Where to Request Your Certified Driving Record in Crown Point
Your certified driving record in Crown Point comes from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), not from Crown Point city government. The BMV is the only office that issues official, certified copies of your driving history — the kind with a raised seal that employers, insurance companies, and courts will accept as proof.
You can request your record in three ways: in person at any BMV branch, by mail to the BMV's Indianapolis office, or online through the BMV's website. The online method is fastest if you need it within a few days. In-person requests at a local BMV branch usually take 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Crown Point itself does not have a BMV branch. The nearest branches are in Valparaiso (about 15 miles west) and Merrillville (about 10 miles south). Both can issue certified records on the spot if you bring the right identification and payment.
Key Takeaways
- The Indiana BMV is the only source for certified driving records; Crown Point city offices do not issue them.
- You can request a certified record online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch in Valparaiso or Merrillville.
- In-person requests are usually processed while you wait, but bring a valid ID and the correct fee amount.
- Online requests through the BMV website typically arrive within three to five business days and cost slightly more than in-person requests.
What Information You Need to Provide
Whether you request in person, by mail, or online, the BMV will ask for your full legal name, date of birth, and driver's license number. If you do not have your license number memorized, bring your physical license or state ID card with you.
The BMV may also ask for your Social Security number to verify your identity, especially if you are requesting a record for someone else or if your name has changed since you received your license. Have this information ready before you start the process.
If you are requesting the record on behalf of someone else — for example, as a parent requesting your child's record — you will need written permission from that person, signed and notarized in most cases. The BMV website lists the exact form required.
Cost and Processing Time by Method
The cost and speed of your certified record depend on which method you choose. In-person requests at a BMV branch are the cheapest and fastest option if you can make the drive to Valparaiso or Merrillville. Online requests cost a bit more but arrive by mail within a few business days. Mail requests are the slowest and require you to pay by check or money order.
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | Where to Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person at BMV branch | $6 to $8 (varies by record type) | 15 to 30 minutes | Valparaiso or Merrillville BMV |
| Online through BMV website | $8 to $10 (includes processing fee) | 3 to 5 business days by mail | in.gov/bmv |
| By mail to BMV | $6 to $8 plus postage | 7 to 10 business days | BMV Records Section, Indianapolis |
Prices and processing times can change, so check the current BMV fee schedule on the Indiana BMV website before you pay. Some requests cost more if you need multiple copies or if you need the record rushed.
What a Certified Record Shows and Why You Need It
A certified driving record is an official document that lists your driving history: license status, any suspensions or revocations, traffic violations, accidents you reported to the BMV, and points on your license. It includes the date each event occurred and the disposition (whether you paid a fine, contested it, or it was dismissed).
Employers often request certified records for jobs that involve driving — delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking, or any role where your driving matters to liability. Insurance companies may ask for one when you explore for a policy or after an accident. Courts may require one as evidence in a traffic case or a civil lawsuit.
A certified record differs from an abstract or informal printout because it bears the BMV's official seal and signature. That seal is what makes it legally valid for official purposes. An informal copy you print yourself from your BMV account online is not certified and will not be accepted by most employers or courts.
How to Request Online Through the BMV Website
Go to in.gov/bmv and look for the "Order Driving Records" or "Request Your Record" link on the homepage. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The BMV will verify this information against its database before allowing you to proceed.
Choose how many copies you want and select whether you want the record mailed to you or picked up at a BMV branch. If you choose mail delivery, provide the address where you want it sent. Payment is by credit card or debit card only online; the BMV does not accept checks or cash for online orders.
After you submit your order, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number — you can use it to track your order on the BMV website. Most records arrive within three to five business days, though mail delivery times can vary depending on your location.
Requesting in Person at a Nearby BMV Branch
The Valparaiso BMV branch is located at 2405 Sycamore Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383. The Merrillville branch is at 8959 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410. Both are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; some branches have limited Saturday hours. Check the BMV website for exact hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
Bring your valid driver's license or state ID card, and bring cash or a card for the fee. You do not need an appointment; you take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. Bring any other documents the BMV lists for your specific request — for example, a notarized permission letter if you are requesting someone else's record.
Processing is usually when ready. The BMV will print your certified record, seal it, and hand it to you before you leave. If the branch is busy, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour, so plan accordingly.
Requesting by Mail
To request by mail, read the BMV's "Request for Driving Record" form from in.gov/bmv or call the BMV at 317-615-7293 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the number of copies you want.
Include a check or money order for the correct amount (made payable to the Indiana BMV) and mail everything to: BMV Records Section, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Do not send cash through the mail.
Processing by mail takes seven to ten business days from the date the BMV receives your request, plus mail delivery time on both ends. If you need the record faster, use the online or in-person method instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a certified driving record the same day I request it?
Yes, if you go in person to the Valparaiso or Merrillville BMV branch. You will receive it before you leave, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. Online and mail requests take several days.
What if my name has changed since I got my license?
Bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current ID. The BMV will match your old and new names in its system and issue the record under your current legal name.
Do I need a certified record or just a regular printout?
If an employer, court, or insurance company asked for your "driving record" or "abstract," ask them specifically whether they need it certified. Most official purposes require the certified version with the BMV seal. A printout from your online account is not certified.
How long is a certified driving record valid?
There is no expiration date on a certified record itself, but employers and insurance companies often want one that is recent — usually no more than 30 days old. If you ordered it weeks ago, you may need to request a new one.
Can I request someone else's driving record?
Only with written, notarized permission from that person. The BMV requires a signed authorization form. You cannot request a record for someone else without their consent, even if you are a family member.