Where to request your Florida driver license record

You can request your Florida driver license record through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The department handles all official records tied to your license, including driving history, violations, and suspension status. You have three main ways to request: by mail, in person at a local DHSMV office, or online through the official DHSMV website.

The fastest method is usually online if you have your license number and Social Security number handy. If you prefer not to go online, you can walk into any DHSMV office with your ID and request the record on the spot — many offices can print it when ready. Mail requests take longer but work if you cannot visit an office or use the online system.

Be aware that DHSMV distinguishes between a driving record (your history of violations and suspensions) and a license status check (whether your license is currently valid). Know which one you need before you request, because some employers or courts ask for one specifically.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's DHSMV handles all official driver license records and offers three ways to request: online, by mail, or in person at a local office.
  • Online requests require your Florida driver license number and Social Security number, and you can usually view or print your record within minutes.
  • In-person requests at any DHSMV office typically produce a printed record on the same day, though wait times vary by location.
  • Mail requests require a completed form, a copy of your ID, and payment; processing takes one to two weeks after DHSMV receives your envelope.
  • Some requests (like those for employment or court purposes) may require a certified copy, which costs more and takes longer than a standard record.

Requesting your record online through DHSMV

Go to the official DHSMV website and look for the "Driver License Records" or "Check Your Driving Record" section. You will need to enter your Florida driver license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and display your record on screen within seconds.

From there, you can view your complete driving history, including any violations, points, suspensions, or restrictions. You can print the page directly from your browser or save it as a PDF. If you need an official certified copy for a court, employer, or insurance company, the online system will tell you whether it can issue one or whether you must request it by mail or in person.

Keep in mind that online records are usually considered unofficial unless the DHSMV system specifically marks them as certified. If the person or organization asking for your record says they need a "certified" or "official" copy, ask them first whether a printed online version will work — many do accept it, and it saves you time and money.

Requesting in person at a DHSMV office

Find your nearest DHSMV office using the office locator on the DHSMV website. Bring a valid photo ID (your Florida driver license, passport, or state ID card). You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use online check-in systems to reduce wait times.

Tell the clerk you want a copy of your driver license record. They will pull it up, print it, and hand it to you — usually within 10 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Ask at that time whether the printed copy is certified or unofficial; if you need a certified version and they cannot issue it on the spot, they will tell you how to request it by mail.

Bring cash or a card, because most offices charge a small fee for a printed record (the amount varies but is typically under $10). Some offices accept only cash, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

Requesting by mail

read the official DHSMV form for driver record requests from the DHSMV website, or call the DHSMV customer service line to ask them to mail you the form. The form is usually called "process for Certified Copy of Driver License Record" or similar.

Fill out the form completely with your name, date of birth, Florida driver license number, and the reason you need the record. Include a photocopy of both sides of a valid ID (driver license, passport, or state ID). Write a check or money order for the fee (typically $5 to $10 for a standard record, more for a certified copy) and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Mail requests take one to two weeks after DHSMV receives your envelope, not counting postal delivery time. If you are in a hurry, do not use mail — go online or visit an office instead. If you need the record for a specific important date (like a court date or job start date), mention that when you call DHSMV; they may be able to expedite, though expedited service usually costs extra.

Understanding certified versus unofficial records

An unofficial record is a printout of your driving history that you can get online or at an office. It shows your violations, points, and license status, but it does not carry an official seal or signature from DHSMV. Many employers, insurance companies, and private organizations accept unofficial records because they just need to see your history.

A certified record is an official document stamped and signed by DHSMV. Courts, government agencies, and some employers specifically ask for certified copies because they need proof that the record came directly from the state. Certified records cost more (usually $10 to $15) and take longer to obtain, especially by mail.

Before you request, ask whoever needs your record whether they want certified or unofficial. If they say "official" or "certified," they mean the stamped version. If they just say "driver record" or "driving history," an unofficial printout usually works fine and saves you money and time.

What information appears on your Florida driver record

Your Florida driver record shows your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), your license class and restrictions, and your complete driving history for the past three to five years. It includes traffic violations, at-fault accidents you reported, points on your license, and any suspensions or revocations.

The record does not include minor violations that were dismissed, violations from other states (unless Florida has a record of them), or accidents where you were not at fault and did not report them to police. If you believe something on your record is wrong — a violation you did not commit, an accident listed twice, or a suspension that should have been lifted — you can contact DHSMV to dispute it, though that process is separate from requesting your record.

Some employers and insurance companies use your record to make decisions, so if you see an error, it is worth correcting it. DHSMV has a process for challenging inaccurate information, and you can ask about it when you request your record or call their customer service line.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Florida driver record cost?

An unofficial printed record costs $5 to $10 depending on how you request it. A certified copy costs $10 to $15. Online requests are usually the cheapest option. Call your local DHSMV office or check the website for the exact fee, since prices can vary slightly by location and request type.

Can I request someone else's driver record?

No, DHSMV does not release another person's record to you without their written permission. If you need someone's record for legal or employment reasons, they must request it themselves and give you a copy, or they must sign a form authorizing DHSMV to release it to you. This is a privacy protection under Florida law.

How long does DHSMV keep records on file?

DHSMV keeps violations and suspensions on your record for three to five years depending on the type of violation. Serious violations like DUI may stay longer. Your current license status and restrictions are always available. If you need to know how long a specific violation will appear, call DHSMV or ask when you request your record.

What if my license is suspended or revoked?

Your record will show the suspension or revocation status and the reason. If you believe the suspension was lifted or was issued in error, you can dispute it through DHSMV, but that is a separate process from requesting your record. Request your record first to see what it says, then contact DHSMV if you need to challenge it.

Can I request my record if I do not have my license number?

Yes. If you are requesting in person, bring your ID and the clerk can look up your record using your name and date of birth. If you are requesting by mail, include your name, date of birth, and address on the form. Online requests usually require your license number, but you can call DHSMV to ask about alternatives if you do not have it.