You can check your Florida driving record through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website without visiting an office
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) lets you view your own driving record online through their official portal. You do not need to go to a local DMV office or mail in a request. The process takes a few minutes and costs money — the fee varies depending on which version of your record you order.
Your driving record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported to police, license suspensions, points on your license, and other enforcement actions. Insurance companies, employers, and courts may request this information about you. Knowing what is on your record helps you spot errors, understand why your insurance rates changed, or prepare for a court hearing.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov lets you order your own driving record without leaving home, and you receive it by email or mail depending on which option you choose.
- You will need your Florida driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
- Florida offers three versions of your record: the three-year record (cheapest), the seven-year record, and the complete record, each with different costs and uses.
- The record typically arrives within one to two business days if you choose email delivery, or within five to seven business days by mail.
- If you find errors on your record, you can dispute them directly through the DHSMV website or by contacting the office that issued the citation or suspension.
How to order your record through the DHSMV website
Go to flhsmv.gov and look for the section labeled "Driver Records" or "Order Your Driving Record." You will see a link to the online ordering system. Click it and you will be asked to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system uses this information to verify your identity.
After you log in, you will choose which version of your record you want. Florida offers a three-year record (shows violations and actions from the past three years), a seven-year record, and a complete record with your entire driving history. Each costs a different amount. Select the one that matches what you need — for example, insurance companies often ask for the three-year version, while employers may request the seven-year version.
You will then choose how you want to receive it: by email (faster, usually one to two business days) or by mail (five to seven business days). Pay the fee using a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to follow up on your order.
What information appears on each version of your record
The three-year record shows traffic violations, at-fault accidents, license points, and any suspensions or revocations from the past three years. This is the version most insurance companies request when they are reviewing your rates or deciding whether to renew your policy.
The seven-year record includes everything on the three-year record but goes back seven years instead. Some employers and government agencies ask for this version. It gives a longer view of your driving history and may show patterns that the shorter record does not.
The complete record shows your entire driving history in Florida, including very old violations and actions. This version is rarely requested but may be needed in certain legal cases or background checks. It costs more than the other versions.
All versions show the same types of information — violations, accidents, points, and enforcement actions — they just cover different time periods. None of these records include personal information like your address or Social Security number in full.
Fees and payment methods
The DHSMV charges a fee for each record you order. The exact amount depends on which version you choose and whether you want it by email or mail. Email delivery is usually cheaper than mail delivery because the state does not have to print and postage the document. Fees change occasionally, so check the DHSMV website for current pricing before you order.
You can pay only by credit card or debit card through the online system. The DHSMV does not accept checks, money orders, or cash for online orders. If you do not have a card, you can visit a local DHSMV office in person and pay by cash, check, or card.
What to do if you find errors on your record
If your record shows a violation you did not commit, an accident you did not report, or a suspension you believe was wrong, you can dispute it. The first step is to contact the agency that issued the citation or took the action. For a traffic ticket, that is usually the police department or sheriff's office in the county where you received it. For a suspension, contact the DHSMV directly.
You will need to provide documentation that supports your claim — for example, proof that you paid a ticket (which should remove it from your record), a letter from the police saying the citation was dismissed, or court documents showing the case was thrown out. Send this documentation to the agency and ask them to correct your record. The DHSMV will update your record once the agency confirms the correction.
If the agency does not respond or you disagree with their decision, you can file a formal dispute with the DHSMV. The process and timeline for this vary, so contact the DHSMV directly for instructions on how to proceed.
Why your record matters and who can see it
Your driving record is not private. Insurance companies use it to set your rates and decide whether to insure you. Employers in certain fields — particularly those involving driving or transporting people — may request it as part of a background check. Courts use it in traffic cases, DUI cases, and civil lawsuits involving vehicle accidents. Landlords and lenders may also request it in some situations.
Points on your record can raise your insurance premiums significantly. A single violation might add $100 to $300 per year to your insurance cost, depending on the violation and your insurer. Multiple violations can lead to license suspension. Understanding what is on your record helps you know why your rates are what they are and whether you should shop for a new insurer.
Alternatives if you cannot use the online system
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to order online, you can visit a local DHSMV office in person. Bring your driver license and be prepared to pay the fee in cash, check, or card. You will receive your record on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.
You can also mail a request to the DHSMV. You will need to fill out a form (available on the DHSMV website), include a copy of your driver license, and mail it with payment to the address listed on the form. This method takes longer — usually two to three weeks — because your request has to be processed by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my record after I order it online?
Email delivery usually takes one to two business days. Mail delivery takes five to seven business days. The timeline starts after your payment is processed, not from the moment you place the order. If you need it urgently, choose email delivery.
Can I order someone else's driving record?
No. The online system only lets you order your own record using your personal information. If you need someone else's record — for example, for a legal case — you must request it through a different process, and that person usually has to give permission or a court order must exist.
What if I do not have a Florida driver license anymore?
You can still order your record if you had a Florida license at any point. Use your former license number and date of birth to log in. If you do not remember your license number, visit a local DHSMV office and they can look it up for you.
Will ordering my record online affect my license or insurance?
No. Ordering your own record does not change anything about your license status or insurance. It is straightforward a way to view information that already exists. Insurance companies only know you ordered it if you tell them or submit it to them yourself.
Can I dispute my record online, or do I have to mail something?
You can start a dispute through the DHSMV website, but you will need to submit supporting documents. Depending on the type of error, you may be able to upload documents online or you may need to mail them. The DHSMV website will tell you which method applies to your situation.