How to Get Your New Jersey Motor Vehicle History Report

What a New Jersey Motor Vehicle History Report Shows

A New Jersey motor vehicle history report is a record of your driving activity kept by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported to the state, license suspensions or revocations, and points on your license from moving violations. The report does not include minor parking tickets or accidents that were never reported to the MVC.

You can request your own driving record at any time. Insurance companies, employers, and courts can also request it with your permission or under certain legal circumstances. The report is sometimes called your "driving record" or "abstract of driving record."

Key Takeaways

You can view your New Jersey driving record online through the MVC website using your license number and date of birth, or request a printed copy by mail or in person.
The online version is free and shows your current record when ready, while a certified paper copy costs money and takes several business days to arrive.
Your record includes traffic violations, reported accidents, license suspensions, and points, but not parking tickets or unreported accidents.
Insurance companies and employers may request your record as part of underwriting or hiring decisions, and you have the right to know what they see.

Checking Your Record Online for Free

The fastest way to see your driving record is through the MVC's online portal. Go to nj.gov/mvc and look for the "Check Your Driving Record" or "View Your Driving Abstract" link on the homepage. You will need your New Jersey driver's license number and your date of birth.

The online version shows your current record and is updated regularly, though there can be a lag of a few days between when a violation is processed and when it appears. This version is free and you can check it as often as you want. It is not certified, so you cannot use it for official purposes like court proceedings or insurance disputes, but it gives you an accurate picture of what is on file.

Ordering a Certified Copy by Mail

If you need an official certified copy of your record — for a court case, a job background check, or an insurance company request — you must order it from the MVC. You can request it by mail, in person at an MVC office, or through the MVC website using their online ordering system.

To order by mail, send a written request to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Driver Records Section, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the number of copies you need. Include a check or money order; the fee varies depending on whether you want a single copy or multiple copies. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after the MVC receives your request, plus mail delivery time.

The online ordering system on the MVC website is faster — you can pay by credit card and the certified copy is mailed to you within 5 business days. You will receive a tracking number so you can monitor delivery.

Getting Your Record in Person at an MVC Office

You can walk into any New Jersey MVC office and request a certified copy on the spot. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay the fee in cash, check, or card. The MVC will print your record while you wait, usually within 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Find your nearest MVC office and check its hours on nj.gov/mvc before you go. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means a shorter wait.

Understanding What Appears on Your Record

Your driving record shows moving violations (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), the date each violation occurred, the fine or points assessed, and whether you paid it. It also shows accidents you reported to the MVC, license suspensions or revocations, and any restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses required or commercial driving restrictions).

Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. After three years, they drop off, but the violation itself may still appear on your record as a historical entry. Suspensions and revocations remain visible for as long as they are in effect, and for a period afterward depending on the reason for the suspension.

Parking tickets do not appear on your driving record — they are handled separately by the municipality where you parked. Accidents you did not report to the MVC also do not appear, though if the other driver reported it or if police filed a report, it may show up.

Who Can See Your Driving Record and Why

Insurance companies can request your driving record when you explore for a policy or renew an existing one. They use it to assess risk and set your premium. Employers can request it if the job involves driving. Courts can access it in traffic cases or civil lawsuits. Rental car companies sometimes request it before renting to you.

You have the right to know that your record has been requested and by whom. If an insurance company denies you coverage or charges you a higher rate based on your record, they must tell you what information they used. If you believe there is an error on your record, you can dispute it with the MVC.

Correcting Errors on Your Record

If your driving record shows a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, or a violation that should have been removed, you can file a dispute with the MVC. Start by getting a copy of your record so you have the exact details of what needs to be corrected.

Contact the MVC Driver Records Section by phone at 609-292-6500 or visit an MVC office in person with your record and any documentation that proves the error (such as a court dismissal letter, proof of payment, or a police report). The MVC will investigate and correct the record if they find an error. This process can take several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do violations stay on my New Jersey driving record?

Points from violations drop off after three years from the violation date. The violation itself may remain visible as a historical entry longer than that, depending on the type of violation. Suspensions and revocations stay on your record while they are active and for a period afterward.

Can I see my record if I do not have a New Jersey driver's license?

If you have a New Jersey license, you can check your record online or request a copy. If you do not have a New Jersey license but have a driving history in the state, you can still request a record by mail or in person using your name and date of birth, though you may need additional identification.

What if my record shows an accident I did not report?

If the other driver or police reported the accident to the MVC, it will appear on your record even if you did not report it yourself. You can request details about the accident from the MVC or file a dispute if you believe the information is inaccurate.

How much does a certified copy of my driving record cost?

The fee varies depending on how many copies you order and whether you order online, by mail, or in person. Contact the MVC directly at 609-292-6500 or check nj.gov/mvc for current pricing, as fees change periodically.

Can I remove a violation from my record early?

Points drop off automatically after three years. You cannot remove a violation before that time, but you may be able to reduce points through a defensive driving course in some cases. Contact the MVC or the court that handled your violation to ask about point reduction programs.

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.