What a Utah driver's license record contains and where to request it
Your Utah driver's license record is a document maintained by the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that shows your driving history, current license status, and any violations or suspensions on file. It includes information like your license number, issue and expiration dates, any restrictions or endorsements, traffic violations, accidents you reported, and whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
You can request your own record in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the Utah DMV website. The fastest method is usually online if you have your license number and date of birth. If you need the record for a specific purpose — like employment, insurance, or legal proceedings — the requesting method may depend on who needs to see it and whether they require an official certified copy.
Utah DMV offices are located in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Moab, plus several smaller satellite locations. You can find the full list and hours on the Utah DMV website. If you cannot reach an office in person, mail requests are processed within 5 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Your Utah driver's license record shows your current license status, violations, accidents, and any suspensions or revocations on file with the state.
- You can request your record online, by mail, or in person at a Utah DMV office, with online being the fastest option if you have your license number and date of birth.
- A certified copy costs more than a standard record printout and is required for some legal and employment purposes.
- Traffic violations and accidents remain on your record for a set number of years depending on the violation type, though minor infractions fall off sooner than serious ones.
- If you find errors on your record, you can dispute them by contacting the DMV with documentation of the correction needed.
How to request your record online
The Utah DMV website has an online portal where you can view and print your driving record without visiting an office. Go to the Utah DMV homepage and look for the "Driver License Records" or "Driving Record" 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.
Once you log in, you can view your current record when ready and print it as a PDF. This printout is suitable for personal reference, some employment checks, and insurance inquiries. If you need a certified copy — a document officially stamped and signed by the DMV — you will need to request it separately, either by mail or in person, because the online version is not certified.
The online system is available 24 hours a day. There is no fee to view your record online, but printing or downloading it may incur a small charge depending on your printer and internet service.
Requesting a certified copy by mail or in person
A certified driving record is an official document with the DMV's seal and signature, required for court cases, certain employment positions, and some insurance or legal matters. To request one by mail, fill out the form available on the Utah DMV website (usually called a "Request for Driving Record" form) and mail it to the address listed on the form along with payment.
Mail requests typically take 5 to 10 business days from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the record mailed back to you. The fee for a certified copy varies but is usually between $5 and $15 depending on how many copies you need.
If you need the record urgently, visit a DMV office in person with your driver's license or state ID. Office staff can print a certified copy on the spot, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. Bring payment in cash or card, as accepted methods vary by location.
Understanding violations and how long they stay on your record
Traffic violations in Utah remain visible on your driving record for different lengths of time depending on the severity. Minor infractions like speeding or failure to yield typically stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. More serious violations like reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI) remain for five to ten years or longer, depending on the specific charge and whether it was a first or repeat offense.
Accidents you report to police or your insurance company also appear on your record. At-fault accidents usually stay for three to five years, while not-at-fault accidents may fall off sooner or not appear at all, depending on the circumstances and whether a claim was filed.
Suspensions and revocations — which mean your license is temporarily or permanently invalid — stay on your record until the suspension is lifted or the revocation is overturned. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or traffic school non-completion, completing those requirements will remove the suspension from active status, though the original violation may still appear in your history.
What to do if your record contains errors
If you find incorrect information on your driving record — such as a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, or a suspension that should have been lifted — you can dispute it with the Utah DMV. Contact the DMV directly by phone or visit an office in person with documentation of the error, such as a court dismissal letter, proof of payment, or a traffic school completion certificate.
The DMV will investigate your dispute and request supporting documents if needed. This process can take several weeks. Once the DMV confirms the error, they will update your record and issue a corrected version. Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation you submit, as you may need them for insurance or employment purposes if the error affected your rates or job status.
If the error involves a conviction or violation that was dismissed in court, bring a certified copy of the court order showing the dismissal. The DMV uses court records to verify corrections, so having official documentation speeds up the process.
How your driving record affects insurance and employment
Insurance companies request your driving record to calculate your premium and determine whether to cover you. Violations, accidents, and suspensions can raise your rates or cause an insurer to deny coverage. Some insurers look back three years, while others review your entire driving history. If you have recent violations, shopping around for insurance is worth the effort, as different companies weigh driving records differently.
Employers in certain fields — particularly those involving commercial driving, transportation, or positions requiring a clean background — will request your driving record as part of the hiring process. A DUI, reckless driving conviction, or multiple violations can disqualify you from these positions. If you are concerned about how your record might affect a job opportunity, you can request your own record first to see what an employer will see.
Some violations can be reduced or removed through traffic school or other court-approved programs. If you were cited for a minor violation, ask the court or the officer whether traffic school is an option in your case. Completing an approved course may allow the violation to be dismissed or reduced, which can help your insurance rates and employment prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a copy of my driving record?
Viewing your record online through the Utah DMV website is free. Printing or downloading a copy may have a small fee. A certified copy requested by mail or in person typically costs between $5 and $15, depending on how many copies you need and the DMV office location.
Can someone else request my driving record?
Only you can request your own record without written permission. If an employer, insurance company, or court needs your record, they must either request it directly from the DMV with your consent or you must provide them with a copy yourself. Some third parties have direct access to records for specific purposes, but they cannot obtain your record without a legal reason.
How long does a DUI stay on my Utah driving record?
A DUI conviction in Utah remains on your driving record for ten years from the date of the conviction. After ten years, it may no longer appear on standard record checks, though it can still show up on background checks for certain purposes. If you were arrested but not convicted, the arrest may still appear on your record depending on the outcome of your case.
Will my record show accidents I was not at fault for?
Not-at-fault accidents may appear on your record if you filed a claim with your insurance or reported the accident to police. However, they typically do not affect your driving record the same way at-fault accidents do. Insurance companies can see them, but they usually do not raise your rates or count against you for employment purposes.
What if I moved out of Utah — do I still need my Utah driving record?
If you moved to another state and obtained a new license there, your Utah record remains with the Utah DMV. You may still need it for insurance purposes, to verify your driving history when explore for a job, or if you are involved in a legal matter related to something that happened while you lived in Utah. You can request it anytime, even after you have moved.