What a Minnesota driver's license record contains and where to request it

Your Minnesota driver's license record is a document that shows your driving history — the violations, suspensions, accidents, and other events the state has recorded about you as a driver. It includes your current license status, any points on your record, and whether you have any restrictions or endorsements. You can request a copy from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services division.

The state keeps two versions of this record. The abstract of driving record is what most people need — it shows your violations, suspensions, and license status for the past three to five years. The complete driving record goes back further and includes more detail, but most employers and insurance companies ask for the abstract instead.

You can order your record online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Online is fastest — you can have it within minutes if you pay the fee and verify your identity through the state's system.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's Driver and Vehicle Services division maintains your driving record and is the only place to request an official copy.
  • The abstract of driving record shows violations and suspensions from roughly the past three to five years and costs around $6 to $8.
  • You can order online through the state website and receive it when ready, or request by mail or in person if you prefer.
  • You will need to verify your identity — either through a Minnesota ID number or by answering security questions the state has on file.

How to order your record online

The fastest way is through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Go to the Driver and Vehicle Services section and look for "Order Your Driving Record." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth, then answer security questions based on information in the state's system — usually about previous addresses or vehicle registrations.

Once you pass the identity check, you choose whether you want an abstract or a complete record. The abstract is cheaper and covers most situations. You then pay the fee by credit or debit card. The record downloads as a PDF when ready, and you can print it or save it to your phone.

Keep in mind that the online system is not available 24/7 — the state performs maintenance at certain times, usually overnight. If you get an error message, try again in a few hours or use one of the other methods below.

Ordering by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. Write a letter that includes your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the type of record you want (abstract or complete). Include a check or money order for the fee, made out to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Mail it to the address listed on the Driver and Vehicle Services website — the address changes occasionally, so verify it before you send anything.

By mail, expect to wait 5 to 10 business days for the record to arrive. You can also visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Bring your driver's license or state ID and ask for an abstract or complete record. You pay the fee at the counter, and they print it for you on the spot.

What information appears on your record

Your abstract shows your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), any traffic violations from the past few years with the date and location, points assessed for each violation, any license suspensions or revocations and the reason, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license (such as corrective lenses required or commercial driving privileges).

The record does not include accidents unless they resulted in a citation. It also does not show parking tickets or violations that did not result in a conviction. If you were cited but the charge was dismissed or you were found not guilty, it may still appear on the record for a period of time, but the disposition will show the outcome.

Why you might need your driving record

Employers often request a copy before hiring you, especially for jobs that involve driving. Insurance companies may ask for it when you explore for a policy or after an accident. If you are contesting a violation or suspension, you may need the record to show what the state has documented. Some professional licenses also require a clean driving record, and you may need to prove yours meets that standard.

If you notice errors on your record — a violation you did not commit, a suspension that should have been lifted, or incorrect dates — you can dispute it. Contact Driver and Vehicle Services with documentation of the error, such as a court record showing the charge was dismissed. The state will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed.

Understanding points and suspensions on your record

Minnesota assigns points for traffic violations. Minor violations like speeding might be 2 to 4 points, while more serious ones like reckless driving can be 6 or more. When you accumulate 12 points within a 12-month period, the state suspends your license for 30 days. If you reach 18 points in 24 months, the suspension is 90 days. Multiple suspensions can lead to revocation, which is permanent until you petition to have it reinstated.

Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation. Most violations drop off after three to five years, but serious ones like DWI may remain longer. Your abstract will show which violations are currently counting toward your point total.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get my driving record?

An abstract of driving record costs around $6 to $8, depending on whether you order online or by mail. A complete record costs slightly more. Prices are set by the state and may change, so check the Driver and Vehicle Services website for the current fee before you order.

Can someone else order my driving record for me?

Yes, but they will need your permission and your driver's license number. Some employers and insurance companies can order it directly if you authorize them. If you want a family member or attorney to order it, they may need a signed authorization form — check with Driver and Vehicle Services about their specific requirements.

How long does it take to get my record if I order online?

You receive it when ready as a PDF read. You can print it right away or save it to your phone. If the online system is down for maintenance, you will see a message telling you when it will be available again.

Will my record show accidents I was in?

Only if you received a traffic citation as a result of the accident. If you were in an accident but were not cited, it will not appear on your driving record. Your insurance company has a separate record of accidents you reported to them.

What should I do if my record shows a violation I don't think is correct?

Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety with documentation of the error, such as a court record showing the charge was dismissed or reduced. Include your driver's license number and a copy of your driving record. The state will review your dispute and correct the record if the error is confirmed.