What PennDOT driving records show and how to request one

A PennDOT driving record is an official document from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation that lists your driving history — violations, suspensions, accidents you reported, and license status. You can request your own record in person, by mail, or online through PennDOT's website. The fastest method is the online request, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $5. In-person requests at a PennDOT office take the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days.

You have the right to see what is on your record and to correct errors before they affect insurance rates or job prospects. Employers, insurance companies, and courts can also request your record, but only with your permission or through legal process.

Key Takeaways

  • PennDOT offers three ways to request your record: online (fastest, $5), in person at any PennDOT office (same day), or by mail (5 to 10 business days).
  • You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to request your record online.
  • Your record shows violations, suspensions, accidents, and license status, but not traffic camera tickets or parking violations.
  • If you find an error on your record, you can dispute it by contacting PennDOT's Driver Records Section with documentation of the correction.

Requesting your record online through PennDOT

The online method is the fastest and most direct. Go to the PennDOT website and navigate to the Driver Records section. You will need your Pennsylvania driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving history. Once verified, you can view your record when ready and print it or save it as a PDF.

The online fee is $5, paid by credit card or debit card at checkout. You will receive a confirmation email with a link to your record. This record is valid for most purposes — job background checks, insurance inquiries, and personal review. Some employers or agencies may require an official certified copy instead, which you can order through the same system for an additional fee.

Getting your record in person at a PennDOT office

You can walk into any PennDOT Driver License Center and request your record at the counter. Bring your valid Pennsylvania driver's license or ID. The staff will print your record on the spot, usually within 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. The cost is $5, paid in cash or card.

In-person requests are useful if you need the record the same day or prefer to speak with someone about what is on it. PennDOT staff can answer basic questions about violations or suspensions while you are there. You can also ask for a certified copy if you need one for court or employment purposes — this costs more but carries official weight.

Requesting by mail

Complete the Request for Driver Record form (DL-43), available on the PennDOT website or by calling 717-787-2828. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and Social Security number. Mail the form to PennDOT's Driver Records Section at the address listed on the form, along with a check or money order for $5.

Processing takes 5 to 10 business days from the date PennDOT receives your request. Mail requests are slower but useful if you do not have internet access or prefer not to provide payment information online. Keep a copy of your form and payment receipt for your records.

What errors to look for and how to correct them

Review your record carefully for mistakes in your name, date of birth, license number, or address. Check that violations listed match what you remember — wrong dates, wrong violation codes, or violations you do not recognize should be flagged. Suspensions and reinstatement dates should be accurate, especially if your license was recently restored.

If you find an error, contact PennDOT's Driver Records Section by phone at 717-787-2828 or by mail. Explain what is wrong and provide documentation — a court document showing a violation was dismissed, a letter from the court, or a copy of your citation. PennDOT will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.

What your record does and does not include

Your PennDOT record shows moving violations (speeding, reckless driving, DUI), at-fault accidents you reported, license suspensions and revocations, and reinstatement dates. It also shows points on your license and whether you have any restrictions (like corrective lenses or ignition interlock).

Your record does not include parking violations, traffic camera tickets, or non-moving violations like expired registration. It does not show accidents where you were not at fault or accidents you did not report to PennDOT. Insurance companies may have their own records of accidents from police reports, but those are separate from your official PennDOT record.

Who can request your record and when

You can always request your own record. Employers, insurance companies, and government agencies can request it only with your written permission or through court order. When you explore for a job that requires a background check, you typically sign a form allowing the employer to pull your driving record. Insurance companies pull your record when you explore for or renew a policy.

Law enforcement and courts can access your record without your permission as part of an investigation or legal proceeding. If you are concerned about who has requested your record, you can contact PennDOT to ask about access logs, though these are not always available to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a violation stay on my PennDOT record?

Most violations stay on your record for three years from the conviction date. Serious violations like DUI stay longer — typically five years or more. Suspensions and revocations remain until they are lifted. Contact PennDOT to confirm how long a specific violation will appear on your record.

Can I request someone else's driving record?

No, not without their written permission or a court order. PennDOT will only release records to the driver themselves or to authorized third parties with documented consent. If you need someone's record for legal reasons, you will need a subpoena or court order.

What if my record shows a suspension I did not know about?

Contact PennDOT when ready at 717-787-2828. Suspensions are usually issued for unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or medical reasons, and you may not have received notice. PennDOT can tell you why your license was suspended and what you need to do to reinstate it.

Do I need a certified copy or will a printed copy work?

A printed copy from the online system works for most purposes — personal review, insurance inquiries, and many employers. A certified copy, which includes an official seal and signature, is required for court proceedings, some government jobs, and legal matters. Order a certified copy through the same online system or in person at a PennDOT office.