Where to get your driving record at no cost
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency keeps your driving record and will send it to you for free or a small fee — usually between $0 and $15. The fastest way is to request it online through your state's DMV website, which often takes one to three business days. If your state does not offer online ordering, you can request by mail or phone, though mail requests typically take one to two weeks.
Every state handles this differently. Some states mail the record to your home address automatically. Others require you to pick it up in person at a local DMV office. A few states let you view it when ready online if you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. Start by going to your state's DMV website and searching for "driving record request" or "abstract of driving record" — the exact name varies by state.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV keeps your driving record and will send it to you for free or under $15 through their official website or by mail.
- Online requests through your state DMV typically arrive in one to three business days, while mail requests take one to two weeks.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number to request your record.
- Your driving record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points or convictions — but not speeding tickets you were not cited for.
- Third-party websites that claim to show your record for free often require you to enter personal information and may try to sell you other products.
What information appears on your driving record
Your official driving record lists traffic violations you were cited for, at-fault accidents you reported to your insurance or police, license suspensions or revocations, and any points or convictions on your record. It does not include speeding or traffic violations you were not formally cited for, parking tickets, or accidents where you were not at fault.
The record shows the date of each violation, what you were cited for, the fine amount (if applicable), and whether you paid it or contested it in court. Some states also list insurance claims you reported, though this varies. Your record is what insurers, employers, and courts see when they request it — so checking it yourself lets you spot errors before they affect your rates or a job process.
Requesting your record online through your state DMV
Go to your state's official DMV website. Look for a link labeled "driving record," "abstract of driving record," "request your record," or "order driving history." Click it and you will usually be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number or the last four digits of your SSN.
Some states let you view your record when ready on screen. Others will mail it to the address on file with your license within one to three business days. A few states charge a small fee ($5 to $15) even for the first copy; others give you one free copy per year. When you complete the request, the website will tell you the cost and delivery method before you confirm.
If your state's website does not offer online ordering, look for a phone number or mailing address to request by mail or phone. Mail requests require you to fill out a form (usually available as a PDF on the DMV website), include a copy of your driver's license, and send it with a check or money order. Include a return address and allow one to two weeks for delivery.
Picking up your record in person at the DMV
Some states require you to pick up your driving record at a local DMV office rather than having it mailed. If that is the case for your state, you will see that option on the request form or website. Bring your driver's license and any form of ID. You may need to fill out a short form at the counter, or the staff may print it on the spot.
In-person pickup usually takes 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Call ahead to confirm your local DMV has the record in stock, especially if you are requesting an older or detailed version. Some offices can print it when ready; others may ask you to return the next day.
Avoiding third-party websites and scams
Many websites advertise "free driving records" but actually require you to enter your personal information and then try to sell you other products like background checks, credit monitoring, or insurance quotes. These are not scams in the legal sense, but they are not free — you will end up paying for something you did not intend to buy, or your information will be sold to marketers.
The only free or low-cost source is your state's official DMV website. If you are unsure whether a website is official, type your state name plus "DMV" into a search engine and go directly to the government domain (usually ending in .gov). Do not click links from ads or third-party sites. Your state DMV will never ask you to pay upfront to see your record, and they will not try to sell you insurance or credit monitoring.
What to do if you find errors on your record
If your driving record shows a violation you do not remember, an accident you did not report, or a conviction that was dismissed, contact your state DMV in writing. Include a copy of your record, a description of the error, and any supporting documents (court dismissal paperwork, insurance records, or photos of the accident). The DMV will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed.
Corrections can take four to eight weeks. If the error is affecting your insurance rates or a job process, ask the DMV for a letter stating the correction is under review. Keep copies of everything you send and get a tracking number or receipt if you submit by mail. Some states let you dispute errors online through their DMV portal.
How often your record updates
Your driving record updates within one to three business days of a citation being issued or an accident being reported to police. However, the record you request may not reflect the most recent violation if it was just issued. If you were cited yesterday, it may not appear on your official record for several days.
Violations typically stay on your record for three to seven years, depending on your state and the type of violation. Minor infractions (like a parking ticket) may drop off sooner, while serious violations (like a DUI) may stay for 10 years or longer. Your state DMV website will specify how long each type of violation remains on your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my driving record online without going to the DMV?
Yes, most states let you order your record online through their DMV website and have it mailed to you. A few states also let you view it when ready online if you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. Check your state's DMV website to see which option is available.
Will checking my own driving record affect my insurance rates?
No. Checking your own record is a soft inquiry and does not affect your rates or credit. Only when an insurance company or employer requests your record does it show up as an official inquiry on your DMV file.
What if my state's DMV website is down or not working?
Call your state DMV's phone number (listed on their website) and request your record by phone. You can also mail a request form with a copy of your driver's license and a check or money order. Mail requests take longer but are reliable if the website is temporarily unavailable.
Do I need to pay for my first copy of my driving record?
It depends on your state. Some states give you one free copy per year; others charge $5 to $15 for every copy. Your state's DMV website will show the cost before you complete the request. If cost is a barrier, call the DMV and ask if they offer fee waivers for financial hardship.
How do I know if my record is accurate before I explore for a job?
Request your record at least two weeks before a job process important date. That gives you time to spot errors and contact the DMV to correct them. If an error is under review when an employer requests your record, ask the DMV for a letter stating the correction is pending so you can share it with the employer.