Where to request your Florida driver license records

Florida driver license records are held by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), and you can request them through the mail, in person, or online depending on what you need. The fastest route is usually the online system if you're requesting your own record, but if you need certified copies or records for someone else, you'll go through the mail or visit a local office.

The DHSMV does not accept requests by phone or email. You must use one of the three methods below, and processing times vary — online requests for your own record can return results within days, while mail requests typically take two to three weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request your own driver license record online through the DHSMV website, which is the fastest method for non-certified copies.
  • Certified copies and records requested on behalf of someone else require a written request sent by mail to the DHSMV address in Tallahassee.
  • In-person requests at a local Driver License office are possible but require you to bring identification and proof of your relationship to the person whose record you're requesting.
  • The cost for a certified copy is typically $5 to $10, depending on the number of pages, and payment methods vary by request type.
  • You will need to provide your driver license number, date of birth, and full legal name to complete any request.

Requesting your own record online

If you want a copy of your own driver license record and don't need it certified for a court or official proceeding, the DHSMV online portal is the simplest path. Go to the DHSMV website, locate the "Driver Records" section, and select "Request Your Driver Record Online." You'll enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

The system will display your record on screen when ready or within one business day. You can print it directly from your browser or save it as a PDF. This method is free and works for most personal uses — employment verification, insurance purposes, or your own records. If you need the record certified with an official seal for a legal proceeding, you cannot use this method; you must request a certified copy by mail instead.

Requesting a certified copy by mail

A certified copy bears the official seal of the DHSMV and is required for court cases, legal proceedings, or when an employer or government agency specifically asks for a certified record. To request one, you'll send a written request to the DHSMV Records Bureau in Tallahassee.

Your letter should include your full legal name, date of birth, driver license number, the reason you need the record, and how many certified copies you want. Include a check or money order payable to "DHSMV" — the fee is $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Mail your request to: DHSMV Records Bureau, Neil Kirkman Building, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0500.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your letter. Include a return address and consider sending your request by certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If you need the record faster, call the DHSMV Records Bureau at 850-617-3000 to ask about expedited options, though these are limited and may carry additional fees.

Requesting someone else's record

You can request another person's driver license record, but the DHSMV has strict rules about who can do so and what information they'll release. The person whose record you're requesting must give you written permission, or you must have a legal reason — such as being their attorney, guardian, or acting on behalf of a court order.

Send a written request by mail that includes the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and driver license number, along with your written authorization from that person or a copy of the court order. The DHSMV will not release certain information (such as Social Security number or medical conditions) even with permission. Mail your request to the same Records Bureau address listed above, and expect processing to take two to three weeks.

In-person requests at a Driver License office

You can walk into any Florida Driver License office and request a record on the spot. Bring a valid photo ID and your driver license number. If you're requesting someone else's record, bring written permission from that person and proof of your relationship to them (such as a power of attorney document or guardianship papers).

Not all offices print certified copies on site — call ahead to confirm. If they can't print it there, they'll direct you to mail your request instead. Office hours and locations vary, so check the DHSMV website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go. In-person requests are useful if you need the record the same day and don't require certification.

What information is included in your record

Your driver license record contains your name, date of birth, address, driver license number, issue and expiration dates, restrictions or endorsements on your license, and your driving history — including traffic violations, suspensions, and revocations. It does not include your Social Security number, medical information, or organ donor status, even if those details are on your physical license card.

If you spot an error on your record — a wrong address, incorrect violation, or a suspension that should have been lifted — you can dispute it by contacting the DHSMV directly. Errors on your driving history (violations or suspensions) must be challenged through the court that issued the citation or suspension, not through the DHSMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online records for your own driver license are usually available when ready or within one business day. You can print or read the record right away. Certified copies requested by mail take two to three weeks.

Can I request my record if my license is suspended or expired?

Yes. Your record is separate from the status of your license. You can request a copy of your record at any time, whether your license is active, suspended, expired, or revoked. The record will show the current status of your license.

What if I don't have my driver license number?

For online requests, you'll need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you don't have your license number, call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 and they can look it up using your name and date of birth. For mail requests, provide as much identifying information as you have.

Do I need a certified copy or will a regular printout work?

A regular printout works for most purposes — employment, insurance, personal records. A certified copy with the official DHSMV seal is required only for court cases, legal proceedings, or when a government agency or court specifically asks for certification. Ask whoever is requesting the record which type they need.

Can I get someone else's record without their permission?

Only if you have a legal reason, such as being their attorney, guardian, or acting under a court order. Otherwise, you need written permission from the person whose record you're requesting. The DHSMV will not release records without proper authorization.