turning
Following speed limits suited to road conditions

Serious offenses such as DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run, and evading police are also covered. Violations result in points on the driving record and may lead to fines, jail time, and suspension of driving privileges, depending on the severity.

The Points System in Georgia

The Georgia DDS employs a point system to monitor traffic violations and identify high-risk drivers. This system assigns varying points (ranging from two to six) for different violations, with more severe offenses carrying higher point values. Here are some examples:

Speeding 15-18 miles per hour (mph) over the limit: 2 points
Speeding 34 mph or more over the limit: 6 points
Disregarding traffic signals, failure to comply with traffic directives, tailgating: 3 points
Reckless driving: 4 points

Accumulating 15 points in 24 months may result in a license suspension by the DDS, with drivers under 21 facing suspension for just four points. Suspension durations vary. Six months for a first offense and up to five years for repeat offenses.

Points stay on a Georgia driver's record for two years, but taking a driver improvement course can help reduce them.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Georgia

Motorists in Georgia can commit various driving offenses. These can be categorized as criminal or civil, depending on the severity of the violation.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses are the most severe traffic offenses a driver can commit in the state. These are classified as felony or misdemeanor.

Felony traffic violations in Georgia carry harsh penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and potential driver's license suspensions, based on previous convictions and other aggravating factors. The duration of these penalties varies depending on the specific offense.

For instance, a conviction for serious injury by vehicle can result in a prison term of one to 15 years, while vehicular homicide carries a sentence ranging from three to 15 years.

Conversely, misdemeanor traffic violations in the state are less severe than felonies. These offenses may lead to a maximum jail term of 12 months and specific penalties tailored to the offense.

For example, a first-time misdemeanor DUI offense can result in a fine starting at $300, a minimum of 40 hours of community service, completion of a DUI program, and license suspension on top of the 12-month jail time.

Civil Driving Offenses

In Georgia, civil driving offenses, also known as traffic infractions, are the mildest form of traffic violations compared to felonies and misdemeanors. These infractions occur when individuals breach regulatory driving laws and are typically not subject to imprisonment. Instead, offenders face fines and accrue points on their driving record as penalties.

Examples of traffic infractions in Georgia include:

Exceeding sound volume limits
Disregarding traffic lights or signals
Improper use of signals
Unlawfully passing a school bus
Driving below the minimum speed limit

Georgia Driving Statistics and Goals

Georgia faces a significant challenge regarding car accidents. In 2020, the state reported 331,796 crashes, contributing to over 6% of the national total. With 1,664 fatalities in the same year, Georgia ranked fourth in traffic fatalities, with a majority of fatal crashes occurring in urban areas, particularly in Fulton County.

The primary causes of traffic accidents in recent years are attributed to risky driving behaviors. Distracted driving accounted for 56% of total traffic fatalities in 2019, reckless driving by inexperienced drivers contributed to 13% of crash fatalities in 2020, while speeding and DUI were responsible for 20% and 22% of crash deaths in 2021, respectively.

To tackle traffic fatalities and injuries, the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) works with state agencies to implement programs that promote safe driving. Programs like the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) and Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) are used to improve road safety and lower traffic incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Driving Records

Georgia drivers can learn more about the state’s driving records by reading through the following frequently asked questions:

Can an Individual Get a Free Georgia Driving Record?

Individuals can utilize the DDS 2 Go Mobile App to obtain a Georgia driving record for free. However, this method only allows individuals to view their driving history for two years.

Should they desire to view longer records, they must pay the associated fees when requesting a driving record.

How To Dispute Information on Georgia Driving Record?

If Georgia driving records contain errors or inaccuracies, individuals can initiate a dispute by contacting the Georgia DDS at (678) 413-8400.

Can Individuals Request a Georgia Driving Record For Someone Else?

Interested parties can request another person's driver record in Georgia. However, the requester will need to provide the signature of the person whose driving record is being requested and provide proper identification when requesting.

How Many Points Can Be Removed From a Georgia Driving Record by Completing a Driver Improvement Course?

Completing a certified driver improvement course can remove up to seven points from a Georgia driving record. However, individuals can only complete it once every five years.

Helpful Links and Resources

Drivers in Georgia can deepen their knowledge regarding driving records and related topics by navigating the following resources:

For a comprehensive list of the points accrued to Georgia driving records by specific traffic violations: https://dds.georgia.gov/points-schedule
To get a list of approved driver improvement course providers in Georgia: https://online.dds.ga.gov/ddsgeorgiagov/locations/driver-improvement-schools.aspx
Business providers in Georgia interested in ordering bulk driving records in the state: https://dds.georgia.gov/partners/mvr-motor-vehicle-reportsbulk-mvrs-business-partners

Counties in Georgia

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Georgia
1. Non-Certified Georgia Driving Record
2. Certified Georgia Driving Record
How To Request a Georgia Driving History Report?
Uses of Georgia Driving Records
Understanding Georgia’s Driving Laws
The Points System in Georgia
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Georgia
1. Criminal Driving Offenses
2. Civil Driving Offenses
Georgia Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources