Where to request your Massachusetts driving record

Your Massachusetts driving record is held by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). You can request it in three ways: by mail, in person at an RMV office, or online through the RMV's website. The online method is fastest — you can order and read your record the same day. Mail requests take one to two weeks. In-person requests at any RMV branch are processed while you wait, though wait times vary by location.

The RMV distinguishes between your three-year record and your seven-year record. The three-year version shows violations, suspensions, and accidents from the past three years. The seven-year version includes older incidents and is often required by insurance companies or employers. You will need to specify which one you want when you order.

Key Takeaways

  • The Registry of Motor Vehicles maintains your driving record and offers online ordering, which is the fastest method.
  • You can order a three-year record (recent violations and suspensions) or a seven-year record (older incidents included).
  • Online orders cost less than mail or in-person requests and can be downloaded when ready.
  • You will need your driver's license number or date of birth and Social Security number to order online.
  • If you dispute information on your record, you can file a correction request with the RMV, though the process takes several weeks.

Ordering online through the RMV website

The RMV's online ordering system is the most direct route. Go to mass.gov/rmv, select "Order Your Driving Record," and choose whether you want a three-year or seven-year record. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you the cost before you pay.

Online records cost less than mail or in-person orders — typically around $7 to $10 depending on which version you request. Payment is by credit or debit card. Once you pay, you can read your record as a PDF when ready. Some employers and insurance companies will accept the digital version; others may ask for an official copy with the RMV seal, which you can request to be mailed to you for an additional fee.

Requesting by mail or in person

To request by mail, fill out the RMV's driving record request form (available on mass.gov/rmv) and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include your driver's license number or date of birth and Social Security number. Mail requests take one to two weeks to arrive, and you will receive a sealed copy suitable for official purposes.

For in-person requests, visit any RMV branch with your driver's license or state ID. You can walk in without an appointment. Tell the clerk you want to order your driving record and specify three-year or seven-year. The record is printed while you wait, usually within 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is. In-person copies cost slightly more than online orders but are ready when ready and come with the official RMV seal.

What appears on your driving record

Your Massachusetts driving record shows your license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), all moving violations from the relevant period, at-fault accidents, insurance lapses, and any license suspensions or restrictions. It also notes if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any endorsements.

The record does not include parking tickets, non-moving violations, or accidents where you were not at fault. Points assigned to violations appear on your record and affect your insurance rates and license status. Massachusetts uses a point system where accumulating too many points in a short time can trigger a suspension. Your record will show your current point total.

Disputing errors on your driving record

If your record contains incorrect information — a violation you did not commit, an accident listed twice, or a suspension that was lifted — you can file a correction request with the RMV. read the "Request for Correction of Driving Record" form from mass.gov/rmv and mail it with supporting documents (court records, proof of dismissal, insurance reports, or other evidence) to the RMV's address.

The RMV will investigate your claim, which typically takes four to eight weeks. If the RMV agrees the information is wrong, it will issue a corrected record. If you disagree with the RMV's decision, you can request a hearing before an RMV hearing officer. This process is separate from the initial correction request and requires filing an appeal form within 30 days of the RMV's decision.

Who can see your driving record

Your driving record is not public. Only you, your insurance company, employers who have your permission, law enforcement, and certain government agencies can view it. You can order a copy for yourself at any time. Insurance companies routinely check records when you explore for a policy or renew coverage. Employers in transportation, delivery, or other driving-related fields often request records as part of hiring.

If someone else requests your record without your permission, the RMV requires written authorization from you. Some third-party services claim they can retrieve your record for you, but the RMV recommends ordering directly to avoid fees and delays. You have the right to know if your record has been requested; you can contact the RMV to ask for a log of recent inquiries.

How long violations and accidents stay on your record

Moving violations remain on your three-year record for three years from the date of the violation. After three years, they drop off the three-year version but may still appear on a seven-year record. At-fault accidents stay on your record for seven years. Suspensions and revocations remain until they are lifted, and the lifting date is noted on your record.

Points assigned to violations expire after a certain period — typically two years for most violations — but the violation itself stays on your record longer. This means an old violation may no longer count toward your point total but will still show up if someone reviews your full history. Insurance companies often look at the past three to five years, so older violations may not affect your rates even if they appear on your seven-year record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Massachusetts driving record cost?

Online records cost around $7 to $10 depending on whether you order a three-year or seven-year version. Mail requests cost slightly more, typically $10 to $15. In-person requests at an RMV branch cost about the same as mail. If you want an official sealed copy mailed to you after ordering online, there is an additional mailing fee of a few dollars.

Can I order someone else's driving record?

No, not without their written permission. The RMV will only release a record to the person whose name is on it, their insurance company (if they have authorized it), employers (with permission), or law enforcement. If you need someone else's record for legal reasons, you may need to go through a court process or hire an attorney.

What if my license is suspended — can I still order my record?

Yes. A suspension does not prevent you from ordering your own record. In fact, ordering your record is a good way to confirm the suspension status and see when it will be lifted. The record will show the reason for the suspension and the date it is scheduled to end.

How do I know if my record has been requested by someone else?

You can contact the RMV directly and ask for a log of recent inquiries into your record. The RMV keeps this information and can tell you who has looked at your record and when. If you see an unauthorized inquiry, you can file a complaint with the RMV.

Does my record show tickets I paid or contested in court?

If you paid the ticket or were found guilty in court, the violation appears on your record. If you contested the ticket and were found not guilty or the case was dismissed, it should not appear. If a dismissed ticket still shows on your record, you can file a correction request with supporting court documents.