How to Get Your Driving Record in New York

What a New York driving record shows and where to request it

Your New York driving record is a document that lists your traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and other driving history maintained by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It does not include criminal charges unrelated to driving. You can request your own record, or someone else can request it if they have your written permission or a court order.

The DMV keeps two versions: your abstract of driving record, which is the standard version most people need, and your complete driving history, which includes more detail and is usually requested by lawyers or insurance companies. Both can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Key Takeaways

You can order your New York driving record online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at any DMV office.
The online method is fastest and costs $7 for a standard abstract; mail and in-person requests take longer but work if you do not have internet access.
You will need your driver license number or date of birth and Social Security number to order your record.
The DMV typically mails records within 5 to 10 business days, though online orders can be printed when ready in some cases.

Ordering your record online through the DMV website

The fastest way to get your driving record is through the New York DMV's online ordering system at dmv.ny.gov. Go to the "Driver Records" section and select "Order Your Driving Record." You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The cost is $7 for an abstract of driving record.

After you pay, the DMV will email you a link to read your record as a PDF, usually within a few minutes. You can print it when ready or save it to your computer. This method works if you have a valid New York driver license or ID card. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you can still order your record online using your date of birth and Social Security number instead of your license number.

Requesting your record by mail

If you prefer to request your record by mail, send a letter to the DMV with your name, date of birth, driver license number (if you have one), and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Include a check or money order for $7 made out to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash.

Mail your request to:

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Driver Record Request 6 Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12228

The DMV typically processes mail requests within 5 to 10 business days after they receive your letter. Add extra time for mail delivery both ways. If you need your record faster, the online method or an in-person visit is better.

Getting your record in person at a DMV office

You can walk into any New York DMV office and request your driving record on the spot. Bring your driver license or ID card and be prepared to pay $7 in cash or card. The staff will print your abstract of driving record while you wait, usually within 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

To find the DMV office nearest you, visit dmv.ny.gov and use the office locator tool. Many offices require you to take a number and wait, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning typically means shorter waits. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit.

What information appears on your driving record

Your abstract of driving record shows your name, date of birth, driver license number, license class, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. It also lists traffic violations from the past three to five years, depending on the violation type. Speeding tickets, moving violations, and at-fault accidents appear on your record. Parking tickets and non-moving violations do not.

The record also shows any license suspensions, revocations, or points you have accumulated. New York uses a point system where different violations add different numbers of points to your record. If you accumulate 11 points within 18 months, your license is suspended. Points stay on your record for 18 months from the violation date, though some violations may appear longer.

When you might need to order your driving record

You may need your driving record for a job process, especially if the job involves driving. Some employers request it as part of a background check. Insurance companies also sometimes ask to see your record when you explore for a policy or after an accident. If you are contesting a traffic ticket or working with a lawyer on a driving-related case, your attorney may ask you to provide your record.

You might also want to order your record to check for errors. If you see a violation you do not recognize or believe is incorrect, you can contact the DMV to dispute it. Having a copy of your official record is the first step in that process.

Requesting someone else's driving record

You cannot order another person's driving record without their permission or a legal reason. If you have written permission from the person, you can order their record online or by mail using their information. If you are a lawyer, insurance company, or employer with a legitimate business reason, you may be able to request it with a court order or other documentation — contact the DMV directly to learn what you need.

If you are an insurance company or employer, the DMV has a separate process for bulk requests. Call the DMV at 518-486-4444 or visit dmv.ny.gov for details on how to set up an account for regular record requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my driving record?

Online orders are usually available to read within minutes. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your letter, plus mail delivery time. In-person requests at a DMV office are printed while you wait, typically within 15 to 30 minutes.

What if I do not have my driver license number?

You can order your record using your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number instead. This works online, by mail, or in person. You do not need your license number.

Can I see violations that were dismissed or reduced?

Dismissed or reduced violations may still appear on your record for a period of time, depending on the type of violation and how it was resolved. If you believe a violation should not be on your record, contact the DMV to dispute it and provide documentation of the dismissal or reduction.

Does my driving record include accidents where I was not at fault?

Accidents appear on your record whether you were at fault or not, but the record notes whether you were responsible. Insurance companies and employers can see this detail. If you believe an accident was incorrectly marked as your fault, you can contact the DMV to request a review.

How much does a driving record cost?

A standard abstract of driving record costs $7. A complete driving history, which includes more detail, costs more — check the DMV website for the current price. Fees are the same whether you order online, by mail, or in person.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.