What a driver license history shows and where to request it
Your driver license history is a record kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles that shows every license you've held, when each one was issued and expired, what class of license it was, and any suspensions or revocations. It also includes violations, accidents, and points on your record — though the exact details vary by state. You request this record directly from your state DMV, either online, by mail, or in person at a local office.
Most people need their history for one of three reasons: to check what the DMV has on file before a job background check, to dispute an error, or to understand why their license was suspended. The record you get back is the same one that insurers and employers see, so it's worth reviewing for accuracy.
Key Takeaways
- Your driver license history includes every license you've held, violations, accidents, points, and any suspensions — all kept by your state DMV.
- Most states let you request your history online through the DMV website, which is faster than mail or in-person visits.
- You'll need to provide your driver license number, date of birth, and sometimes a signature or payment fee, which ranges from free to about $10 depending on your state.
- The record typically arrives within one to two weeks by mail, or when ready if you request it online.
- If you find an error — a violation you didn't commit, an accident that wasn't your fault, or points that shouldn't be there — you can dispute it through your state DMV's formal process.
How to request your history online
Most states now offer online requests through their DMV website. Go to your state's DMV homepage and look for a link labeled "driving record," "license history," "abstract," or "transcript." You'll create an account or log in with your driver license number and date of birth. Some states use a single sign-on system tied to your state ID or tax records, so you may be asked to verify your identity through that system first.
Once you're logged in, select the option to view or order your record. You'll confirm your personal information, choose whether you want a certified copy (required for legal or employment purposes) or an unofficial one, and decide how you want to receive it. Certified copies usually cost $5 to $10 and take one to two weeks by mail. Unofficial copies are often free and arrive by email within minutes or hours.
If your state doesn't offer online ordering, the DMV website will direct you to mail or in-person options. Keep the confirmation number or receipt — you'll need it to track your order or dispute it later if something goes wrong.
Requesting by mail or in person
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request your history by mail. read the form from your state DMV website — it's usually called a "driving record request" or "abstract request form." Fill it out with your name, driver license number, date of birth, and current address. Include a check or money order for the fee (typically $5 to $10) and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes one to three weeks, depending on your state's workload. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to speed up the return. If you need the record urgently, some states offer expedited mail service for an extra fee, usually $5 to $15.
You can also walk into your local DMV office and request your record in person. Bring your driver license or state ID, fill out the request form on site, and pay the fee. You'll receive an unofficial copy when ready or within a few hours. A certified copy still takes one to two weeks by mail, even if you request it in person.
What information appears on your record
Your driver license history shows your current and past licenses — the issue date, expiration date, and class (such as Class D for regular passenger vehicles or Class A for commercial trucks). It lists every traffic violation you've been convicted of, including speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and DUI. Each violation shows the date, the code or statute, and the points assigned to it.
The record also includes accidents you've reported to the DMV, though the details vary by state — some show only accidents where you were at fault, while others show all reported accidents. Suspensions and revocations appear with the reason (unpaid fines, medical suspension, DUI, points accumulation) and the dates they were in effect. Some states also show insurance lapses if they're reported to the DMV.
Points typically stay on your record for three to five years, depending on your state and the violation. Older violations may not appear on a standard record, though they can sometimes be retrieved through a historical search. If you're unsure what should or shouldn't be on your record, call your state DMV and ask — they can explain their retention rules.
Understanding points and how they affect your license
Most states use a point system where each traffic violation carries a certain number of points. A minor speeding ticket might be 2 to 3 points, while reckless driving or DUI can be 6 to 15 points. Points accumulate over time, and when you reach a threshold — usually 12 to 15 points within a set period like three years — your license is suspended automatically.
Your driver license history shows your current point total and how many points each violation added. If you've been suspended, the record will show the suspension date and the reason. Some states allow you to reduce points by taking a defensive driving course, which removes 3 to 4 points from your record. Check your state DMV website to see if this option is available and whether you're may be able to access.
Points expire after a set time — usually three to five years from the violation date — meaning they no longer count toward suspension. However, the violation itself stays on your record longer, which affects insurance rates and background checks. Your history will show both active points and expired violations.
Disputing errors on your record
If your history shows a violation you didn't commit, an accident that wasn't your fault, or incorrect points, you can dispute it. Start by contacting your state DMV's customer service line and explaining the error. They'll tell you whether the error is in the DMV's system or in the court record — if it's in the court record, the DMV can't change it without a court order.
If the error is in the DMV's system, ask for the formal dispute process. Most states require you to submit a written request with supporting documents — for example, a court document showing you were found not guilty, or a letter from the court saying the violation was dismissed. Mail this to the address the DMV provides, and include a copy of your incorrect history as proof of what needs to be corrected.
Processing a dispute takes four to eight weeks. The DMV will investigate and contact you with the result. If the error was in the court record, you'll need to work with the court directly — ask the DMV which court handled your case and contact them to request a correction. Once the court corrects it, the DMV will update their records automatically within a few weeks.
Why employers and insurers check your history
Employers in certain fields — commercial driving, transportation, security, and positions involving public safety — routinely check driver license histories as part of background screening. They're looking for DUI convictions, reckless driving, or a pattern of violations that suggests you're a safety risk. Insurance companies check your history to set your rates; more violations and points mean higher premiums.
When an employer or insurer requests your history, they see the same record you do, though they may see more detail depending on what they're authorized to access. Some employers only see violations from the past three to five years, while others see your full history. If you know a background check is coming — for a new job or insurance quote — request your own history first so you can spot any errors before they're seen by someone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my driver license history?
Online requests for unofficial copies usually arrive within minutes to a few hours. Certified copies ordered online take one to two weeks by mail. Requests by mail take one to three weeks, and in-person requests give you an unofficial copy when ready or within hours, though a certified copy still requires mail delivery.
Do I need a certified copy or an unofficial one?
Employers and courts usually require a certified copy, which has an official seal and signature. Insurance companies and personal use typically accept an unofficial copy. When you request your history, ask the person or organization requesting it which type they need — it's cheaper and faster to order the right one the first time.
How far back does my driver license history go?
Most states show violations from the past three to seven years on a standard record, though older violations may still appear on your full history. Points typically expire after three to five years. Contact your state DMV to ask about their specific retention rules, as they vary widely.
Can I remove violations from my history?
You cannot remove a violation you were convicted of, but you can reduce points by taking a defensive driving course in most states — this removes 3 to 4 points. If a violation was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you can dispute it and have it removed. Some states also allow you to petition for record expungement after a certain time period, but this is rare for traffic violations.
What if my history shows an accident I wasn't in?
Contact your state DMV and ask them to investigate. If the accident was reported under your name or license number by mistake, the DMV can correct it in their system. If it's in the court record, you'll need to contact the court that handled the accident report and request a correction there.