Short Answer
Once you complete the Florida 4-Hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, your completion is electronically submitted to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) within one business day.
Depending on your situation, you may also need to:
Verify submission with your county clerk or court (if court-ordered).
Download your certificate for your records.
Send a copy to your insurance company (if taken voluntarily for a discount).
State Submission (FLHSMV)
All course completions are automatically reported to the FLHSMV.
Reporting occurs within 1 business day.
The FLHSMV then updates your driving record to reflect that you satisfied the BDI requirement.
This prevents points from being added to your license for the traffic citation you elected or were ordered to resolve.
County Clerk or Court (If Court-Ordered)
Florida clerks of court have access to the FLHSMV system, but if your course was ordered by a judge or court, you must also submit a copy of your certificate directly.
Each county sets its own deadlines and submission methods:
Upload to the clerk’s online system
Email or fax (with case number)
Mail or in-person drop-off
Deadlines range from 5 days to 120 days, depending on the county. Always confirm with your local clerk’s office.
For Insurance Discounts (Voluntary Courses)
If you are taking the course voluntarily to lower your insurance premium, you must submit the certificate directly to your insurance company.
Most insurers accept electronic submission (email or portal upload).
The amount of discount varies — always check with your insurance provider for eligibility.
Step-by-Step Checklist After Completion
Finish the course and pass the final exam.
We submit your completion to FLHSMV within 1 business day.
Log in to your account to download your certificate.
If your case was court-ordered, submit the certificate to your county clerk or traffic court.
If you took the course voluntarily for insurance, send the certificate to your insurer.
Keep a personal copy for your records.
Common Questions
Q: How soon does FLHSMV update my record?
A: Submissions are sent within 1 business day. Most records update in 24–48 hours, but court systems may take longer to reflect the change.
Q: Do I always need to send the certificate to the clerk?
A: No. Only court-ordered cases require you to submit the certificate to the clerk. Voluntary and election cases are satisfied once FLHSMV records your completion.
Q: What if I miss the clerk’s deadline?
A: Missing a deadline can result in your citation being recorded as a conviction, additional fines, or even license suspension. Always confirm your county’s requirements.
Q: Can I track my submission?
A: Yes. You can contact the county clerk or check your driving record through FLHSMV’s online system to verify completion.
At a Glance: What Happens Next
Type of Case | Who Receives the Certificate | Action Required by Student | Deadline |
Election (Point Reduction) | FLHSMV (submitted automatically) | None | N/A |
Court-Ordered | Court / Clerk of Court | Yes – student must submit | Varies (5–120 days) |
Insurance Discount | Insurance Provider | Yes – student submits | Anytime after completion |
Why This Matters
Knowing exactly what happens after completion helps you:
Stay compliant with Florida traffic laws.
Avoid late fees, added points, or license suspension.
Take advantage of insurance discounts if you qualify.
Maintain accurate records for both personal and legal purposes.