Where to request your driving record
Your driver's license history — officially called a driving record or motor vehicle record — is kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. You request it directly from that state agency, not from a third party. The name varies by state: some call it the DMV, others use the Department of Transportation, Secretary of State, or Motor Vehicle Administration.
Most states let you request your record online through their official website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. A few still require mail or in-person visits only. The fastest route is usually the state's online portal, which often produces a printable record within minutes.
You will need to identify which state to contact. If you currently hold a license, request the record from that state. If you held a license in a different state previously and want that history, you must contact that state's DMV. Some people have records in multiple states if they held licenses in more than one state during their lifetime.
Key Takeaways
- Your driving record is maintained by your state's DMV or motor vehicle agency, and you request it directly from them, not from a private company.
- Most states offer online ordering through their official website, which is faster than mail or in-person requests and typically costs between $5 and $15.
- You will need to provide your driver's license number, full legal name, and date of birth to retrieve your record.
- Your record shows traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points assessed by the state, but does not include insurance claims or private accident history.
- Processing time ranges from when ready (online) to two to three weeks (mail), depending on the state and method you choose.
What information appears on your driving record
A driving record contains violations and actions recorded by the state, not by insurance companies or private databases. It typically includes traffic citations you received (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), at-fault accidents reported to the state, license suspensions or revocations, points the state assigned to your license, and any DUI or DWI convictions.
The record does not include insurance claims, accidents your insurance company knows about but you did not report to the state, or violations from other states (unless you specifically request a multi-state report). It also does not show tickets you paid or contested in traffic court unless the court reported the outcome to the DMV.
How long violations stay on your record varies by state and violation type. Minor speeding tickets may drop off after three to five years, while DUI convictions often remain for seven to ten years or longer. Your state's DMV website will specify the retention period for each violation type.
How to order online through your state DMV
Start by visiting your state's official DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV driving record" or "[your state] motor vehicle record" to find the correct portal. Avoid third-party sites that claim to retrieve records for you — they charge extra fees and straightforward submit the request to the state on your behalf.
Once on the official site, look for a link labeled "Order Driving Record," "Request Motor Vehicle Record," or "View Your Record." You will enter your driver's license number, full legal name as it appears on your license, date of birth, and sometimes your address. Some states require you to create an account; others let you order without one.
After you submit the request and pay the fee (typically $5 to $15, depending on the state), you will either receive the record when ready as a PDF read or receive an email with a link to read it within a few hours. Print or save the PDF — this is your official record.
Requesting by mail or in person
If your state does not offer online ordering, or if you prefer a paper copy mailed to you, contact your state DMV directly. Visit the DMV website to find the mailing address and the form you need to complete — usually called a "Request for Driving Record" or "Motor Vehicle Record Request Form."
Fill out the form with your full legal name, driver's license number, date of birth, and current address. Include a check or money order for the fee (the amount is listed on the form or the DMV website). Mail the form to the address provided. Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your request.
For an in-person request, visit your local DMV office with your driver's license or state ID. Tell the staff member you want a copy of your driving record. You will pay the fee at the counter and usually receive a printed copy on the spot or within a few minutes.
Understanding the cost and processing time
The cost of a driving record ranges from $5 to $15 in most states, though a few charge more. Some states offer a free online view of your own record but charge a fee if you want an official printed or certified copy. Certified copies — stamped and signed by the DMV — cost more than uncertified copies and are required for certain legal purposes, such as court proceedings or insurance disputes.
Processing time depends on how you order. Online requests typically produce a result within minutes to a few hours. Mail requests take two to three weeks. In-person requests at a DMV office are usually completed while you wait, though busy offices may ask you to return later the same day.
If you need the record urgently, check whether your state offers expedited mail service or rush processing for an additional fee. Some states will email or fax a copy to you within one business day if you pay extra.
What to do if you find errors on your record
If your driving record contains a violation you believe is incorrect — a ticket you did not receive, an accident you were not at fault for, or a conviction that was dismissed — you can dispute it with your state DMV. The process varies by state, but generally involves submitting a written request with supporting documents, such as a court dismissal order or proof of payment.
Contact your state DMV's customer service line or visit the website to find the dispute procedure. You will likely need to provide your driver's license number, the specific violation you are disputing, and documentation proving the error. The DMV will investigate and update your record if the error is confirmed.
Disputes can take several weeks to resolve. If the error affects your insurance rates or a legal matter, consider requesting a certified copy of the dispute letter from the DMV to send to your insurance company or attorney while the correction is pending.
How your driving record affects insurance and employment
Insurance companies and employers often request your driving record as part of their underwriting or hiring process. Insurance companies use it to assess risk and set your premium; a record with violations or accidents typically results in higher rates. Employers in transportation, delivery, or positions requiring a commercial license review records to evaluate safety and liability risk.
You have the right to know what information an insurance company or employer received about you. If you believe an insurer or employer made a decision based on inaccurate information from your record, you can dispute the record with the DMV and provide the corrected information to the company.
Some states allow you to view your own record for free online but charge insurers and employers a fee to access it. This means you may see different information than a third party sees, depending on what level of detail they requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my driving record online for free?
Many states offer a free online view of your own record through their DMV portal. However, if you need an official printed or certified copy to provide to an insurance company or court, you will typically pay a fee of $5 to $15. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a free view option is available.
How long do traffic violations stay on my driving record?
The retention period varies by state and violation type. Minor violations like speeding often remain for three to five years, while serious violations like DUI may stay for seven to ten years or longer. Your state DMV website lists the specific retention period for each violation category.
Will my driving record show accidents my insurance company knows about?
Only if you reported the accident to your state's DMV. Accidents you reported only to your insurance company do not appear on your state driving record. Your insurance company maintains a separate claims history that is not part of your official motor vehicle record.
Can I get a driving record from a state where I used to live?
Yes. Contact the DMV in the state where you held the license. You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and the driver's license number from that state if you remember it. The DMV can usually locate your record using your name and date of birth alone.
What if I need my record urgently for a court case?
Call your state DMV customer service line and ask about expedited or rush processing options. Some states offer same-day or next-business-day service for an additional fee. If you need it for court, ask the DMV whether they can provide a certified copy, which carries an official seal and is accepted as evidence in legal proceedings.