What Florida's driver license records request process looks like
Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) keeps records of your driver license history, including issue dates, renewal dates, suspensions, and violations. You can request a copy of your own record, or in some cases request records for another person if you have legal authority. The FLHSMV handles these requests through mail, in person at a local office, or online through their official website.
The process is straightforward but varies depending on whether you want your own record or someone else's, and whether you need it certified or uncertified. Most requests take one to two weeks by mail, though in-person requests at an FLHSMV office can be completed the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You can request your own driver license record by mail, in person, or online through the official FLHSMV website.
- Certified copies cost more than uncertified copies and are required for legal proceedings, employment verification, or insurance claims.
- Requests by mail should be sent to the FLHSMV Records Bureau with a completed form and payment; processing takes one to two weeks.
- In-person requests at any FLHSMV office are usually completed the same day, though wait times vary by location.
- Requesting someone else's record requires written consent from that person or proof of legal authority such as power of attorney.
Requesting your own record online
The fastest way to get an uncertified copy of your driver license record is through the FLHSMV's online portal. Visit the official FLHSMV website and look for the "Records Request" or "Driver License Records" section. You will need to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Online requests produce an uncertified record, which is suitable for personal reference, checking your driving history, or reviewing what the state has on file. If you need a certified copy for legal or official purposes, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. The online system typically shows you the record when ready or within one business day.
Requesting by mail to the FLHSMV Records Bureau
To request a record by mail, complete the official FLHSMV form (Form HSMV 14-010 or the current equivalent) and mail it to the FLHSMV Records Bureau. You can find the form and the current mailing address on the FLHSMV website. Include your driver license number, full name, date of birth, and specify whether you want a certified or uncertified copy.
Enclose a check or money order for the appropriate fee. Uncertified copies typically cost less than certified copies, though the exact amount varies. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the FLHSMV can return your record. Mail requests take one to two weeks from the date the FLHSMV receives your envelope, so factor in postal delivery time on both ends.
Getting your record in person at an FLHSMV office
Walk into any FLHSMV office with your valid photo ID and request a copy of your driver license record. Bring cash or a card for payment. The staff will verify your identity, process your request, and provide you with either a certified or uncertified copy on the spot. This method is fastest if you need the record the same day.
Wait times at FLHSMV offices vary widely depending on the location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter lines than afternoons or weekends. If you are unsure which office is nearest to you or what their current hours are, check the FLHSMV website for a location finder.
Understanding certified versus uncertified copies
An uncertified copy is a printout of your record with no official seal or signature. It is suitable for your own records, checking what the state has on file, or sharing with someone informally. An uncertified copy costs less and is available through the online portal, by mail, or in person.
A certified copy bears the official seal of the FLHSMV and is signed by an authorized employee. Courts, employers, insurance companies, and government agencies often require certified copies to verify your driving history. Certified copies cost more than uncertified ones and are available only by mail or in person, not online. If you are unsure which type you need, ask the organization requesting the record.
Requesting records for someone else
You cannot request another person's driver license record without their permission or legal authority. If you have written consent from the person, include a signed letter from them stating they authorize you to request their record. If you hold power of attorney, guardianship, or are a legal representative, include a copy of the relevant court document.
Employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement have separate channels to request driving records and do not go through the standard public records process. If you are requesting a record for employment screening or insurance purposes, contact those organizations directly about their procedures.
What information appears on your driver license record
Your FLHSMV record shows your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), the date your license was issued, the expiration date, any restrictions or endorsements on your license, and your driving history. The driving history section lists traffic violations, accidents you reported to the state, and any suspensions or revocations tied to those violations.
The record does not include personal information like your address or Social Security number in full. It focuses on your licensing status and driving conduct as recorded by the state. If you see errors on your record—such as violations you did not commit or an incorrect suspension date—contact the FLHSMV directly to dispute the information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a driver license record request cost?
Uncertified copies cost less than certified copies, but the exact fee varies. Check the FLHSMV website for current pricing, as fees change periodically. In-person requests and mail requests use the same fee schedule; online uncertified records may have a different cost or be free depending on the FLHSMV's current policy.
Can I request my record if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes. Your record is a public document that you can request regardless of your license status. The record will show the suspension or revocation and the reason for it. Requesting your record does not change your license status or affect any pending legal matters.
How long does it take to receive a record by mail?
Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the FLHSMV receives your request, plus postal delivery time on both ends. If you need the record faster, visit an FLHSMV office in person or request an uncertified copy online.
What if my name has changed since I got my license?
Include both your current name and your name as it appears on your driver license when you submit your request. If you have legally changed your name, bring documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, or other official document) when requesting in person, or include a copy with a mail request.
Can I request a record for a deceased person?
Requests for a deceased person's record require proof of death and proof of your legal relationship to the person (such as a death certificate and proof you are a family member or executor of the estate). Contact the FLHSMV directly to learn what documents they require before submitting a request.