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. Some states call it the Department of Public Safety, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, or the Secretary of State's office. You can request your record directly from that agency, either online through their website, by mail, or in person at a local office.
Most states now offer online ordering, which is the fastest route. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. The fee ranges from about $5 to $15 depending on the state. Some states offer a free version that shows only violations and suspensions, while a paid version includes accident history and insurance inquiries.
If you don't know your state's DMV website, search "[your state] DMV driving record" or call the main DMV number. They can tell you the exact steps and whether you can order online or must mail a request form.
Key Takeaways
- Your driving record is maintained by your state's DMV or equivalent agency, and you can request it online, by mail, or in person.
- The record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and insurance inquiries — but not all accidents appear unless they were reported to police.
- You should check your record before explore for insurance or a job that requires a driving history, because errors do occur and you have the right to correct them.
- Violations typically stay on your record for three to seven years, though serious offenses like DUI may remain longer depending on your state.
- If you find an error, contact your state DMV with documentation and request a correction in writing.
What appears on your driving record
A standard driving record shows traffic violations (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), license suspensions or revocations, accidents you reported to police or your insurance company, and sometimes insurance inquiries made by potential insurers. It does not show accidents that were never reported to authorities or your insurer.
The record also displays your current license status — whether it's valid, suspended, revoked, or expired — and any restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or commercial driving limitations). Some states include points assigned for violations, which accumulate and can trigger a suspension if they reach a certain threshold.
What does not appear: parking tickets, criminal convictions unrelated to driving, or accidents where no police report was filed and neither party reported it to insurance. Your personal information like address and Social Security number may be redacted on the copy you receive, depending on your state's privacy rules.
How long violations stay on your record
The time violations remain visible varies by state and by offense type. Most minor violations (speeding, failure to stop) stay on your record for three to five years. More serious violations like reckless driving or driving with a suspended license typically remain for five to seven years. DUI convictions often stay for seven to ten years, and some states keep them permanently.
Even after a violation ages off your driving record, it may still appear in background checks or criminal records if it resulted in a conviction. Insurance companies also maintain their own records and may use violations that no longer appear on your DMV record when calculating rates.
The clock usually starts from the date of the violation or the date of conviction, not the date you paid the fine. If you're unsure how long a specific violation will remain on your record, contact your state DMV directly — they can tell you the exact retention period for your state's rules.
Correcting errors on your driving record
Mistakes do happen: a violation may be recorded under the wrong date, a dismissed ticket might still show as a conviction, or an accident might be attributed to you incorrectly. If you spot an error, contact your state DMV in writing with documentation that supports the correction — a court dismissal letter, a police report, or correspondence from the court.
Include your driver's license number, the specific error you're reporting, and copies of supporting documents. Send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery. The DMV will investigate and either correct the record or send you a letter explaining why they cannot make the change.
If the DMV denies your correction request, you may have the right to request a hearing or file a dispute. The process varies by state, so ask the DMV what your options are if they reject your first request.
Why you should check your record before major decisions
Insurance companies and employers that require driving history will order your record as part of their review. If your record contains errors, you could be denied coverage, charged higher rates, or rejected for a job based on false information. Checking your record yourself first gives you a chance to spot and correct problems before they affect you.
Some employers, particularly those hiring for delivery, rideshare, or commercial driving roles, will see your full record including accidents and violations. Insurance companies use your record to set rates and determine whether to cover you at all. A single error — like a violation you actually fought and won — can cost you money or opportunity if it's not corrected.
Checking your record is also useful if you're concerned about identity theft. If violations or accidents appear that you didn't cause, that's a sign someone may have used your license number or personal information fraudulently.
Understanding points and license suspension
Many states use a points system: each violation adds a certain number of points to your record. Accumulating too many points within a set time period (often three years) triggers an automatic license suspension. For example, a state might suspend your license if you reach 12 points in three years, though the threshold varies.
Some violations carry more points than others. A speeding ticket might be 2 points, while reckless driving could be 4 or 5. You can sometimes reduce points by completing a defensive driving course, though this option is not available in all states and not for all violations.
If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense and will add more violations to your record. If you receive notice of suspension, contact your DMV when ready to understand what you must do to restore your license — this might include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Requesting records for someone else
You generally cannot order someone else's driving record without their permission, even if you're a family member. States have privacy laws that protect driving records. However, you can order your own record at any time, and an insurance company or employer can order a record if the person has given written consent.
If you need someone else's record — for example, before hiring them as a driver or before allowing them to drive your vehicle — ask them to order it themselves and provide you with a copy. Some states allow third parties to order records if they have a legitimate business reason and the driver's consent, but the process and rules differ by state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my driving record?
Once a year is reasonable, especially if you drive regularly or are about to explore for insurance or a job. If you've had a violation or accident, check within a few weeks to make sure it was recorded correctly. After that, checking every year or two helps catch errors early.
Will checking my own driving record affect my insurance rates?
No. Checking your own record is an inquiry you make directly to the DMV and does not trigger an insurance company inquiry. Insurance companies only see your record if they order it themselves, which they typically do when you request a quote or renew a policy.
Can I remove a violation from my driving record?
You cannot remove a violation that actually occurred and was properly recorded. However, if the violation was dismissed in court, you can request that the DMV correct the record to show the dismissal. Some states also allow you to petition for record expungement after a certain time period, but this is rare and usually only for very minor violations.
What if my record shows an accident I wasn't in?
Contact your state DMV when ready with documentation showing you were not involved — such as a police report, insurance correspondence, or other proof. Provide your driver's license number and the details of the accident as it appears on your record. The DMV will investigate and correct the record if they determine the accident was recorded in error.
Does my driving record affect my credit score?
Driving violations themselves do not appear on your credit report or affect your credit score. However, if you fail to pay a traffic fine and it goes to collections, that debt could appear on your credit report and lower your score. Paying traffic fines on time keeps them off your credit history.