What a Florida driver license record contains and where to request it
Your Florida driver license record is a document kept by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) that shows your driving history. It includes information like your current license status, any traffic violations, accidents you reported, points on your license, and suspensions or revocations. You can request a copy of your own record, or someone else can request theirs — the DHSMV does not release one person's record to another without written permission.
The record you receive is called a "driver license history" or "driving record." It is different from your actual license card — this is a detailed report of your driving activity in Florida. You might need it for insurance purposes, employment background checks, court cases, or to review what the state has on file about you.
Florida offers three main ways to get your record: online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. The fastest method is online, which takes minutes. Mail requests take one to two weeks. In-person requests are processed the same day you visit.
Key Takeaways
- Your Florida driving record shows your license status, traffic violations, accidents, points, and any suspensions — and you can request a copy of your own record anytime.
- The online method through the DHSMV website is fastest and costs around $7.50, with results available when ready or within 24 hours depending on the option you choose.
- By mail, you send a signed request form and payment to the DHSMV address in Tallahassee, and the record arrives in one to two weeks.
- At a Driver License office, you can request your record in person and receive it the same day, though you may wait in line.
- You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and Florida driver license number to retrieve your record.
Requesting your record online through the DHSMV website
The online method is the fastest way to get your Florida driving record. Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and look for the "Driver Records" section. You will create an account or log in if you already have one, then select "Order a Driver Record."
You will be asked to enter your full name, date of birth, and Florida driver license number. The system will verify your identity using information on file. Once verified, you can choose between two options: a "3-Day Record" (cheaper, takes up to three business days) or an "when ready Record" (more expensive, available when ready or within a few hours). The when ready option costs around $7.50; the 3-day option is less. Prices may vary, so check the website for current fees.
After you pay online, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to read or view your record. Most when ready records are available within hours. You can print the record or save it as a PDF. This method works if you have a valid Florida driver license number and can verify your identity online.
Requesting your record by mail
If you prefer to request your record by mail, read the "process for Certified Copy of Driver Record" form from the DHSMV website, or call the DHSMV at 850-617-2000 to request the form be mailed to you. Fill out the form completely with your full name, date of birth, Florida driver license number, and the reason you need the record.
Sign the form and include a check or money order for the current fee (around $7.50, but verify on the website). Mail everything to: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Driver Records Bureau, Neil Kirkman Building, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
The DHSMV processes mail requests in the order received. Your record should arrive within one to two weeks. If you need it faster, use the online method instead. Include a return address on your envelope and consider using certified mail if the record is urgent for you.
Getting your record in person at a Driver License office
You can walk into any Florida Driver License office and request your record on the spot. Bring a valid photo ID (your driver license, passport, or state ID) and be prepared to pay the fee in cash or card. Tell the staff member you want to order a copy of your driver record.
The office will print your record while you wait, usually within 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will receive the record when ready and can leave with it that day. This method works well if you need the record urgently and do not mind waiting or traveling to an office.
To find the Driver License office nearest you, use the office locator on the DHSMV website. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. Some offices are busier than others — early morning or mid-week visits often mean shorter waits.
What information you need to provide
No matter which method you use, you will need to provide the same basic information: your full legal name (as it appears on your license), your date of birth, and your Florida driver license number. If you do not have your license number memorized, you can find it on your physical license card or look it up on the DHSMV website if you have an online account.
If you are requesting someone else's record, you will need their written permission. The DHSMV requires a signed statement from the person whose record you are requesting, authorizing you to receive it. This protects privacy — the state will not release driving records without consent.
Understanding what appears on your record
Your Florida driving record shows your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), all traffic violations you received in Florida, any at-fault accidents you reported, points on your license from violations, and any administrative actions like suspensions or revocations. The record typically covers the past three to five years, though older violations may still appear if they resulted in points or suspensions.
Points accumulate on your license based on the severity of violations. For example, a speeding ticket might add three points, while a reckless driving conviction might add four. If you reach 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended. Understanding your record helps you know where you stand with the state and can help you prepare if you are explore for a job that requires a clean driving history.
Fees and processing times by method
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (when ready) | Around $7.50 | when ready to a few hours | Urgent needs, convenience |
| Online (3-day) | Less than when ready option | Up to 3 business days | Budget-conscious, flexible timeline |
| By mail | Around $7.50 | 1 to 2 weeks | No rush, prefer paper copy |
| In person | Around $7.50 | Same day (15–30 min wait) | Urgent, want to verify when ready |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a traffic violation stay on my Florida driving record?
Most traffic violations remain on your record for three to five years from the date of the violation. However, violations that result in points or suspensions may stay longer. Serious violations like DUI can remain for much longer. Check your actual record to see what the state has on file for you.
Can I request my record if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes, you can request your record at any time, regardless of your license status. In fact, reviewing your record when your license is suspended or revoked can help you understand why and what steps you need to take to restore it.
What is the difference between a 3-day record and an when ready record online?
Both contain the same information about your driving history. The when ready record is processed and available when ready or within a few hours and costs more. The 3-day record takes longer but costs less. Choose based on how urgently you need the record.
Do I need my driver license number to request my record?
For online requests, yes — you will need your license number to verify your identity. For mail or in-person requests, having your license number speeds up the process, but you can also provide your full name and date of birth if you do not have it handy.
Will my record show violations from other states?
No, your Florida driving record shows only violations and activity in Florida. If you have driven in other states, those violations appear on those states' records. However, serious violations like DUI may be reported to Florida through interstate agreements, so check with the DHSMV if you are unsure.