Where to get your driving record
Your driving record is kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though some states call it the Department of Transportation or a similar name. 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 charge a small fee, usually between $5 and $15, though the exact amount varies by state.
The fastest way is almost always the state DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV driving record" and you'll find a link to order online. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. The record typically arrives by email within minutes or by mail within one to two weeks, depending on which method you choose.
If you don't want to order it yourself, an insurance company, employer, or court can request your record on your behalf — but they need your permission in writing. Some employers ask you to pull your own record and bring it to them during the hiring process.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV keeps your driving record and will send you a copy if you request it, usually for a fee of $5 to $15.
- Online ordering through your state DMV website is the fastest method and typically delivers your record by email within minutes.
- Your record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points or violations from the past three to seven years, depending on your state.
- Insurance companies and employers can see your driving record if you give them permission, which is why checking it yourself first helps you know what they will see.
What appears on your driving record
Your driving record contains traffic violations you received — speeding tickets, running red lights, reckless driving, and similar infractions. It also includes accidents you reported to police or your insurance company, though the record usually shows only the accident itself, not who was at fault unless a court determined fault.
License suspensions and revocations appear on your record, as do points or violations from driving under the influence. The length of time violations stay on your record varies by state — most keep minor violations for three to five years, while serious violations like DUI may stay for seven to ten years or longer.
Your record does not include parking tickets, traffic camera citations in most states, or accidents you never reported. It also does not show your insurance claims or rates, even though insurance companies use your driving record to set those rates.
How insurance companies use your driving record
When you get a car insurance quote, the insurance company pulls your driving record as part of underwriting — the process of deciding whether to insure you and at what price. A clean record with no violations or accidents typically means lower rates. Violations and accidents increase your rate, sometimes significantly.
The impact depends on what's on your record. A single speeding ticket might raise your rate by 10 to 15 percent, while a DUI conviction can double or triple your premium. Insurance companies weight recent violations more heavily than older ones, so a violation from five years ago has less impact than one from last year.
If you see an error on your record — a violation you didn't receive, an accident that wasn't your fault, or a suspension that was already lifted — contact your state DMV to dispute it. Errors can stay on your record for years if you don't correct them, affecting your insurance rates the whole time.
Disputing errors on your driving record
If your record contains a mistake, start by contacting your state DMV directly. You can usually find the dispute process on their website or by calling the number listed there. You'll need to explain what's wrong and provide documentation — a copy of the ticket showing it was dismissed, a court order clearing you of fault in an accident, or proof that a suspension was lifted.
The DMV will investigate your claim, which typically takes 30 to 60 days. During that time, the error remains on your record, so if you're explore for insurance or a job, tell them you've filed a dispute and provide a copy of your dispute letter as proof.
If the DMV denies your dispute, you can request a hearing or file an appeal through your state's administrative court system. The process varies by state, so check your DMV website for the specific steps in your state.
How employers see your driving record
Employers in jobs that involve driving — delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking, or roles where you'll drive company vehicles — often request your driving record as part of the background check. They're looking for patterns of violations, suspensions, or accidents that suggest you're a higher insurance risk or safety concern.
You have the right to know what's on your record before an employer sees it. Many employers ask you to pull your own record and bring it to the interview, which gives you a chance to explain any violations or accidents in context. If an employer orders your record without your permission, that's illegal in most states — they must get your written consent first.
If your record has violations on it, being upfront about them is usually better than hoping the employer doesn't notice. Explain what happened, what you've learned, and what you've done to prevent it from happening again.
How long violations stay on your record
The time violations remain visible on your driving record depends on the type of violation and your state. Minor infractions like speeding typically stay for three to five years. More serious violations like reckless driving or DUI usually stay for seven to ten years, though some states keep them longer or permanently.
Even after a violation drops off your official record, it may still appear in background checks if it resulted in a criminal conviction. Insurance companies sometimes have access to violations that no longer appear on your DMV record, so check with your insurance company about their specific lookback period.
Some states allow you to petition to have violations removed early if you've had a clean record for a certain period or completed a defensive driving course. Check your state DMV website to see if this option is available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else's driving record?
No, not without their permission. Driving records are private information protected by state law. You can only see your own record, or someone else's if they give you written permission or if you have a legal reason — like being an employer or insurance company with the person's consent.
Does my driving record show my insurance claims?
No. Your DMV driving record shows violations and accidents, but not insurance claims or rates. Insurance companies maintain their own records of claims you've filed with them, which is separate from your DMV record.
What if I got a ticket but paid it — is it still on my record?
Yes. Paying a ticket doesn't remove it from your record. It stays there for the full time period your state allows, usually three to seven years depending on the violation type. The only way to remove it early is if you had the ticket dismissed in court or if your state allows expungement after a certain period.
How often should I check my driving record?
Once a year is reasonable, especially if you're shopping for insurance or explore for a job that requires driving. Checking it regularly helps you catch errors early and know what insurers and employers will see about you.
Can I remove a violation from my record before the time period is up?
In most states, no — violations stay for their full time period. However, some states allow you to petition for early removal if you complete a defensive driving course or maintain a clean record for a set number of years. Check your state DMV website to see what options are available where you live.