What your driver record contains and who keeps it
Your driver record is a file maintained by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency—some states call it the Secretary of State or Registry of Motor Vehicles). It tracks your driving history: every license you've held, suspensions or revocations, traffic violations, accidents you reported, and convictions. The record is not kept in one national database; each state maintains its own, though some violations can affect your record across state lines.
Insurance companies, employers, courts, and landlords can request your record with your permission or, in some cases, without it. Law enforcement can see it during a traffic stop. Understanding what appears on your record matters because it directly affects your insurance rates, your ability to get hired for certain jobs, and whether you can keep your license.
Your record is not the same as your credit report. It contains no financial information. It is also separate from your criminal record, though some traffic convictions (like DUI) may appear on both.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV maintains your driver record, which includes violations, accidents, suspensions, and convictions—not a national database.
- You can request your own record directly from your state DMV, usually online or by mail, often for a small fee or free.
- Traffic violations stay on your record for three to seven years depending on the state and the type of violation; serious convictions may stay longer.
- Errors on your record—wrong dates, violations you didn't commit, or dismissed charges—can be corrected by filing a dispute with your DMV.
- Insurance companies and employers see your record when you authorize them to, so knowing what's there helps you understand rate increases or job rejections.
How to get a copy of your own driver record
The fastest way is through your state DMV's website. Most states offer online ordering of your driving record, which you can read when ready or receive by mail within days. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. The fee ranges from free to about $10, depending on your state.
If your state does not offer online ordering, you can visit a DMV office in person with your ID, or mail a request form (available on the DMV website) with a check or money order. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. Some states also allow you to order by phone, though this method is becoming less common.
You have a right to see your own record. You do not need a lawyer or a third-party service to obtain it. Websites that charge $20 or more to "help" you get your record are charging for something you can do yourself for a fraction of the cost.
What violations and incidents stay on your record
Traffic violations—speeding, running a red light, improper lane change—typically remain on your record for three to five years. The exact timeframe varies by state and by violation type. Minor infractions may drop off after three years; more serious violations like reckless driving may stay for five to seven years.
Accidents appear on your record whether or not you were at fault, usually for three to five years. An accident you reported to police or your insurance company will show up; one you did not report may not, though insurance companies have their own records.
Suspensions and revocations stay on your record for the duration of the suspension or revocation, plus additional years after your license is reinstated. A suspension for unpaid tickets might last one year; a revocation for DUI might last five years or longer, and the revocation itself may remain visible on your record indefinitely.
Convictions for serious offenses like DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license can remain on your record for seven to ten years or longer, depending on your state. Some states do not remove them at all.
How to dispute errors on your driver record
If your record contains a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, a dismissed charge that still appears, or a duplicate entry, you can file a dispute. Start by contacting your state DMV's customer service line or visiting a local office with documentation of the error—a court document showing a charge was dismissed, a letter from the court, or a police report that contradicts what appears on your record.
The DMV will ask you to submit your evidence in writing. Some states have a formal dispute form; others accept a letter. Include copies (not originals) of any supporting documents. Mail or deliver this to the address listed on the DMV website for record corrections.
The DMV will investigate, which can take four to eight weeks. They may contact the court or law enforcement agency that reported the violation. If they confirm the error, they will correct your record and send you an updated copy. If they deny your dispute, you can request a hearing before an administrative judge in most states, though this step is uncommon.
Do not pay a third-party service to dispute errors for you. You can do this yourself at no cost beyond postage and copying.
How long violations affect your insurance and employment
Insurance companies use your driving record to set rates. A single speeding ticket might raise your premium by 10 to 15 percent; an accident or DUI can double it or more. Most insurers look back three to five years, though some look back seven. After the violation ages off your DMV record, it may still appear on your insurance record for a year or two longer, so your rates may not drop when ready when the DMV record clears.
Employers who hire drivers—delivery services, rideshare companies, commercial trucking firms—pull your record as part of background checks. A single speeding ticket usually does not disqualify you, but multiple violations, a DUI, or a suspended license will. Some employers also check records for non-driving jobs if the position involves company vehicles or significant responsibility.
You have the right to know if an employer pulled your record and to see what they saw. If you are denied a job because of your record, ask the employer whether it was the driving record or something else, and request a copy of the report they reviewed.
Removing or hiding violations from your record
You cannot remove a violation from your record before the legal timeframe expires. Some states offer record expungement for certain minor violations—usually traffic infractions, not criminal convictions—but only after a set period (often five to seven years) and only if you meet specific conditions, such as having no additional violations during that time.
To explore expungement in your state, contact your state DMV or a local legal aid office. The process varies widely. Some states handle it automatically; others require you to petition the court. A few states do not offer expungement for traffic violations at all.
Beware of services claiming they can remove violations early or "seal" your record. They cannot. Your record is public, and only the DMV and courts can modify it. If a service promises to erase violations or hide them from employers, it is a scam.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent until you go through reinstatement. Both appear on your record when ready and affect your ability to drive legally. Common reasons include unpaid tickets, accumulating too many points, DUI, or failure to pay child support.
If your license is suspended, you will receive a notice from the DMV explaining why and how long it lasts. You must stop driving. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in most states and will add another violation to your record.
To reinstate a suspended license, you typically must pay any outstanding fines, complete any required courses (such as a defensive driving course for point accumulation), and pay a reinstatement fee. Once you meet these conditions, you can explore for reinstatement through your state DMV.
If your license is revoked, reinstatement is more complex and may require a hearing, proof of completion of a substance abuse program (for DUI-related revocations), or a waiting period. Contact your state DMV for the specific steps in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see what my insurance company sees on my driving record?
Insurance companies see the same violations and accidents that appear on your DMV record, but they may also have their own database of claims and incidents. You can request a copy of your insurance record from your insurer; they are required to provide it. This is separate from your DMV record.
How do I know if someone else is checking my driver record?
You do not receive a notification each time someone pulls your record. However, if an employer, insurance company, or lender pulls it, they must have your permission (usually given when you sign an process). If you suspect unauthorized access, contact your state DMV's fraud department.
Will a ticket I got dismissed still show up on my record?
It should not. Dismissed charges are typically removed from your DMV record, though the removal can take weeks or months. If a dismissed ticket still appears after 60 days, file a dispute with your DMV and include a copy of the court document showing dismissal.
Does my driving record follow me if I move to another state?
Your old state's record stays with that state's DMV. When you get a license in your new state, the new state can see your previous state's record through the National Driver Register. Violations from your old state may affect your new state's point system and insurance rates, but they do not automatically transfer.
How much does it cost to get my driver record?
Most states charge between free and $10 for a copy of your own record ordered online or by mail. In-person requests at a DMV office may be free or cost a few dollars. Third-party websites charge $15 to $30 or more, but you do not need them.