What a California driving record shows and where to request it
Your California driving record is a document kept by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that lists your traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and other driving-related events from the past three to seven years. It does not include parking tickets or violations that happened outside California. You can request your own record in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the DMV website — the online method is fastest and costs less.
The DMV keeps two versions of your record: one for your own use (called an "abstract of driving record") and one that insurance companies and employers see (which may show different information). When you order your record, you are getting the version for your own use unless you specifically request the version others see.
Key Takeaways
- You can order your California driving record online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at any DMV office.
- Your record shows traffic violations, accidents, and license actions from roughly the past three to seven years, depending on the violation type.
- The online method is the fastest and cheapest way to get your record, and you receive it within one to two business days.
- You will need your driver license number or California ID number to order online, and you must provide a valid reason if ordering someone else's record.
Ordering your record online through the DMV website
Go to the California DMV website and look for the "Order Your Driving Record" option under the Services section. You will need your California driver license number or state ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The DMV will ask you to confirm your current address on file.
Once you submit the order, you can pay by credit card or debit card. The fee is currently $7 for a copy mailed to you or $5 if you view it online only. If you choose the mailed copy, it arrives within one to two business days. If you choose to view it online, you can see it when ready after payment.
Ordering by mail or in person
To order by mail, fill out Form DL 44 (process for a California Driver License or Identification Card) or Form DL 388 (Request for Driving Record), which you can read from the DMV website or pick up at any DMV office. Include a check or money order for $7, your driver license number, and your signature. Mail it to the DMV address listed on the form — addresses vary by region.
To order in person, visit any California DMV office with your driver license or ID and request an abstract of your driving record. You can pay in cash, by check, or by card, and you receive the record on the spot. Bring a second form of identification if possible, though your driver license is usually enough.
What information appears on your record and how long it stays
Your driving record includes moving violations (like speeding or running a red light), at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, DUI convictions, and reckless driving citations. Most violations stay on your record for three to seven years from the date of conviction, though some serious violations like DUI stay longer. Accidents typically appear for three years.
Violations that were dismissed, acquitted, or reduced to a non-moving violation may not appear on your record at all, or may appear with a note that they were dismissed. If you believe something on your record is wrong — a violation you did not commit, an accident you were not in, or a suspension that was already lifted — you can request a correction through the DMV.
Requesting a correction to your record
If your record contains an error, contact the DMV office that issued the citation or recorded the violation. You will need to provide documentation that proves the error — for example, a court document showing a violation was dismissed, or proof that you were not the driver involved in an accident. The DMV will investigate and update your record if the error is confirmed.
This process can take several weeks. If you need the correction urgently — for example, because you are explore for a job and the employer is checking your record — contact the DMV office by phone to explain the situation and ask about expediting the review.
Understanding the difference between your record and what employers and insurers see
When you order your own driving record online or by mail, you receive the "personal abstract," which is the complete version. Employers, insurance companies, and other third parties see a different version that may exclude certain information. For example, some violations that appear on your personal record may not show up on the version insurers see, depending on California law and the type of violation.
If you are ordering your record because an employer or insurance company told you something is on it, ask them specifically what they saw. You can then order your personal record to compare, or you can request the version that third parties see by checking the appropriate box when you order online or by mail.
Why you might need your driving record
You may need your driving record for a job process, especially if the job involves driving or requires a background check. Insurance companies sometimes request it to set your rates. You might also need it if you are disputing a traffic ticket, explore for a commercial driver license, or checking for errors after an accident. Some states also ask for a California driving record if you are moving and explore for a new license.
If you are checking your record for your own information — to see what violations are still showing, or to prepare for a license renewal — you can order it any time. There is no penalty for looking at your own record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my record if I order online?
If you choose to view your record online when ready after payment, you can see it right away. If you request a mailed copy, it arrives within one to two business days. Mail orders take longer — typically five to ten business days depending on where you mail it from.
Can I order someone else's driving record?
You can order someone else's record only if you have a valid reason — for example, if you are an employer conducting a background check or an insurance company processing a claim. You will need to provide the person's driver license number and date of birth, and you may need to provide a reason for the request. The DMV may deny the request if the reason does not meet their criteria.
What if my record shows a violation I do not remember?
Check the date and location on the violation. If it is not yours, contact the DMV office that recorded it with proof that you were not the driver — for example, a statement from the actual driver or proof you were out of state. If you were the driver but believe the violation was dismissed or reduced, request a correction with court documents showing the outcome.
Does my record show parking tickets?
No. Your California driving record shows only moving violations, accidents, and license actions. Parking tickets are handled separately by cities and counties and do not appear on your DMV record.
How much does a driving record cost?
The current fee is $5 if you view it online only, or $7 if you request a mailed copy. Prices may change, so check the DMV website before ordering. In-person orders at a DMV office cost the same.