What a Motor Vehicle History Report Shows and Where to Get It
A motor vehicle history report in New Jersey is a record of your driving activity kept by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported to insurance, license suspensions or revocations, points on your license, and any DUI or reckless driving convictions. This report is separate from your driver's license itself — it's the history behind it.
You can obtain your own motor vehicle history report directly from the MVC. The report costs $15 and takes about five to seven business days to arrive by mail, or you can view it when ready online through the MVC's website if you create an account. Employers, insurance companies, and courts can also request your report, but only with your permission or through legal process.
The report you receive is called an Abstract of Driving Record. It shows the last three to five years of violations and incidents, depending on severity. More serious violations like DUI stay on the record longer than minor speeding tickets.
Key Takeaways
- You can order your Abstract of Driving Record online through the MVC website for when ready viewing, or by mail for $15 with a five to seven business day wait.
- The report shows traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, points, and criminal driving convictions from the past three to five years.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to order online.
- Employers and insurance companies cannot see your report without your written consent, though they can request it during hiring or underwriting.
Ordering Your Report Online Through the MVC Website
The fastest way to see your motor vehicle history is through the MVC's online portal. Go to nj.gov/mvc and look for the section labeled "Abstract of Driving Record" or "View Your Driving Record." You will need to create an account using your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Once you log in, you can view your complete driving record on screen when ready. You can also print it or read it as a PDF. There is no fee for viewing your own record online. This method works if you need to see your record quickly — for a job interview, insurance quote, or personal reference.
If you have trouble logging in, the MVC's customer service line is 609-292-6500. They can help you reset your password or verify your identity over the phone.
Ordering by Mail or in Person
If you prefer a physical copy or do not have internet access, you can request your Abstract of Driving Record by mail. Fill out form BA-44, which you can read from the MVC website or pick up at any MVC office. Include a check or money order for $15 payable to "State of New Jersey."
Mail the completed form to: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Abstract Section, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625. The MVC will process your request and mail the report to the address on your driver's license. This typically takes five to seven business days from the date they receive it.
You can also request your report in person at any MVC office. Bring your driver's license and $15 in cash or check. Some offices can print your report on the spot; others will mail it to you. Call ahead to confirm what your local office offers.
What Information Appears on Your Report
Your Abstract of Driving Record lists every traffic violation, accident, and license action from the past several years. Traffic violations include speeding, running a red light, failure to stop, and unsafe lane changes. Accidents appear if you reported them to your insurance company or if police filed a report.
The report also shows points added to your license for each violation. In New Jersey, minor violations add two to three points; more serious ones like reckless driving add five points. Accumulating 12 points in three years triggers a license suspension. Your report will note any suspension, revocation, or restriction currently in effect.
Criminal convictions related to driving — DUI, driving with a suspended license, vehicular assault — appear on the report and stay longer than civil violations. These convictions affect insurance rates significantly and may disqualify you from certain jobs.
Why Employers and Insurance Companies Request Your Report
Employers who hire drivers — delivery services, rideshare companies, taxi services, or commercial trucking — often request your motor vehicle history as part of the background check. They want to verify you have a valid license and assess your safety record. Insurance companies request your report when you explore for a policy or renew coverage; they use it to set your rates and decide whether to insure you at all.
Both employers and insurers must have your written consent to see your report. If a job process or insurance form asks you to authorize a records check, that authorization typically includes your driving record. You can refuse, but employers may not hire you and insurers may deny coverage.
If you have violations or suspensions on your record, you will likely face higher insurance premiums or difficulty finding coverage. Some employers will not hire you if your record shows serious violations. Knowing what is on your report before explore gives you a chance to explain or address issues.
How Long Violations Stay on Your Record
Not all violations remain on your driving record forever. Minor violations like speeding or failure to stop typically stay for three years from the date of conviction. More serious violations like reckless driving stay for five years. DUI convictions remain on your record for ten years.
The clock starts from the date you were convicted or paid the fine, not from the date of the violation. If you received a ticket but never paid it or went to court, the violation may still be active and appear on your record indefinitely until resolved.
Some violations can be removed early if you complete a defensive driving course or if the court dismisses the charge. Check with the municipal court that handled your ticket to learn whether removal or reduction is possible.
Correcting Errors on Your Report
If your Abstract of Driving Record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, a duplicate entry, or incorrect dates — you can dispute it with the MVC. Contact the Abstract Section at 609-292-6500 with details of the error and any supporting documentation, such as court records showing the charge was dismissed.
The MVC will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process can take several weeks. If the error affects your insurance rates or a job offer, ask the MVC for a letter documenting the dispute while the investigation is ongoing.
Keep copies of any court documents, dismissals, or payment records related to violations on your record. These documents help prove errors and speed up corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see what my insurance company sees when they request my driving record?
Yes. The report you view online or receive by mail is the same Abstract of Driving Record that insurers see. Insurance companies cannot access information beyond what appears on this official MVC report. However, they may also use third-party databases that track claims history separately from violations.
Will a violation disappear from my record if I pay a fine?
No. Paying the fine resolves the legal matter, but the violation remains on your driving record for the standard time period — typically three to five years depending on the type of violation. The record shows you were convicted or paid the fine; it does not disappear.
How do I check someone else's driving record?
You cannot access another person's driving record without their written consent. If you are an employer or insurer, you can request the record with the person's authorization. If you are involved in an accident, you can obtain the other driver's information from the police report, but not their full driving history.
Does my driving record affect my ability to get a job outside of driving?
Most employers only request your driving record if the job involves operating a vehicle. However, some positions — security, childcare, healthcare — may request it as part of a broader background check. Your record is separate from your criminal history and does not appear on standard criminal background checks.
What should I do if I have a suspension on my record?
Contact the MVC directly to confirm the suspension is still active and learn what steps are required to reinstate your license. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee, complete a defensive driving course, or wait out the suspension period. The MVC can provide specific instructions based on why your license was suspended.