What a Florida driver license record contains and where to request it
Your Florida driver license record is a document that shows your driving history — the violations, suspensions, accidents, and points you've accumulated since you first got your license in Florida. It's maintained by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), and you can request a copy for yourself, or someone else can request one about you if they have a legitimate reason.
The record itself lists traffic convictions, at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, and any administrative actions taken against your license. Insurance companies, employers, and courts often request these records. You can get a copy in person, by mail, or online through the DHSMV website — each method takes a different amount of time and costs a small fee.
Key Takeaways
- Your Florida driver license record shows traffic violations, accidents, suspensions, and points accumulated on your license.
- The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles maintains the official record and is the only source that can issue an official copy.
- You can request your own record online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office; requesting someone else's record requires a signed consent form or a court order.
- Online requests through the DHSMV website are the fastest option and typically cost less than in-person or mail requests.
- Records usually arrive within one to two weeks by mail, but in-person requests at a DHSMV office are available the same day.
How to request your own driver license record online
The fastest way to get your record is through the DHSMV's online portal. Go to the Florida DHSMV website and look for the "Driver License Records" or "Request Your Driving Record" section. You'll need to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Once you've entered your information, you can choose whether you want a certified copy (which has an official seal and costs more) or an uncertified copy (which is cheaper but not accepted by all organizations). Pay the fee using a credit or debit card. The system will either let you print the record when ready or send it to your email address within a few hours. This method works if you need the record quickly and don't need an official seal.
Requesting your record by mail or in person
If you prefer to request your record by mail, read the form from the DHSMV website or call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form with your driver license number, date of birth, and the type of record you want (certified or uncertified). Include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Mail requests typically take one to two weeks to process, plus mailing time. If you need the record faster, visit a DHSMV office in person. Bring your driver license or another form of ID and ask for a copy of your driving record. You can pay the fee in cash, check, or card, and you'll receive the record the same day. Find your nearest DHSMV office on their website by entering your county or city.
Requesting someone else's driver license record
If you need a copy of someone else's record — for example, if you're an employer checking a job candidate or an insurance company investigating a claim — you'll need written consent from that person. The DHSMV requires a signed form authorizing the release of the record. The person whose record you're requesting must sign the form themselves; a photocopy of their signature is not accepted.
If you're a law enforcement officer, attorney, or court official, you may be able to request the record without the person's consent, but you'll need to provide documentation of your authority. Contact the DHSMV directly at 850-617-3000 to confirm what documents you need to submit. Requests from employers or insurance companies must include the signed consent form and are processed by mail or through the online system if the person authorizing the release submits it themselves.
Understanding what appears on your record and how long violations stay
Your Florida driver license record shows traffic convictions (moving violations like speeding or running a red light), at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, and points. Points are added to your license for certain violations — for example, a speeding ticket adds three points, and a reckless driving conviction adds four points. If you accumulate 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended.
Most traffic convictions stay on your record for five years from the date of conviction, though some serious violations like DUI remain longer. At-fault accidents typically stay on your record for three years. License suspensions and revocations remain on your record for the duration of the suspension or revocation, plus additional time depending on the reason. If you've had violations removed or expunged through the court system, they may not appear on your DHSMV record, but you should verify this by requesting an official copy.
What to do if your record contains errors
If you notice incorrect information on your driver license record — for example, a violation you didn't commit, an accident you weren't involved in, or a suspension that was already lifted — contact the DHSMV to dispute it. Call 850-617-3000 or visit a local DHSMV office with documentation of the error, such as a court dismissal, a police report, or proof that the suspension was removed.
The DHSMV will investigate your claim and correct the record if they find an error. This process can take several weeks. If the error involves a traffic conviction, you may need to provide a court document showing the conviction was dismissed or overturned. Keep copies of all correspondence with the DHSMV in case you need to follow up. If the DHSMV denies your dispute, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Fees and processing times for different request methods
The cost of your driver license record depends on whether you want a certified or uncertified copy and how you request it. An uncertified copy costs less than a certified copy, which includes an official seal and is required by some organizations like courts and government agencies. Online requests are typically the cheapest option, while in-person requests at a DHSMV office may cost slightly more.
Processing times vary by method. Online requests are available when ready or within a few hours. In-person requests at a DHSMV office are ready the same day. Mail requests take one to two weeks to process, plus mailing time in both directions. If you're in a hurry, the online or in-person option is faster. If cost is your main concern, the online option is usually the least expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my record if I request it online?
Online records are typically available to print or read when ready, or sent to your email within a few hours. This is the fastest method if you need the record quickly. In-person requests at a DHSMV office are also same-day, while mail requests take one to two weeks plus mailing time.
Can I request my record if I don't have my Social Security number?
The online system requires the last four digits of your Social Security number for identity verification. If you don't have this information, request your record by mail or in person at a DHSMV office instead. You'll need to provide your driver license number and date of birth, and bring a photo ID to verify your identity in person.
Will my record show violations from other states?
No. Your Florida DHSMV record shows only violations that occurred in Florida or were reported to Florida by other states through the Interstate Compact. If you've had violations in other states, you'll need to request records from those states' motor vehicle departments separately.
What's the difference between a certified and uncertified copy?
A certified copy has an official seal from the DHSMV and is accepted by courts, government agencies, and most employers. An uncertified copy is cheaper but may not be accepted by organizations that require an official document. Check with whoever is requesting your record to see which type they need.
How do I remove a violation from my record?
Traffic violations cannot be removed from your DHSMV record by request. However, if a conviction was dismissed or overturned in court, you can provide court documentation to the DHSMV to have the record corrected. Points may be reduced through traffic school in some cases, but the violation itself remains on your record for the standard retention period.