Note: We are not attorneys, nor do we provide legal advice on this website. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute or replace the consultation of an attorney. Although we are happy to answer any questions you have, we cannot provide legal advice on all matters. We encourage you to take independent legal advice with your particular facts and circumstances in mind.
Report the DMV.
The first step is to report to the DMV. The easiest way to do this is by calling them at (800) 922-0123 or visiting their website [here](https://www.dmvny.gov/licenses/license-renewals). You can also use their online service, which allows you to do everything from your phone and computer using any browser (even on an old phone).
The second step is ensuring they’re aware of your points to keep them from giving them back when they renew! To do this, check out our handy guide on how many points should be given back after a license renewal in New York State [here](https://www.dmvnycinfo/citationsandpoints/)
Find out what points you have.
To find your points, you can go to the DMV website and click on “License Status” or “Driver History.” This will take you to a page where they list all of your licenses, including any exemptions or suspensions.
You should also check your renewal notice for information about how many points are required for them to suspend or revoke your license. Some states require no more than 12 points per year before suspending/revoking; other states require up to 16 issues per year before suspending/revoking.
Don’t let points get you down.
Don’t let points get you down.
When it comes to points, there are two common misconceptions: one is that a higher number of points on your license means that you’re more dangerous or prone to committing crimes; the other is that if you don’t pay off all your fines and fees before getting another license, then they’ll drop your driving record as well. Neither of these assumptions is true! Research shows us that having a good credit history can help people get better jobs and even buy homes later in life. So why would we want our licenses with less-than-perfect scores?
Don’t take for granted being able to do things.
Don’t take for granted the fact that you can do things.
Feel free to ask for help.
Be bold and ask for a second chance or even a third chance.
You are trying to hide from your record or justify it as okay doesn’t make sense.
Do you know what doesn’t make sense? Trying to hide from your record or justify it as okay. You’ve already spent the time and money getting your license back, so why go through all this again?
If you want out of points on your NY driver’s license and are having trouble with the DMV, here are some tips:
Recognize that not having a criminal record is a privilege, and hold on to that privilege while you still can.
The fact that you have a criminal record cannot be hidden or ignored. It’s the law, and it will follow you wherever you go. The only way to get rid of points on your license in New York is by taking steps to:
You are responsible for how you handle your driving record around the DMV unless you have no license plate at all.
You are responsible for how you handle your driving record around the DMV unless you have no license plate at all. You can’t hide from it, and you can’t justify it as okay. It is always there—no matter where or when circumstances lead to a break in your compliance with legal requirements related to that record, or even if those circumstances don’t involve any violations but still affect your ability to drive.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is the nation’s leading authority on education, research, and safety training for riders, drivers, and pedestrians. Established in 1936, MSF aims to make motorcycles safer for everyone who rides and uses them. We research, provide training and certification, publish educational materials, and build alliances with like-minded organizations through our Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified RiderCourse (MSF-R) programs.
