What a Maryland driving record shows and how to request it

Your Maryland driving record is a document kept by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) that lists your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points on your license, and any restrictions or endorsements. The record does not include arrests or criminal charges — only incidents that directly affect your driving privilege.

You can request your own record in person at any MVA office, by mail, or online through the MVA website. The online method is fastest and costs $3.50. If you request it by mail, send a completed form DL-43 to the MVA along with a check or money order and a copy of your ID. In-person requests at an MVA office take a few minutes and cost $3.50 as well.

Third parties — employers, insurance companies, or lawyers — can also request your record, but only with your written consent. You will need to sign a form authorizing the release. Some employers run these checks during hiring; insurance companies may pull them after an accident or when renewing your policy.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Maryland driving record shows traffic violations, reported accidents, license actions, and points, but not criminal charges or arrests.
  • You can order your own record online for $3.50 through the MVA website, which is the fastest method.
  • By mail, you send form DL-43 with payment to the MVA; in person, you visit any MVA office with your ID.
  • Third parties need your written consent to view your record, and you can see what they requested by checking your MVA account.
  • Points stay on your record for three years from the violation date, and suspensions or revocations remain until lifted by the MVA.

How points work on your Maryland license

Maryland assigns points to your license based on the type of violation. A speeding ticket might be 1 point; reckless driving is 6 points. These points accumulate, and if you reach 8 points within two years, the MVA will suspend your license for a set period. The suspension length depends on how many points you have — 8 to 11 points triggers a 6-month suspension, and 12 or more points can result in a longer suspension or revocation.

Points remain on your record for three years from the date of the violation, not from the date you paid the fine or completed traffic school. If you take an approved defensive driving course, you can remove up to 3 points, but you can only do this once every three years. This is different from having a charge dismissed — the course reduces points but does not erase the violation from your record.

You can check your current point total by logging into your MVA account online or by calling the MVA. Knowing your point count matters because it tells you how close you are to suspension and whether taking a defensive driving course would help you stay below the threshold.

What happens when your license is suspended or revoked

A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set time, after which you can get it back by paying a reinstatement fee (usually $100 to $150) and meeting any other conditions the MVA sets. A revocation is more serious and typically permanent, though you may be able to petition for reinstatement after a waiting period, usually one to five years depending on the reason.

Common reasons for suspension include accumulating too many points, driving with a suspended license, failing to pay traffic fines, or not maintaining required insurance. Revocation usually follows serious violations like a DUI conviction, driving with a revoked license, or multiple suspensions within a short time.

While your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. If you are caught driving on a suspended license, you face criminal charges, fines, and a longer suspension. Some people in Maryland can request a work permit that allows driving to and from work or school during a suspension, but you must meet specific conditions and request it through the MVA.

Reading your record for errors or outdated information

When you receive your driving record, check it carefully for mistakes. Common errors include violations attributed to you that you did not commit, incorrect dates, or violations that should have been dismissed. If you see an error, contact the MVA with documentation — a court dismissal letter, a paid fine receipt, or a court order — and request a correction.

Outdated information should also be flagged. Points should fall off after three years; if you see older violations still listed with points attached, report it. Suspensions or revocations that have been lifted should show as cleared. The MVA can take several weeks to process a correction request, so keep copies of everything you send.

If you dispute a violation itself — for example, you believe a ticket was issued in error — that is a separate matter from correcting your record. You would have needed to contest the ticket in traffic court at the time. Once a violation is final (you paid it, lost in court, or did not contest it), it stays on your record for three years even if you believe it was unfair.

How your record affects insurance and employment

Insurance companies in Maryland can see your driving record and use it to set your rates. A violation like speeding or an at-fault accident will typically raise your premium. Some insurers offer discounts if you have a clean record for a certain period — often three to five years — or if you complete a defensive driving course. Shopping around after a violation can sometimes offset the rate increase.

Employers in certain fields — commercial driving, rideshare, delivery, or positions requiring a commercial license — routinely check driving records. A suspension, revocation, or multiple violations can disqualify you from these jobs. Even employers outside transportation may check records for positions involving company vehicles. You have the right to see what they found before they make a hiring decision.

If you are explore for a job that requires a clean record, request your own record first so you know what the employer will see. If there are errors, correct them before the employer pulls the record. If there are legitimate violations, some employers will consider the context — how long ago it was, whether you have had violations since, and the severity of the violation.

Requesting someone else's record or your record as a third party

If you need someone else's driving record — for example, you are involved in an accident and want to check the other driver's history, or you are a lawyer gathering evidence — you must have written consent from that person. The MVA will not release a record without a signed authorization form.

In an accident situation, you can report the incident to your insurance company and let them request the other driver's record, or you can ask the other driver to sign a release form so you can request it yourself. Police accident reports do not include driving history, only the details of that specific incident.

If you are an employer or insurance company requesting records on multiple people, the MVA has batch request procedures that are faster than requesting individual records. Contact the MVA directly for information on setting up a business account if you regularly need records.

How long violations stay on your record

Traffic violations in Maryland remain on your driving record for three years from the date of the violation. After three years, the violation and its points drop off automatically — you do not need to request removal. However, suspensions and revocations stay on your record longer. A suspension typically shows for the duration of the suspension plus a few years after it is lifted. A revocation can remain for five years or longer, depending on the reason.

DUI convictions are treated differently and may stay on your record indefinitely or for a much longer period than standard violations. If you have a DUI, check with the MVA about how long it will appear on your record and whether you have options to reduce or remove it.

Even after a violation drops off your driving record, it may still appear on your criminal record if it resulted in a conviction. Your driving record and criminal record are separate, and violations that were criminal offenses (like DUI) will show up in both places.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my driving record online?

Go to the Maryland MVA website and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. You can view your record for free. To order an official copy to send to an employer or insurance company, you pay $3.50 and it is mailed to you or available for read within a few days.

Can I remove a violation from my record before three years?

Taking a defensive driving course removes up to 3 points but does not erase the violation from your record. You can only use this option once every three years. If you believe a violation was issued in error, you would have needed to contest it in traffic court when you received the ticket — after that, it stays for three years.

What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?

A suspension is temporary and your license returns after you pay a reinstatement fee and meet any conditions. A revocation is usually permanent and requires a petition and waiting period — often years — before you can request reinstatement. Revocations are issued for serious violations like DUI or repeated suspensions.

Will a ticket I paid show up on my record?

Yes. Paying a ticket does not remove it from your record — it just means you accepted responsibility and paid the fine. The violation stays on your record for three years and counts toward your point total. Dismissing a ticket in court removes it from your record.

Can my employer see my driving record without permission?

No. The MVA requires your written consent before releasing your record to anyone else. If an employer wants to check your record, they must give you a form to sign. You have the right to see what they requested and what information they received.