Where to get your driving record

Your driving record is kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the exact name varies by state. You can request your record directly from that agency, either online, by mail, or in person at a local office. Most states now offer online ordering, which is the fastest route and usually costs between $5 and $20.

Some states let you view your record when ready online if you log in with a driver's license number and date of birth. Others mail a printed copy within 5 to 10 business days. A few states still require you to visit an office in person or submit a paper form by mail. Check your state DMV's website to see which methods are available where you live.

You can also order your record through a third-party service — companies like LexisNexis, Experian, or your insurance company sometimes offer this. These services charge a fee and add processing time, so going directly to your state DMV is usually faster and cheaper.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV keeps your driving record and is the official source — order directly from them rather than through a third-party service.
  • Most states offer online ordering that shows your record within minutes or delivers it by mail within 5 to 10 days.
  • You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number to request your record.
  • Your record includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points or violations that affect your insurance rates.

What information appears on your driving record

Your driving record shows traffic violations you received — speeding tickets, red light violations, reckless driving charges, and similar infractions. It also includes at-fault accidents you reported to police or your insurance company, license suspensions or revocations, and any points assessed against your license. The exact items and how long they stay on your record depend on your state's rules.

Most states keep violations on your record for 3 to 7 years, though serious offenses like DUI may stay longer. Some states remove violations after a certain time has passed; others keep them permanently but stop counting them toward your license status after a set period. Your record will also show if you have paid outstanding fines or if any tickets remain unpaid.

Insurance companies use your driving record to set your rates, so violations and accidents directly affect what you pay for coverage. Employers, landlords, and loan companies may also request your record as part of a background check, depending on the job or situation.

How to order your record online

Go to your state DMV's official website and look for a link labeled "Order Driving Record," "View Driving Record," or "Request Driving History." The exact wording varies by state. Click that link and you will be taken to an ordering page or a login portal.

You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your full name and Social Security number. Some states ask additional security questions to confirm your identity. Once you have entered this information, you can usually choose whether you want the record mailed to you or displayed on screen when ready.

If your state offers when ready online viewing, you will see your record right away and can print or read it. If your state mails records, you will pay a fee (usually $5 to $20) and receive the record within 5 to 10 business days. Keep the confirmation number or receipt they provide — you may need it to track your order or contact the DMV if something goes wrong.

Ordering by mail or in person

If your state does not offer online ordering, you can request your record by mail. read the request form from your state DMV website, fill it out with your driver's license number and date of birth, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the fee — do not send cash through the mail.

Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, longer if your state is backlogged. Some states allow you to expedite the request for an additional fee, which can cut the time to 5 to 10 business days. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the DMV can mail your record back to you.

You can also visit a local DMV office in person and request your record at the counter. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay the fee on the spot. You may receive your record when ready or be told to return in a few days. Call ahead to confirm your local office has the record-ordering service available and what hours they operate.

Understanding points, violations, and how long they stay

Most states use a point system where each violation adds a certain number of points to your license. A minor speeding ticket might be 2 or 3 points; a reckless driving charge might be 4 to 6 points. When your total reaches a threshold — often 12 to 15 points depending on your state — your license may be suspended. Points typically drop off your record after 3 to 5 years, though the violation itself may stay visible longer.

Some states do not use points but instead track violations by type and frequency. A single speeding ticket might not affect your license, but multiple violations within a short time can trigger suspension. Check your state DMV website to understand how your state's system works and what each violation on your record means for your license status.

If you see a violation on your record that you believe is wrong — a ticket you paid that still shows as unpaid, or a violation you did not receive — contact your state DMV to dispute it. You will need to provide proof, such as a receipt showing payment or documentation that the ticket was dismissed in court. The DMV will investigate and correct your record if the error is confirmed.

What to do if your record has errors

If your driving record shows a violation you did not commit, a ticket you already paid, or an accident you were not involved in, you can request a correction. Contact your state DMV and explain the error. You will likely need to provide supporting documentation — a court record showing the ticket was dismissed, a receipt proving you paid the fine, or a police report showing you were not at fault in an accident.

The DMV will review your evidence and either correct the record or deny your request. If they deny it, you can usually appeal the decision or request a hearing. The process varies by state, so check your DMV's website for the specific steps to dispute an error in your record.

Correcting errors takes time — sometimes several weeks or months — so start the process as soon as you notice a problem. If you need your record for a job or insurance quote and you know there is an error, tell the employer or insurance company about the dispute while you work on getting it corrected.

Using your record for insurance, employment, or other purposes

Insurance companies request your driving record to calculate your rates. A clean record with no violations or accidents keeps your premiums lower. Each violation or accident typically raises your rate, and the increase depends on how serious the violation was and how recently it occurred. Some insurers offer discounts if you take a defensive driving course, which may also remove a point from your record in some states.

Employers may request your driving record if the job involves driving — delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking, or similar roles. A suspension, DUI, or pattern of violations can disqualify you from these positions. Some employers also check driving records for jobs that do not involve driving as part of a general background check.

Landlords and loan companies may also request your record as part of a background check, though this is less common. If you are denied housing, employment, or credit based on your driving record, you have the right to know what information was used and to dispute any errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my driving record?

Check your record at least once a year to catch errors early and monitor what insurers and employers will see. If you have received recent violations or been in an accident, check it again after a few weeks to confirm the information has been recorded correctly.

Can I see my driving record if someone else requests it?

No. Your driving record is private information. Only you, your insurance company, employers you authorize, and courts can access it. If you suspect someone has requested your record without permission, contact your state DMV to ask about access logs.

Does my driving record include parking tickets?

Parking tickets do not appear on your driving record. They are handled separately by your city or county and do not affect your license or insurance rates. However, unpaid parking tickets can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or a hold on vehicle registration renewal.

How long does a DUI stay on my driving record?

A DUI typically stays on your driving record for 7 to 10 years, though some states keep it permanently. The exact length depends on your state and whether it was your first offense. Even after it ages off your record, it may still appear in background checks for employment or housing.

What if my record shows an accident I was not at fault for?

An accident will appear on your record whether you were at fault or not — the record straightforward documents that you were involved. However, your insurance company and employers can see fault information from the police report or insurance claim. Request a copy of the police report to confirm fault is recorded correctly, and provide that to your insurance company if needed.