What a Florida driver license record shows and how to request it
Your Florida driver license record is a document maintained by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) that contains your driving history. It includes information like your current license status, any traffic violations, accidents you reported, suspensions or revocations, points on your record, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. You can request your own record in person, by mail, or online through the DHSMV website.
The record you receive is called a driving history report or abstract. It shows violations and incidents from the past three to five years, depending on the type of infraction. Some serious violations like DUIs remain on your record longer. The report does not include personal information like your Social Security number or address — it focuses on your driving activity and license status.
You have the right to request your own record at any time. Employers, insurance companies, and courts can also request your record, but they need your permission or a legal reason to do so. Understanding what is on your record helps you catch errors, prepare for insurance renewals, or respond to employer inquiries.
Key Takeaways
- Your Florida driving history report shows violations, accidents, suspensions, and points accumulated over the past three to five years.
- You can order your record online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Florida driver license office.
- Online orders typically arrive within one to two business days; mail requests take five to seven business days.
- The cost varies by method: online orders are usually cheaper than mail or in-person requests.
- You can dispute errors on your record by contacting the DHSMV with documentation of the correction needed.
How to order your record online
The fastest way to get your Florida driving history is through the DHSMV website. Go to the official DHSMV portal and look for the "Driver License Records" or "Driving History" section. You will need to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
After you complete the online form, you can pay by credit card or debit card. The report is typically sent to your email address within one to two business days. Some versions are available when ready as a PDF read, though these may be limited versions. Check the DHSMV website for current pricing and delivery options, as fees change periodically.
Online ordering is the most convenient method if you need your record quickly and do not require a certified copy. If you need an official certified copy for a court, employer, or insurance company, verify before ordering whether the online version will be accepted or whether you need the certified version by mail.
Ordering by mail or in person
You can request your driving history by mail by sending a written request to the DHSMV along with a check or money order. Include your full name, driver license number, date of birth, and the reason for your request. Mail your request to the address listed on the DHSMV website for records requests. Processing typically takes five to seven business days after the DHSMV receives your request.
To request your record in person, visit any Florida driver license office with your driver license or state ID. You can request the record on the spot and pay the fee. Some offices can print a copy when ready, though others may mail it to you. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office offers same-day printing.
In-person and mail requests are slower than online ordering but may be necessary if you need a certified copy, do not have internet access, or prefer to handle the request without using a credit card online.
What violations and incidents appear on your record
Your Florida driving history report shows traffic violations you received while driving in Florida or out of state (if reported to Florida). This includes speeding, running red lights, reckless driving, and other moving violations. The report also lists accidents you reported to law enforcement or your insurance company, though minor accidents may not appear if they were not reported to the state.
Suspensions and revocations appear prominently on your record. These can result from accumulating too many points, failing to pay fines, driving with a suspended license, or serious violations like DUI. The report shows the dates the suspension began and ended, and the reason for it.
Points assigned to your license for violations also appear. Florida uses a points system where minor violations add two or three points, and serious violations add four or six points. Accumulating 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months triggers a suspension. Your record shows your current point total and how long points remain on your record (typically five years from the violation date).
How long violations stay on your Florida record
Most traffic violations remain on your Florida driving history for three to five years. Minor violations like speeding typically stay for three years. More serious violations like reckless driving or at-fault accidents may stay for five years or longer. DUI convictions remain on your record for 75 years in Florida, though they may not affect your license status after a certain period if you meet reinstatement requirements.
Points assigned to your license expire after five years from the date of the violation, meaning they no longer count toward a suspension. However, the violation itself may still appear on your driving history report even after points expire. This distinction matters because employers and insurance companies can see the violation even if it no longer affects your license status.
Suspensions and revocations remain on your record indefinitely, though their impact on insurance and employment typically decreases over time. If you have an old suspension that was resolved, your record will show when it ended.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If your driving history report contains an error — such as a violation you did not receive, an accident you did not report, or a suspension that was incorrectly applied — you have the right to dispute it. Contact the DHSMV in writing with your name, driver license number, and a detailed explanation of the error. Include documentation that supports your claim, such as a court dismissal letter, proof of payment, or a police report.
The DHSMV will investigate your dispute and contact you with the outcome. If the error is confirmed, they will correct your record. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days. Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation you send.
If you believe an error relates to a specific violation, you may also contact the court or law enforcement agency that issued the citation. They can verify whether the violation was correctly reported to the state. Some errors originate with the reporting agency rather than the DHSMV itself.
Why employers and insurance companies request your record
Employers in certain industries — particularly transportation, delivery, and positions involving company vehicles — routinely request driving history reports from job candidates. They use this information to assess risk and determine whether you are safe to employ in a role that involves driving. A record with multiple violations or suspensions may affect your hiring chances or job status.
Insurance companies request your driving history to calculate your premium and determine whether to insure you at all. Violations, accidents, and suspensions typically result in higher premiums. Some insurers will not cover drivers with recent DUIs or multiple violations within a certain period. Your insurance company can see your record even if you do not provide it directly.
Courts may request your record in cases involving traffic violations, license suspension appeals, or criminal matters. Attorneys sometimes request records to build a defense or understand a client's driving history. Understanding what is on your record helps you prepare for these requests and address any concerns proactively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get my Florida driving history?
Fees vary by method. Online orders typically cost between $2 and $5, mail requests cost $5 to $10, and in-person requests at a driver license office cost $5 to $10. Certified copies cost more than non-certified versions. Check the current DHSMV fee schedule on their website, as prices change periodically.
Can someone else order my driving record?
No, only you can order your own record without permission. Employers, insurers, and courts can request your record, but they need your written consent or a legal reason. If someone requests your record without permission, you have the right to know who requested it and why.
Will my record show out-of-state violations?
Yes, if the violation was reported to Florida through the Interstate Compact agreement. Most states report serious violations to your home state. Minor violations from other states may not appear on your Florida record unless you were cited in Florida for the same violation.
How do I remove violations from my record?
You cannot remove violations from your record, but points expire after five years. If you were wrongly cited, you can dispute the violation through the court system or with the DHSMV. Some violations can be reduced or dismissed through traffic school or plea agreements, which may lower points but does not erase the violation from your history.
What is the difference between a certified and non-certified copy?
A certified copy is an official document stamped and signed by the DHSMV, suitable for courts, employers, and legal proceedings. A non-certified copy is an informational printout suitable for personal review. Courts and some employers require the certified version. Ask before ordering which version you need.