Where to request your driver's license record

Your driver's license record is held by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though the name varies by state—some call it the Secretary of State's office or the Department of Transportation. You request it directly from that agency, not from a third party. The record shows your license number, issue and expiration dates, restrictions or endorsements, and your driving history including violations and accidents.

Most states let you request your record online through their DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. A few still require mail or in-person requests only. The fastest route is usually online, which can produce a copy within minutes or a few business days depending on the state.

You will need to know which state issued your license. If you moved and got a new license in a different state, your old record stays with the state that issued it. You request from that state, not your current one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your driver's license record is kept by your state's DMV or equivalent agency, and you request it directly from them using your license number and date of birth.
  • Most states offer online requests that produce a copy within minutes to a few business days, though some require mail or in-person requests.
  • You will need to pay a small fee, usually between $5 and $15, though some states waive it for certain requests.
  • If you need the record for a court case, insurance claim, or employment check, confirm with that organization what format they need before you request it.
  • Your old license record stays with the state that issued it, even if you moved and got a new license elsewhere.

Requesting your record online

Start by going to your state's DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV driver record request" if you are not sure of the exact URL. Look for a link labeled "order driving record," "request your record," or "view your record." Some states call it an "abstract" or "transcript."

You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your full name and address. The site will ask whether you want a certified copy (which has an official seal and costs more) or an uncertified copy (which is cheaper and works for most purposes). If you are unsure which you need, check with whoever asked you to get the record—your insurance company, an employer, or a court.

After you pay the fee by credit or debit card, the site will either show you the record when ready or email it to you within a few business days. Some states mail a physical copy instead. Write down your confirmation number in case you need to follow up.

Requesting by mail or in person

If your state does not offer online requests, or if you prefer a physical copy, you can request by mail. Go to your state DMV website and read the request form—it is usually called a "driver record request form" or "abstract request form." Fill it out completely, including your license number, date of birth, and signature.

Include a check or money order for the fee (credit cards are usually not accepted by mail) and mail the form to the address listed on the form. Mail requests typically take one to three weeks. Keep a copy of what you send in case the form gets lost.

To request in person, visit a local DMV office with your driver's license or state ID. Tell the clerk you want a copy of your driving record. You will pay the fee at the counter and usually receive the record the same day, though busy offices may ask you to return later or mail it to you.

What information appears on your record

Your driver's license record shows your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), your license number, the date it was issued and when it expires, and any restrictions or endorsements. Restrictions might include "corrective lenses required" or "automatic transmission only." Endorsements show qualifications like a commercial driver's license or motorcycle endorsement.

The record also includes your driving history: moving violations (speeding, running a red light), at-fault accidents, DUI or DWI convictions, and license suspensions or revocations. How far back the history goes varies by state—some show the past three years, others show ten years or more. The record does not include parking tickets or non-moving violations in most states.

If you see an error on your record—a violation you did not commit, an accident you were not in, or a suspension that was lifted—contact your state DMV when ready. Bring documentation of the correction (a court order, a letter from the court, or a police report) and ask them to update your record.

Certified versus uncertified copies

An uncertified copy is a printout of your record with no official seal or signature. It costs less (usually $5 to $10) and works for most personal reasons: checking your own record, showing an insurance company, or reviewing your history before a job interview. Many employers and insurance companies accept uncertified copies.

A certified copy has an official state seal, a signature from a DMV official, and a statement that it is a true and accurate copy of your record. It costs more (usually $10 to $20) and is required for legal proceedings, court cases, and some government jobs. If you are unsure whether you need a certified copy, ask the person or organization that requested the record.

Some states offer both options on their online request form. Others only offer one. If your state only offers uncertified copies online but you need a certified copy, you will have to request by mail or in person.

Fees and processing times

Fees for a driver's license record vary by state. Uncertified copies typically cost between $5 and $10. Certified copies cost between $10 and $20. A few states waive the fee if you are requesting your own record for personal use, though most charge regardless. Some states charge extra if you want the record mailed to you instead of picked up in person.

Processing times depend on how you request it. Online requests usually produce a result within minutes to three business days. Mail requests take one to three weeks, depending on how busy the DMV is and how far away you live from the processing center. In-person requests at a DMV office usually take the same day, though you may have to wait in line or return later if the office is busy.

If you need the record urgently, online is always faster. If your state does not offer online requests, call the DMV to ask whether they can process a mail request faster or whether you can request it in person at a local office.

What to do if you cannot find your state's DMV website

If you are having trouble locating your state's DMV website, start with a search for "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] Department of Motor Vehicles." Most states have a .gov website. If you still cannot find it, call your state's main information line and ask for the DMV's phone number and website.

You can also call the DMV directly and ask them to mail you a request form or tell you how to request your record. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call. Some DMVs have long wait times, so calling early in the morning or mid-week usually gets you through faster.

If you moved to a different state and need a record from your old state's DMV, search for that state's DMV website, not your current state's. Your old record does not transfer automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a driver's license record stay on file?

Your record stays on file as long as your license is active. Once your license expires and you do not renew it, the record is archived but still available if you request it. Most states keep archived records for at least ten years. You can request a record from an expired license the same way you request a current one.

Can someone else request my driver's license record?

In most states, only you can request your own record, or someone with a legal right to it (a lawyer, insurance company, or employer you have authorized). Some states allow a spouse or parent to request a record if they have power of attorney. Check your state's DMV website for their specific rules on third-party requests.

What if my record shows violations I do not remember?

Contact your state DMV and ask for details about the violation—the date, location, and what you were cited for. If you believe the violation was issued in error, you can dispute it by providing documentation (a court order dismissing the case, a letter from the court, or a police report). The DMV will investigate and update your record if the violation was incorrect.

Do I need a certified copy for a job background check?

It depends on the employer. Many employers accept an uncertified copy printed from the DMV website. Some require a certified copy with an official seal. Ask the employer or the background check company what format they need before you request the record—this saves you from paying for a certified copy if an uncertified one will work.

Can I request someone else's driver's license record?

No, not without their permission or a legal reason. Most states do not release driving records to the public for privacy reasons. If you need someone's record for a legal case, your lawyer can request it through the court system. If you need it for insurance or employment purposes, you need written permission from that person first.