What your driving record shows and where to get it
Your driving record is a file kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) that lists every traffic violation, accident, and license suspension or revocation on your record. It does not show your personal information like address or Social Security number — it shows only driving-related events. You can request your own record from your state DMV, and in most states you can do this online, by mail, or in person.
The record you get back will show the date of each violation or accident, what happened (speeding, at-fault collision, failure to appear in court), and the outcome. Some states also show points assigned to your license, which accumulate and can lead to suspension if you reach a certain threshold. Insurance companies and employers who have your permission can also pull your record, so knowing what is on it helps you understand why your insurance rates went up or why a job offer fell through.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV keeps your driving record and can send you a copy; most states let you request it online for a small fee.
- Your record shows violations, accidents, and license actions, but not personal details like your address or Social Security number.
- You can order a record for yourself, or authorize an employer or insurance company to pull one on your behalf.
- Violations and accidents stay on your record for three to seven years depending on your state and the type of incident.
- If you find errors on your record, you can dispute them with your DMV, though the process and timeline vary by state.
How to request your record online
Most states now offer online ordering through their DMV website. Go to your state's DMV homepage, look for a link like "Check Driving Record," "Order Driving History," or "View Your Record," and follow the prompts. You will typically need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Some states ask for your full Social Security number or require you to answer security questions based on your credit history.
The fee ranges from about $3 to $15 depending on your state. You can usually pay by debit card or credit card, and the record will either print when ready on screen or be mailed to you within five to ten business days. A few states (like California and New York) also let you view your record when ready for free through their online portals, though you may pay a fee if you want an official certified copy mailed to you.
If your state does not offer online ordering, or if you prefer not to order online, you can call your local DMV office and ask how to request a record by phone or mail. Some offices will mail you a form to fill out and return with a check or money order.
Requesting your record in person or by mail
You can walk into any DMV office in your state and request a copy of your driving record at the counter. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be ready to pay the fee in cash or card. You will usually get a printed copy on the spot or within a few minutes. This is the fastest option if you need the record the same day.
To request by mail, contact your state DMV and ask for the form used to order a driving record. Fill it out with your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the type of record you want (some states offer a "three-year" or "ten-year" option). Include a check or money order for the fee and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes one to three weeks, depending on your state's workload.
Understanding what you see on your record
A typical driving record lists violations in chronological order, starting with the most recent. Each entry shows the date of the violation, the location (city or county), the violation code or description (for example, "speeding 15 mph over limit" or "failure to stop at red light"), and the outcome (fine paid, dismissed, or conviction). If you were in an accident, it will show whether you were at fault and whether anyone was injured.
Your record also shows any license suspensions, revocations, or restrictions. A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, after which you can get it back. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process. Restrictions might include "no commercial driving" or "corrective lenses required." Points assigned to violations appear on some state records; these accumulate and trigger a suspension if you hit your state's threshold (often 12 points in three years, but this varies).
Accidents that you reported to your insurance company may appear even if you were not cited. Some states show only accidents where a police report was filed; others show all reported accidents. If an accident is marked "at fault," it can affect your insurance rates for three to five years.
How long violations and accidents stay on your record
The time violations and accidents remain visible on your driving record depends on your state and the type of incident. Minor violations like speeding or running a stop sign typically stay for three to five years. More serious violations like reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI) can stay for seven to ten years or longer. Some states keep DUI convictions on your record permanently, though they may not count toward point accumulation after a certain time.
Accidents usually remain on your record for three to seven years, regardless of fault. After the time period expires, the violation or accident is removed from your active record, though it may still be visible in archived records if someone requests your full history. Insurance companies can see violations and accidents for a set period (often three to five years) even after they drop off your DMV record, so removal from the DMV does not when ready lower your insurance rates.
Disputing errors on your driving record
If you see a violation or accident on your record that you believe is wrong — for example, a ticket you paid that still shows as unpaid, or an accident you were not involved in — you can dispute it with your DMV. Start by gathering evidence: your payment receipt if you paid a fine, a police report if the violation was dismissed, or documentation showing you were not the driver involved in an accident.
Contact your state DMV and ask for the process to dispute a record error. Most states have a form you fill out and mail in, along with your supporting documents. Some states let you dispute online or in person at a DMV office. The DMV will investigate, which can take four to eight weeks. If they find the error, they will correct your record and send you an updated copy. If they do not find an error, you can request a hearing before a DMV official to present your case in person or by phone.
Authorizing others to see your record
Employers and insurance companies often need to see your driving record. You do not have to give them access directly — instead, you authorize your state DMV to release your record to them. When you explore for a job that requires driving or when you get a quote from an insurance company, you will usually sign a form that gives them permission to pull your record. The DMV sends them the same information you would receive if you ordered it yourself.
Be cautious about who you authorize. Once you sign a release, the company can order your record without asking again. If you want to revoke access, contact your DMV and ask how to withdraw authorization for a specific company. Some states let you do this online; others require a written request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my driving record for free?
A few states offer free online viewing of your own record through their DMV website, though you may pay a fee for an official certified copy. Most states charge $3 to $15 for a record. If you are checking for a job or insurance company, they usually pay the fee themselves when they request it on your behalf.
Will checking my own driving record affect my insurance rates?
No. Checking your own record is a "soft inquiry" and does not show up to insurance companies or affect your rates. Only when an insurance company or employer pulls your record does it become visible to them, and even then it does not lower your rates — it just lets them see what is already there.
How do I know if my license is suspended or revoked?
Your driving record will show any active suspension or revocation. You can also call your state DMV or check their website for a "license status" tool where you enter your license number and date of birth. If your license is suspended, the record will show the reason and the date it will be reinstated.
What if I moved to a different state — is my old record still there?
Yes. Your driving record stays with the state that issued your license. If you get a license in a new state, that state can see your record from your previous state through the National Driver Register, a database all states share. Violations and suspensions follow you across state lines.
Can I remove a violation from my record early?
In some states, you can take a defensive driving course to have a minor violation removed or have points reduced. A few states also offer "record relief" programs where certain violations can be dismissed or hidden after a set time if you stay violation-free. Contact your state DMV to ask what options are available in your state.