What a driver license history record contains and where to request it
A driver license history record is an official document from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that shows your complete driving record. It lists every traffic violation, accident, suspension, and license status change associated with your license number. The record includes the date each incident occurred, what violation or incident it was, and the outcome — whether you paid a fine, attended traffic school, or faced a license suspension.
You can request this record directly from your state DMV, either in person at a local office, by mail, or through an online portal if your state offers one. Some states allow you to view it when ready online if you log in with your driver license number and date of birth. Others require you to submit a form and wait several business days for a printed copy to arrive.
The record is public information, meaning you can obtain your own record without restriction. Insurance companies, employers, and courts can also request it with your permission or under legal authority. Understanding what is on your record helps you catch errors, prepare for insurance rate discussions, or respond to employer background checks.
Key Takeaways
- Your driver license history record shows every traffic violation, accident, and license status change your state DMV has recorded under your license number.
- Most states let you view your record online through the DMV website using your license number and date of birth, or you can request a printed copy by mail or in person.
- The record is public information and is commonly used by insurance companies, employers, and courts to review your driving history.
- Errors on your record — such as violations you did not commit or accidents attributed to you — can be disputed through your state DMV's correction process.
How to request your record online
Most state DMVs now offer an online portal where you can view your driving record when ready without paying a fee or waiting for mail. Go to your state's DMV website and look for a link labeled "View Driving Record," "Check Driving History," or "Driver Record Inquiry." You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and sometimes the last four digits of your Social Security number.
The online version typically shows the same information as a printed record: violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points on your license. Some states let you print it directly from the screen; others email you a PDF copy. If you need an official certified copy for court or insurance purposes, the online version may not be accepted — you may need to order the certified version through the same portal or by mail.
Response time is usually when ready if you view it online. If you order a certified copy through the portal, expect delivery in three to seven business days depending on your state and whether you pay for expedited shipping.
Requesting a printed or certified copy by mail
If you prefer a physical copy or your state does not offer online access, you can request one by mail. Contact your state DMV and ask for the form to request a driving record — it is often called a "Driving Record Request Form" or "Abstract of Driving Record Request." Fill it out with your name, license number, date of birth, and current address.
Mail the form to the address listed on your state DMV website, along with the required fee. Most states charge between $5 and $20 for a standard record; certified copies cost more. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the DMV can mail the record back to you. Processing time ranges from five to ten business days, though some states offer rush processing for an additional fee.
Keep a copy of what you send and note the date you mailed it. If you do not receive the record within the stated timeframe, contact the DMV to confirm they received your request.
In-person requests at your local DMV office
You can walk into most DMV offices and request your driving record on the spot. Bring your driver license or state ID and be prepared to pay the fee in cash or card. The DMV will print your record while you wait, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Call ahead or check your state DMV website to confirm that your local office offers this service and what hours they are open. Some smaller or rural offices may not have the capability to print records on demand and may direct you to mail in a request instead.
Understanding what appears on your record
Your driving record shows violations categorized by type: moving violations (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), non-moving violations (parking tickets, equipment violations), accidents, and administrative actions (license suspensions, revocations, or reinstatements). Each entry includes the date, location, violation code, and disposition — the outcome, such as "conviction," "dismissed," or "paid."
Points are also listed if your state uses a point system. Most states assign points to moving violations; accumulating too many points within a set period (often three to five years) can trigger a license suspension. Your record will show your current point total and how many points each violation added.
Accidents appear on your record whether or not you were at fault, though the record may note fault information if one was made. Some states separate at-fault accidents from not-at-fault ones, which affects insurance rates differently.
How to dispute errors on your record
If your record contains a violation you did not commit, an accident you were not involved in, or incorrect dates or details, you can file a dispute with your state DMV. The process varies by state, but generally you must submit a written request explaining the error and provide supporting documentation — such as a court dismissal letter, a police report showing you were not at fault, or proof that you completed traffic school.
Contact your state DMV's customer service line or visit their website to find the dispute form and instructions. Some states require you to submit the dispute in person; others accept mail or online submission. The DMV will investigate and either correct the record or deny the dispute if they find the information is accurate.
If the DMV denies your dispute, you may be able to appeal through an administrative hearing or file a complaint with your state's Attorney General office. Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation you submit.
Why employers and insurance companies request your record
Employers in transportation, delivery, rideshare, and commercial driving fields routinely request driving records as part of background checks. They use the record to assess whether you are a safe driver and whether your violations or suspensions would affect your ability to do the job. Some employers have policies that disqualify candidates with certain violations or too many points.
Insurance companies request your record to calculate your premium. Violations, accidents, and suspensions all increase your rate. The insurance company may request the record directly from the DMV with your permission, or you may need to provide a copy yourself. If you are shopping for insurance, having a copy of your record beforehand helps you understand what the company will see and what rate to expect.
Courts may also request your record in civil cases involving accidents or in criminal cases involving traffic violations. If you are contesting a ticket or involved in a lawsuit, your attorney may request your record to review what the court and opposing party will see.
How long violations stay on your record
The length of time a violation remains on your driving record depends on your state and the type of violation. Most states keep moving violations on your record for three to five years from the date of conviction. Non-moving violations like parking tickets may fall off sooner or may not appear on your driving record at all. Accidents typically stay on your record for three to seven years.
License suspensions and revocations remain on your record for the duration of the suspension plus a set period afterward — often one to three years. Even after a violation falls off your official record, insurance companies may still see it if they pull your record during the period it was still listed.
Check your state DMV website for the specific retention periods in your state, as they vary widely. Some states allow you to request early removal of violations under certain conditions, such as if you completed traffic school or if the violation was dismissed in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see what my insurance company sees when they pull my driving record?
Your insurance company sees the same information you do on your official DMV record — violations, accidents, suspensions, and points. However, they may also use third-party databases that compile records from multiple states or include incidents that have not yet been processed by your DMV. Request your own record to see what your state DMV has on file, then ask your insurance company directly what they found during their check.
How do I remove a violation from my record?
You cannot remove a violation that was legitimately recorded, but you can dispute it if it is inaccurate. If you were convicted and want it removed, your only option is usually to wait for it to age off your record according to your state's retention period. Some states offer record expungement or sealing for certain violations, particularly if the case was dismissed — contact your state DMV or a traffic attorney to learn what options explore to your situation.
What if my record shows an accident I was not in?
File a dispute with your state DMV when ready. Provide a police report, insurance correspondence, or other documentation showing you were not involved. Include a written explanation and submit it according to your state's dispute process. The DMV will investigate and correct the record if they determine the accident was recorded in error.
Do I need a certified copy or will a printout from the online portal work?
It depends on who is asking for it. Insurance companies and most employers accept a printout from the online portal. Courts, government agencies, and some official proceedings may require a certified copy with the DMV's seal and signature. When in doubt, ask the organization requesting the record whether a standard printout is acceptable or if they need a certified version.
How often should I check my driving record?
Check it at least once a year to catch errors early and monitor your points total. Check it more frequently if you have received recent violations or if you are explore for a job that requires a background check. Catching errors quickly makes them easier to dispute before they affect your insurance rates or employment prospects.