What's in your Illinois driving record and how to request it
Your Illinois driving record is a document kept by the Secretary of State that shows your driving history — traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points on your license. You can request your own record in person, by mail, or online through the Secretary of State's website. The process takes a few days by mail or online, or you can walk out with it the same day if you go to a Driver Services facility in person.
You'll need to know which type of record you want: a three-year record (the most common choice, showing violations and accidents from the past three years) or a complete record (your entire driving history in Illinois). Most people request the three-year version for job applications, insurance, or court purposes.
Key Takeaways
- You can get your driving record online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility, and the fastest option is in person on the same day.
- A three-year record costs less than a complete record and covers the violations and accidents most employers and courts ask for.
- You'll need your driver's license number or state ID number to request your record online or by mail.
- The Secretary of State's office processes mail requests within five to seven business days.
Requesting your record online
The Secretary of State's website lets you order your driving record and pay by credit or debit card. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com, find the "Driver Records" section, and select whether you want a three-year or complete record. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
After you pay, the Secretary of State mails the record to the address on file with your license. This usually takes five to seven business days. If you need it faster, this method won't work — you'll need to go in person or call to see if expedited mail is available.
Getting your record in person at a Driver Services facility
Walking into a Driver Services facility is the fastest way to get your record the same day. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be ready to pay the fee in cash or card. The staff will print your three-year or complete record while you wait, usually within 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the facility is.
Find the facility nearest you on the Secretary of State's website by entering your zip code. Hours vary by location, but most are open weekdays during business hours and some have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead if you're traveling far, because a few smaller facilities may have different hours or occasionally close for training.
Requesting your record by mail
Fill out the paper form (Form DL 405) available on the Secretary of State's website, print it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include your driver's license number, date of birth, and specify whether you want a three-year or complete record.
Mail the form to the Secretary of State's Driver Records section. Processing takes five to seven business days after they receive it, plus mail time both ways. This method is slower than online or in person, but some people prefer it if they don't have internet access or want a paper trail of their request.
What the record shows and what it doesn't
Your driving record includes traffic violations (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), at-fault accidents you reported to police, license suspensions or revocations, and points assessed against your license. It does not include accidents where you were not at fault, parking tickets, or violations that were dismissed or reduced in court.
The three-year record shows only violations and accidents from the past three years. A complete record goes back further and is useful if you're explore for a job that requires a longer history, such as commercial driving or positions with security clearances. Employers and insurance companies usually ask for the three-year version.
Fees and payment methods
The fee for a three-year record is lower than for a complete record. Fees change occasionally, so check the Secretary of State's website for the current price before you order. You can pay by credit card or debit card online, by check or money order by mail, or in cash or card at a Driver Services facility.
If you order online and the payment is declined, the order won't process. If you mail a check and it bounces, the Secretary of State will return your request. Make sure your payment method is valid before submitting your order.
Why you might need your driving record
Employers often ask for a driving record if the job involves driving or requires a background check. Insurance companies may request it when you explore for a policy or after an accident. Courts sometimes require it as evidence in traffic cases or civil disputes. Some professional licenses also require a clean driving record or a record showing specific violations.
If you're disputing something on your record — a violation you believe was dismissed, an accident that shouldn't be there, or points you think were applied incorrectly — getting a copy is the first step. You can then contact the Secretary of State or the court that handled the case to request a correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my record if I order online?
Online orders are mailed to your address on file and typically arrive within five to seven business days. This doesn't include mail delivery time, so plan for up to two weeks total. If you need it sooner, visit a Driver Services facility in person.
Can I get someone else's driving record?
No, you can only request your own record. If you need someone else's record for a legal reason, you'll need a court order or written permission from that person. Some employers can request records from employees, but they need the employee's consent.
What if my record shows something I don't think is correct?
Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Records section with details about the error and supporting documents (court paperwork, police reports, or correspondence). They'll investigate and correct the record if the information is wrong. This process can take several weeks.
Do I need to renew my request every time I need my record?
Yes, each time you need a copy you'll have to request it again. Records are current as of the date you request them, so if you had a violation after your last request, it will show on the new one.
Is there a difference between my driving record and my driving abstract?
In Illinois, these terms are used interchangeably — they both refer to the same document showing your driving history. Some states use different names for different versions, but Illinois calls them both driving records or abstracts.