Where to get your Florida driving record

Your Florida driving record is held by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You can request it directly from them in person, by mail, or online through their official website. The fastest method is the online portal, which gives you access within minutes. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can visit any Florida Driver License office in person, or mail a request to the DHSMV with a check or money order.

The DHSMV charges a fee for each record request — the amount varies depending on whether you want a standard record or a certified copy. A standard record costs less and works for most personal purposes, like checking for errors or reviewing your own history. A certified copy, which includes an official seal and signature, costs more but is required if you need to show the record to an employer, insurance company, or court.

You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and Florida driver license number. If you do not have a current Florida license, you can still request your record using your name and date of birth, though the process may take longer by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The Florida DHSMV holds your driving record and offers three ways to request it: online (fastest), in person at any Driver License office, or by mail.
  • You will pay a fee that varies based on whether you want a standard or certified copy; certified copies are required for employers and insurance companies.
  • Online requests typically arrive within minutes; mail requests take one to two weeks depending on processing time.
  • You need your full name, date of birth, and Florida driver license number to request your record.
  • Your record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points assessed against your license.

Requesting your record online through the DHSMV website

Go to the official DHSMV website and look for the "Driver Records" or "Request Your Driving Record" section. You will create an account or log in if you already have one. Enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you options for the type of record you want.

Select whether you need a standard record (for your own review) or a certified record (for official use). Pay the fee using a credit or debit card. Once payment processes, you can view and print your record when ready, or it will be emailed to you within a few minutes. Keep a copy for your records, especially if you plan to dispute any information on it.

Getting your record in person at a Driver License office

Find your nearest Florida Driver License office using the DHSMV office locator on their website. Bring your current Florida driver license or a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have your license number memorized, bring the license itself. You can request either a standard or certified record at the counter.

Wait times at Driver License offices vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter lines. The staff will process your request while you wait, and you will receive your record in person. If you need a certified copy, they will provide it with the official seal and signature included.

Requesting your record by mail

read the official DHSMV form for requesting driving records from their website, or call the DHSMV to request one be mailed to you. Fill out the form completely with your full name, date of birth, and driver license number. Include a check or money order for the correct fee — call ahead to confirm the current amount, as fees change periodically.

Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form, which is typically the DHSMV headquarters in Tallahassee. Include a return address where you want the record sent. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your request, plus mailing time in both directions. If you need the record quickly, the online or in-person methods are faster.

What information appears on your Florida driving record

Your record shows your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), all traffic violations from the past three to five years, any accidents you reported to law enforcement, and points assessed against your license. Points accumulate when you receive certain violations — for example, a speeding ticket adds points, while a stop sign violation adds different points. Accumulating too many points in a short time triggers a license suspension.

The record also displays any administrative actions taken against your license, such as suspensions for unpaid tickets, failure to pay child support, or medical conditions. It shows whether you have a commercial driver license (CDL) and any restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses or an ignition interlock device. Your record does not include insurance claims or accidents you did not report to police.

Checking for errors on your record

Review your record carefully for any violations, accidents, or suspensions you do not recognize. Errors do happen — a violation may be listed under your name when it actually belongs to someone else, or a ticket you paid may still show as unpaid. If you find an error, contact the DHSMV in writing with documentation of the correct information.

For violations you believe are incorrect, include a copy of the ticket or court documents showing the violation was dismissed or the charge was reduced. For suspensions that should have been lifted, include proof of payment or completion of required steps. The DHSMV will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process typically takes four to six weeks. Request an updated record after the correction is made to confirm the change.

Understanding points and license suspension in Florida

Florida uses a points system to track driving safety. When you receive a traffic violation, the court assigns points to your license based on the severity of the violation. Speeding 1 to 15 miles over the limit is 3 points; speeding 16 to 30 miles over is 4 points; reckless driving is 4 points. Accumulating 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months triggers a mandatory license suspension.

Your driving record shows your current point total. If you are close to suspension, you may be able to reduce points by completing a defensive driving course approved by the DHSMV. Completing the course removes up to 4 points from your record. Points also drop off your record over time — most violations stop counting after three to five years, though serious violations like DUI may remain longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my record if I request it online?

Online records are available to view and print when ready after you complete payment. If you request it be emailed instead, it arrives within a few minutes. This is the fastest method available.

Can I request someone else's driving record?

No. Florida law restricts access to driving records. You can only request your own record unless you have a legal reason (such as being an attorney in a case) and the proper court authorization. Employers and insurance companies must request records directly from the DHSMV with the driver's written consent.

What does it mean if my license shows as suspended?

A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid and you cannot legally drive. Common reasons include accumulating too many points, failing to pay a ticket, or failure to pay child support. Your record will show the reason for the suspension and what you must do to restore it — usually paying outstanding fines or completing a required course.

How far back does my driving record go?

Most violations appear on your record for three to five years from the date of the violation. DUI convictions remain longer, typically seven to ten years. Your record also shows current suspensions and revocations regardless of how old they are, until they are lifted.

Do I need a certified copy of my record, or will a standard copy work?

A standard copy works for your own review and personal use. A certified copy, which includes an official seal and signature, is required when you need to show your record to an employer, insurance company, court, or government agency. Ask whoever is requesting the record which type they need before you order.