What a Florida driving record contains and where to request it
Your Florida driving record is a document maintained by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) that lists your driving history in the state. It shows traffic violations you've received, at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, points accumulated, and any DUI convictions. The record does not include minor parking tickets or violations that occurred outside Florida.
You can request your driving record in three ways: online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DHSMV office. The online method is fastest and costs $7.50. By mail, you'll send a completed form to the DHSMV with a check or money order, and it typically takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person requests at an DHSMV office are processed when ready for the same $7.50 fee.
You'll need to provide your full name, date of birth, and Florida driver's license number. If you don't have a current license number, you can use your Social Security number instead. Some requests require you to verify your identity with a signature or notarization, depending on which method you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Florida driving records show traffic violations, accidents, license actions, and points, but not parking tickets or out-of-state violations.
- You can order your record online for $7.50 and receive it when ready, by mail for $7.50 with a 7 to 10 day wait, or in person at an DHSMV office.
- The online method requires your driver's license number or Social Security number and a valid email address to receive the record.
- Insurance companies, employers, and courts may request your record, and you have the right to know what information they see.
How points accumulate and affect your license
Florida uses a points system to track unsafe driving behavior. Each violation adds a specific number of points to your record. For example, a speeding ticket adds 3 points, reckless driving adds 4 points, and a DUI adds 6 points. Points stay on your record for 3 to 5 years depending on the violation type, though the violation itself may remain visible longer.
When you accumulate 12 points within 12 months, the DHSMV will suspend your license for 30 days. If you reach 18 points within 18 months, your suspension extends to 6 months. At 24 points within 36 months, you face a 1-year suspension. These suspensions are automatic and cannot be waived, though you can request a hearing to challenge the suspension if you believe the points were assessed incorrectly.
You can reduce points by completing a defensive driving course approved by the DHSMV. This course removes up to 4 points from your record and may lower your insurance rates. You're limited to one course reduction every 12 months, and you cannot use it if you've had a course reduction within the past 12 months.
Who can see your driving record and what they access
Your driving record is not completely private. Insurance companies routinely request records when you explore for coverage or renew a policy. Employers in certain fields—particularly those hiring commercial drivers or positions involving vehicle operation—may request your record as part of a background check. Courts and law enforcement can access your record during criminal proceedings or traffic court cases.
Landlords, lenders, and other third parties can also request your record, though you have the right to know when they do. Florida law requires that anyone requesting your record have a legitimate business reason. You can order a copy of your own record at any time to see exactly what information is available to others.
If you find errors on your record—such as a violation you didn't commit, a suspension that should have ended, or points that were incorrectly assessed—you can dispute the information. Contact the DHSMV directly with documentation of the error, such as a court dismissal or proof of course completion. Disputes can take several weeks to resolve.
How violations and accidents appear on your record
Traffic violations remain on your Florida record for different lengths of time depending on severity. Minor violations like speeding typically stay for 3 years. More serious violations like reckless driving or DUI remain for 5 to 10 years. A DUI conviction specifically stays on your record for 75 years in Florida, though it may not affect your driving privileges after a certain period.
At-fault accidents appear on your record and contribute to your point total. A minor at-fault accident typically adds 4 points. If you were found not at-fault, the accident may still appear on your record but won't add points. Insurance companies see all accidents, regardless of fault, so even a not-at-fault accident can influence your rates.
If you received a ticket for a violation but later had it dismissed or reduced in court, the original charge may still appear on your record. You can request that the DHSMV update your record with the court's final disposition, but you must provide a certified copy of the court order showing the dismissal or reduction.
Checking your record online versus requesting an official copy
The DHSMV offers a free online tool called the "Driver License Status Check" that shows basic information about your current license—whether it's valid, suspended, or revoked. This tool does not show your complete driving history, violations, or points. It's useful for a quick status check but not for seeing your full record.
An official driving record, ordered through the methods described above, contains the complete history and is what insurance companies, employers, and courts see. If you need your record for a specific purpose—such as employment, insurance, or legal proceedings—you should order the official version, not rely on the online status check.
Some third-party websites claim to provide free driving records, but these services are not affiliated with the DHSMV and may charge hidden fees or sell your information. The safest and most direct method is to order through the official DHSMV website or visit an office in person.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Florida or most other states. A suspension is typically temporary and ends on a specific date, which appears on your driving record. You can check the end date of your suspension through the DHSMV online status tool or by calling the DHSMV at 850-617-2000.
A revocation is more serious than a suspension and means your license has been permanently canceled. You must reapply for a new license and may face additional requirements, such as retesting or a waiting period. Revocations usually result from multiple suspensions, serious violations like DUI, or failure to pay traffic fines.
If you believe your suspension or revocation was issued in error, you can request a hearing with the DHSMV. You must submit your request in writing within 10 days of receiving notice of the suspension or revocation. Bring documentation supporting your case, such as proof that points were incorrectly assessed or that you completed a required course.
How to correct errors on your Florida driving record
Errors on your driving record can affect your insurance rates and employment prospects, so it's worth checking for mistakes. Common errors include violations assigned to the wrong date, points that weren't removed after a course completion, or accidents marked as at-fault when they weren't.
To dispute an error, contact the DHSMV in writing with your name, driver's license number, and a detailed description of the error. Include supporting documents such as a court order, proof of course completion, or a police report. Mail your dispute to the DHSMV address listed on their website or submit it through their online dispute form if available.
The DHSMV will investigate your dispute and contact you with the outcome. If the error is confirmed, your record will be corrected. If the DHSMV disagrees, you can request a formal hearing before an administrative judge. The entire process can take 4 to 8 weeks, so submit your dispute as soon as you notice the error.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get my Florida driving record?
An official driving record costs $7.50 whether you order it online, by mail, or in person at an DHSMV office. The online method is fastest and delivers the record to your email when ready. By mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
Can I remove a violation from my record before it expires?
You cannot remove a violation early, but you can reduce points by completing a DHSMV-approved defensive driving course. This removes up to 4 points and is limited to once every 12 months. The violation itself remains on your record, but fewer points may prevent a suspension.
Will a not-at-fault accident show up on my driving record?
Yes, not-at-fault accidents appear on your record and are visible to insurance companies, but they don't add points to your license. Insurance companies may still see the accident when you explore for coverage or renew a policy, though it typically has less impact on your rates than an at-fault accident.
How long does a DUI stay on my Florida driving record?
A DUI conviction remains on your Florida driving record for 75 years. However, it may not affect your driving privileges after a certain period. You can still drive legally once any suspension or revocation ends, but the conviction itself is not removed from your permanent record.
What should I do if I find incorrect information on my record?
Contact the DHSMV in writing with your driver's license number and a description of the error. Include supporting documents like a court order or proof of course completion. The DHSMV will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed, though the process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks.