What a driving record lookup shows you
A driving record lookup returns the official history of your driving activity as recorded by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. This record includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and sometimes parking violations depending on your state. The record does not include your vehicle's mechanical history or ownership — that is what a VIN check covers. Your driving record is what insurers, employers, and courts see when they need to know whether you have been cited, convicted, or had your license restricted.
Each state maintains its own driving records system and uses different terminology, point systems, and retention periods. A violation that stays on your record for three years in one state might remain for seven years in another. Some states distinguish between convictions and dismissals; others do not. Understanding what your own record contains is the first step to knowing what third parties might see about you.
Key Takeaways
- You can request your own driving record directly from your state DMV, usually online, by mail, or in person, and the process typically costs between $5 and $15.
- Your state's DMV website will specify which violations appear on your record, how long they remain, and whether you can view it yourself or must request it by mail.
- Some states allow you to order your record online with a credit card and receive it by email within hours; others require a mailed check and take one to two weeks.
- Knowing what is on your record helps you spot errors, prepare for insurance quotes, and understand what employers or courts will see.
- Expungement or record sealing rules vary by state and violation type, so contact your state's DMV or a traffic attorney if you want to remove or hide a violation.
How to order your record from your state DMV
Start by visiting your state's DMV website and searching for "driving record request" or "motor vehicle record." Most states offer at least two methods: online ordering and mail-in request. Online ordering is faster — you enter your license number, date of birth, and sometimes the last four digits of your Social Security number, pay a fee by credit card, and receive the record by email or can print it when ready. This typically takes minutes to a few hours.
If your state does not offer online ordering, you will need to complete a paper form (usually called an "process for Driving Record" or "Request for Motor Vehicle Record"), sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to your state DMV. Processing time for mail requests ranges from one to three weeks depending on the state and current volume. Some states also allow you to request your record in person at a local DMV office, which is the fastest option if you have a branch nearby.
A few states require you to provide a reason for the request — for example, "personal use," "insurance," or "employment." If prompted, select the reason that applies to you. States do this to track demand but do not deny requests based on the reason given.
What information you need to provide
To order your driving record, have the following ready: your full legal name as it appears on your license, your driver's license number, your date of birth, and your current address. Some states also ask for your Social Security number or the last four digits of it. If you are requesting someone else's record (which most states do not allow without written consent), you will need that person's signed authorization form.
If you have changed your name since you received your license, bring documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) when you request your record, or note the previous name on your mail-in form. This ensures the DMV pulls the correct record, since violations from before the name change may still be filed under your former name.
Differences in what states report and how long violations stay on record
Retention periods vary significantly. Most states keep traffic convictions on your record for three to five years from the conviction date, but some keep them for seven to ten years. Accidents typically remain for three to five years. License suspensions and revocations stay on record for the duration of the suspension plus a set period afterward — often five to seven years total. A few states, like South Carolina, keep all violations indefinitely but may not report very old violations to insurers.
Some states separate "convictions" from "dismissals" or "not guilty" verdicts, so a ticket you fought and won may not appear on your record at all. Others list all citations regardless of outcome. A handful of states include parking violations on the driving record; most do not. Check your state's DMV website for its specific retention policy, or call the DMV directly if the website is unclear.
If you see a violation on your record that you believe is incorrect — a ticket you paid off that still shows as unpaid, or a conviction that was dismissed — contact your state DMV's records correction department. You will need to provide documentation (a court dismissal letter, proof of payment, etc.) to request a correction. This process can take several weeks.
Why employers and insurers request your driving record
Employers in transportation, delivery, rideshare, and commercial driving roles routinely request driving records as part of background checks. Insurance companies pull your record when you explore for auto insurance or renew a policy. Courts and law enforcement can access your record to determine sentencing, license suspension length, or whether you are a repeat offender. Landlords and lenders occasionally request it as well, though less commonly.
When a third party requests your record, they typically receive what is called a "three-year record" or "five-year record" — a summary of violations within that timeframe. They do not automatically see your entire lifetime history, though some employers and insurers may request a longer period. Your own copy of your record is usually the same version a third party would see, so reviewing it yourself gives you a preview of what others will find.
Removing or hiding violations from your record
Once a violation is on your record, you cannot straightforward delete it. However, depending on your state and the type of violation, you may be able to have it expunged (completely removed from public record) or sealed (hidden from most employers and insurers but still visible to law enforcement and courts). Expungement and sealing rules differ dramatically by state and by violation type.
Some states allow expungement only for dismissed charges or acquittals. Others allow it for certain misdemeanors after a waiting period (often three to five years with no new violations). A few states do not offer expungement for traffic violations at all. To find out whether your violation is may be able to access, contact your state's DMV or consult a traffic attorney in your state. If you are may be able to access, you will need to file a petition with the court that handled your case, and the process typically takes two to six months.
An alternative in some states is traffic school or defensive driving course completion, which can result in the violation being dismissed or hidden from your insurance record (though it may still appear on your DMV record). This option is usually available only for minor violations and only if you have not used it within a certain period — often three to five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get my driving record?
Most states charge between $5 and $15 for a copy of your driving record. Online orders are usually at the lower end of that range; mail-in requests sometimes cost slightly more. Some states offer the first copy free per year or provide free records to certain groups (military, seniors, etc.). Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and any discounts you may may have access to for.
Can I see my driving record online without ordering a copy?
Some states allow you to view a summary of your record online through your DMV account if you have one set up, but not all. A few states require you to order an official copy to see the full details. Check your state's DMV website to see whether online viewing is available. If it is not, ordering a copy is the only way to see your complete record.
How long does it take to get my record if I order online?
Online orders typically arrive by email within a few hours to one business day. Some states allow you to print it when ready after payment. Mail-in requests take one to three weeks depending on the state's processing time and mail delivery. If you need your record urgently, check whether your state offers in-person pickup at a DMV office.
Will ordering my own record affect my insurance rates or anything else?
No. Ordering your own driving record does not trigger any action by insurers, employers, or courts. Only when a third party formally requests your record — such as when you explore for insurance or a job — will they see it. Checking your own record has no consequences.
What if I find an error on my driving record?
Contact your state DMV's records correction or dispute department and provide documentation of the error (court dismissal letter, proof of payment, etc.). The DMV will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process usually takes two to four weeks. If the DMV denies your correction request, you can file an appeal or consult a traffic attorney.