What a driving record check reveals
A driving record check pulls your official history from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It shows traffic violations you've received, accidents you've reported, license suspensions or revocations, points on your license, and sometimes parking violations. The record is maintained by the state where you hold your license, not by a national database.
Insurance companies, employers, landlords, and courts use driving records to assess risk. If you're shopping for car insurance, the insurer will pull your record to set your rates. If you're explore for a job that involves driving, the employer will likely request one. Understanding what's on your record helps you know what others will see about you.
Key Takeaways
- Your driving record is maintained by your state's DMV and includes violations, accidents, license status, and points.
- You can request your own record directly from your state DMV in person, by mail, or online—the method varies by state.
- Third-party services can pull your record, but you have the right to see what they found before they share it with employers or insurers.
- Violations and accidents stay on your record for three to seven years depending on the state and the type of incident.
- If your record contains errors, you can dispute them with your DMV by submitting documentation and a formal request.
How to request your own driving record
The fastest way to see your record is to request it directly from your state DMV. Most states now offer online ordering through their DMV website—you'll enter your license number, date of birth, and sometimes the last four digits of your Social Security number. The record typically arrives by email or mail within one to two weeks, though some states offer when ready digital copies.
If your state doesn't offer online ordering, you can request the record in person at a local DMV office or by mail. In-person requests are usually processed the same day. Mail requests take longer—typically two to four weeks. Some states charge a small fee, usually between $5 and $15, though the cost varies.
Before you request, check your state's DMV website to confirm the exact process and any fees. The website will also tell you what documents you need to bring if you're going in person, such as your driver's license or state ID.
What third-party services pull and how to protect yourself
Insurance companies, employers, and rental agencies often use third-party services to pull your driving record instead of requesting it themselves. These services access the same DMV database you can access, but they do it on behalf of the organization requesting your information.
You have the right to know what record was pulled about you. If an employer or insurer uses your driving record to make a decision about you—such as denying you a job or raising your insurance rate—they must tell you which service pulled the record and give you a way to dispute any errors. This is required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Ask the employer or insurer for the name and contact information of the service that pulled your record, then contact that service directly to review what they found.
If you spot an error in a third-party report, you can dispute it with both the service and the DMV. The service is required to investigate your dispute within 30 days.
How long violations and accidents stay on your record
The length of time a violation or accident remains on your driving record depends on your state and the type of incident. Minor violations like speeding typically stay for three to five years. More serious violations like reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI) often stay for seven to ten years or longer. Some states keep DUI convictions on your record permanently.
Accidents usually remain for three to five years, whether or not you were at fault. However, the accident won't affect your insurance rates as long as it does—insurers typically stop using an accident to calculate rates after three to five years, even if it's still on your DMV record.
Points assigned for violations also expire, but the timeline varies. In most states, points drop off after a set period—often three to five years—if you don't receive any new violations during that time. Check your state's DMV website to confirm the exact timeline for your situation.
Disputing errors on your driving record
If your record contains an error—such as a violation you didn't receive, an accident that wasn't your fault, or a suspension that was already lifted—you can dispute it with your DMV. Start by gathering documentation that supports your claim: a court dismissal letter, proof of payment, a police report, or correspondence from the DMV showing the issue was resolved.
Contact your state DMV and ask for the process to dispute a record error. Most states require you to submit a written request along with your supporting documents. Some allow you to submit the dispute online, by mail, or in person. The DMV will investigate and respond within 30 to 60 days, though the timeline varies by state.
If the DMV denies your dispute, you may have the right to request a hearing or appeal. Ask the DMV what your options are if you disagree with their decision.
Why employers and insurers request your driving record
Employers in transportation, delivery, rideshare, and commercial driving roles routinely request driving records as part of hiring. They use the record to assess whether you're a safe driver and a low liability risk. Some employers also request records for positions that don't involve driving but require a background check.
Insurance companies pull your record to set your premium and decide whether to insure you at all. A clean record typically means lower rates. Violations and accidents increase your rate or may cause an insurer to decline coverage. Rental car companies and some landlords also pull records, though less commonly than employers and insurers.
Understanding that your record is visible to these organizations helps you know what they'll see before they make a decision about you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my driving record?
Check your record at least once a year to catch any errors early. If you've recently received a ticket or been in an accident, check it again after the incident is resolved to confirm it was recorded correctly. If you're about to explore for a job or insurance, pull your record beforehand so you know what the employer or insurer will see.
Will checking my own driving record hurt my credit or show up anywhere?
No. Checking your own driving record does not affect your credit score and does not create a record that others can see. Only official inquiries from employers, insurers, or courts show up on your DMV file. You can check your record as often as you want without any negative consequences.
Can I remove a violation from my driving record?
You cannot remove a violation that you actually received, but you may be able to reduce its impact. Some states offer traffic school or defensive driving courses that remove points from your record or prevent points from being added. Others allow you to contest a ticket in court. If you were wrongly cited, you can dispute the violation through your DMV or fight it in traffic court.
What's the difference between my driving record and my driving abstract?
A driving abstract is a shortened version of your full driving record. It typically shows only the most recent violations and your current license status, while your full record includes older incidents. Some employers and insurers request an abstract instead of the full record. Both come from your state DMV.
If I move to a new state, does my old driving record follow me?
Yes. Your violations and accidents remain on file in the state where they occurred. When you get a license in a new state, the new state's DMV can access your history from other states through the National Driver Register. Insurance companies and employers can also pull records from multiple states if needed.