What a Michigan driving record shows and where to request it

Your Michigan driving record is a document kept by the Secretary of State that lists your traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and other driving history. It does not include parking tickets or violations that happened outside Michigan. You can request a copy through the Secretary of State's office by mail, online, or in person at a branch office.

The record you receive will show your name, license number, date of birth, and a chronological list of incidents from the past several years. How far back the record goes depends on the type of violation — minor infractions may fall off after a few years, while serious violations like DUIs stay longer. You will receive an official document with the state seal that you can use for insurance purposes, employment background checks, or your own records.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request your Michigan driving record online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a branch office.
  • The online method is the fastest and costs around $10 to $15, with results available within minutes or a few business days depending on the service you choose.
  • By mail, you will need to send a completed form with payment and a copy of your ID, and the process takes one to two weeks.
  • In person, you can visit any Secretary of State branch during business hours and receive your record the same day.
  • Insurance companies and employers often request your driving record, so knowing what is on it can help you understand rate changes or hiring decisions.

Requesting your record online

The Secretary of State website offers an online portal where you can order your driving record without leaving home. Go to michigan.gov/sos and look for the "Driver Records" section. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

There are two online options: a "certified" record with the state seal (which costs more and takes longer) and an "unofficial" record (which is faster and cheaper). The unofficial version is acceptable for most purposes like personal review or insurance inquiries. You can pay by credit card or debit card, and the fee is typically $10 to $15 depending on which type you order. Unofficial records often arrive within minutes; certified records usually take three to five business days.

Requesting by mail

If you prefer to request by mail, read the form from the Secretary of State website or call 517-322-1460 to have one sent to you. The form is called the "Request for Driving Record" and asks for your name, license number, date of birth, and the reason for your request.

Include a check or money order for the fee (around $10 to $15), a photocopy of your driver's license or state ID, and your return address. Mail the completed form to the Secretary of State, Driver Records Section, 430 West Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your request. If you need it faster, call the number above to ask about expedited mail service, which may be available for an additional fee.

Getting your record in person at a Secretary of State office

You can walk into any Secretary of State branch office in Michigan and request your driving record on the spot. Bring your driver's license or state ID and payment (cash, check, or card, depending on the location). The staff will print your record while you wait, usually within 10 to 15 minutes.

Branch offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Secretary of State website. This method is the fastest if you need your record the same day, and there is no shipping delay.

What information appears on your record

Your driving record includes moving violations (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, DUI or DWAI convictions, and points assessed against your license. It also shows the date each incident occurred, the location, and the outcome (whether you paid a fine, went to court, or the case was dismissed).

The record does not include parking violations, tickets issued outside Michigan, or incidents that occurred before a certain date (which varies by violation type). Serious violations like DUIs remain on your record for many years, while minor infractions may be removed after five to seven years. If you see an error on your record, you can contact the Secretary of State to dispute it and request a correction.

Why insurance companies and employers request your record

Insurance companies pull your driving record when you explore for auto insurance or when your policy renews. They use it to assess your risk as a driver — more violations and accidents typically result in higher premiums. If your rates increased unexpectedly, your insurer may have found new incidents on your record that you were not aware had been reported.

Some employers, especially those hiring for jobs that involve driving (delivery, rideshare, commercial driving), will request your record as part of a background check. They want to confirm you have a valid license and assess whether your driving history matches the job requirements. Understanding what is on your record before an employer sees it can help you prepare if there are incidents you need to explain.

Correcting errors on your Michigan driving record

If your record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, an accident listed twice, or a suspension that was already lifted — you can file a dispute with the Secretary of State. Contact the Driver Records Section at 517-322-1460 and explain the error. They will ask you to provide documentation that supports your claim, such as a court dismissal letter, proof of payment, or a letter from the court.

Send your documentation to the same mailing address used for record requests. The Secretary of State will investigate and correct your record if the error is confirmed. This process can take several weeks, so if you need your record corrected before an insurance or employment important date, call ahead to explain the situation and ask about expedited review.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does a Michigan driving record go?

Most violations stay on your record for five to seven years, though serious offenses like DUIs can remain for 10 years or longer. The exact timeframe depends on the type of violation and when it occurred. You can ask the Secretary of State when you request your record if you want to know the specific dates for your incidents.

Can someone else request my driving record?

No, only you or someone with a power of attorney can request your record. Insurance companies and employers can request it with your written consent, and courts can obtain it for legal proceedings. If you suspect someone has pulled your record without permission, contact the Secretary of State to report it.

Will my record show tickets I paid without going to court?

Yes. Whether you paid a fine, went to court, or had the ticket dismissed, the violation appears on your record. The record shows the outcome (paid, convicted, dismissed), so insurance companies and employers can see the full history.

What is the difference between an unofficial and certified record?

A certified record has the official state seal and is notarized, making it acceptable for legal proceedings or formal requests. An unofficial record is a plain printout without the seal. For insurance inquiries or personal use, an unofficial record is fine and costs less and arrives faster.

Do I need to request a new record every time an insurance company asks for it?

You can share a copy you already have, but insurance companies often prefer to pull the record themselves directly from the Secretary of State to may support it is current. If your record is more than a few months old, the company may ask you to request a fresh copy so they see any recent violations.