What a Florida driver license record contains
Your Florida driver license record holds two separate sets of information. The first is your license record — your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the restrictions or endorsements on your license (like corrective lenses or commercial driving privileges). The second is your driving history — a list of traffic violations, accidents you reported, and suspensions or revocations. These two pieces are stored together in the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) database, but different people can see different parts of it.
Your license record itself is public information in Florida. That means your name, address, and license status can be viewed by anyone who requests it through DHSMV. Your driving history — the violations and accidents — is also public, though some records are sealed or restricted under specific circumstances (like if you were found not guilty of a traffic charge, or if an accident involved a minor).
The address on your license is the one you provided when you last renewed or updated it. If you have moved since then, your record still shows the old address until you update it with DHSMV. This matters because anyone pulling your record will see that outdated address, not your current one.
Key Takeaways
- Your Florida driver license record includes your personal information, license status, and your complete driving history of violations and accidents.
- Both your license record and driving history are public information that anyone can request from DHSMV, with limited exceptions for sealed or restricted records.
- Insurance companies, employers, and law enforcement can all view your driving record, and they use it to make decisions about rates, hiring, and enforcement.
- You can request a copy of your own record online through DHSMV's website or by mail, and you should review it regularly for errors.
- If your address has changed, updating it with DHSMV ensures your record reflects current information and helps you receive important notices.
Who can see your Florida driving record
Florida law allows several categories of people and organizations to view your driving record without your permission. Insurance companies use it to set your rates and decide whether to cover you. Employers in certain fields — particularly those hiring drivers or people in safety-sensitive roles — can request it as part of a background check. Law enforcement can access it during traffic stops or investigations. Attorneys involved in accident cases can request it. Rental car companies often check it before renting to you.
Anyone else who wants to see your record must have what Florida law calls a "permissible purpose." That phrase covers a long list: current or prospective employers, insurance companies, government agencies, courts, and people involved in civil litigation related to a traffic incident. If someone without a permissible purpose requests your record, DHSMV is supposed to deny that request — but the system relies on the requester to state their purpose honestly.
You can always request your own record. DHSMV assumes you have a permissible purpose when you ask for it, since it is your own information.
How to get a copy of your own driving record
The fastest way is through the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Go to the "Driver Records" section and select "Order Your Driving Record Online." You will need your Florida driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The record is delivered by email within minutes, and there is a fee (currently around $7.50, though this can change). You can pay by credit or debit card.
If you prefer not to order online, you can request a record by mail. read the form from the DHSMV website, fill it out, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order. Processing takes about two weeks by mail. You can also request a record in person at any Florida Driver License office, though you will need to bring your ID and pay the fee.
When you receive your record, check it carefully. Look for violations or accidents you do not remember, incorrect dates, or charges that were dismissed. If you find an error, contact DHSMV to dispute it. Errors on your record can affect your insurance rates or cause problems during a traffic stop, so it is worth correcting them.
Traffic violations and how long they stay on your record
A traffic violation in Florida stays on your driving record for five years from the date of conviction. That means if you were convicted of speeding on January 15, 2020, it will appear on your record until January 15, 2025. After five years, it is removed automatically — you do not have to request removal.
Some violations carry longer consequences even after they fall off your record. A DUI conviction stays on your record for 75 years. A reckless driving conviction stays for 10 years. These longer timeframes matter because insurance companies and employers may look back further than five years, and they will see these serious violations even after they technically age off.
If you were charged with a violation but found not guilty, or if the charge was dismissed, that record is sealed and will not appear on your public driving record. However, it may still appear in court records or law enforcement databases. If you believe a violation on your record is incorrect or was dismissed, contact DHSMV with documentation of the dismissal or acquittal.
Accidents and insurance claims on your record
Accidents you report to law enforcement or to your insurance company are added to your driving record. The record shows the date, location, and whether you were found at fault. Unlike violations, accidents do not have a set removal date — they can remain on your record indefinitely, though insurance companies typically stop looking back after three to five years when setting rates.
If you were in an accident but did not report it to law enforcement, it may not appear on your DHSMV record. However, it will likely appear on your insurance record, which is separate. Insurance companies maintain their own databases of claims and accidents, and they share information through services like the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE). That means even unreported accidents can affect your rates.
If an accident report contains an error — for example, if you were incorrectly listed as at-fault — you can request a correction from DHSMV. You will need to provide documentation, such as a police report showing a different information or a court judgment.
License suspensions and revocations
If your license has been suspended or revoked, that status appears on your driving record when ready. A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, after which you can restore it by meeting certain requirements (paying fines, completing a driver improvement course, or providing proof of insurance). A revocation is more serious and typically permanent or long-term; you may have to reapply for a license and pass the written and driving tests again.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, accumulating too many points from violations, or driving with a suspended license. Reasons for revocation include multiple DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or serious criminal convictions.
If your license is suspended, you can check the reason and the requirements for restoration on the DHSMV website or by calling their customer service line. Restoring a suspended license usually involves paying reinstatement fees and any outstanding fines, then submitting proof to DHSMV. The process typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on how you submit your documentation.
Updating your address and other information
Your driver license record shows the address you provided when you last renewed your license or updated your information with DHSMV. If you have moved, updating your address is important because DHSMV uses it to send you renewal notices and suspension notices. If your record shows an old address, you might miss a critical notice about a suspension or an upcoming renewal important date.
You can update your address online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. Online updates are when ready and free. By mail, you will need to send a form with proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). In person, bring your current license and proof of your new address.
If you have changed your name — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you will need to update that as well. Name changes require more documentation, typically a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate. Contact DHSMV for the specific documents they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a copy of my driving record?
The fee is currently around $7.50 for an online order through DHSMV's website, though the exact amount can vary. Mail requests may have a slightly different fee. Check the DHSMV website for the current price before you order.
Can I remove a violation from my record before five years?
No. Violations stay on your record for five years from the date of conviction, and there is no way to remove them early. After five years, they are removed automatically. The only exception is if the violation was dismissed or you were found not guilty — in that case, it should be sealed and not appear on your public record.
Will an accident I was not at fault for affect my insurance rates?
It may. Even if you were not at fault, the accident appears on your record and insurance companies can see it. Some insurers treat not-at-fault accidents differently than at-fault ones, but many still use them as a factor in setting rates. Your insurance company can tell you how they handle not-at-fault accidents.
What if someone is pulling my driving record without permission?
Florida law requires that anyone requesting your record have a permissible purpose. If you believe someone is accessing your record illegally, you can file a complaint with DHSMV or contact the Florida Attorney General's office. However, proving an illegal access can be difficult, and DHSMV does not always have a way to track who has viewed your record.
How do I know if my license is suspended?
You can check your license status on the DHSMV website by entering your license number and date of birth. You can also call DHSMV customer service or visit a Driver License office in person. If your license is suspended, the website will tell you the reason and what you need to do to restore it.