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 Secretary of State. You can request your record directly from that agency, and most states now let you order it online, by mail, or in person at a local office.

The fastest route is your state's DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV driving record" and look for a link labeled "order driving record," "request your record," or "view your record online." Some states let you see it when ready on screen; others mail it to you within a few business days. A few states still require you to visit an office or call a phone number, so check your state's specific process before you assume online ordering is available.

You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number to prove you are requesting your own record. Some states charge a small fee — typically $5 to $15 — though a few offer one free copy per year.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV website is the fastest way to order your driving record, and most states process online requests within a few business days.
  • You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number to request your record.
  • Driving records show traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points or violations from the past three to five years, depending on your state.
  • You may receive different versions of your record — a personal copy for your own use, or an official certified copy for employers or insurance companies.
  • If you find errors on your record, you can dispute them by contacting your state DMV with documentation of the correction.

What appears on your driving record

Your driving record shows traffic violations you received — speeding tickets, running red lights, reckless driving, and similar infractions. It also includes any accidents you reported to police or your insurance company, license suspensions or revocations, and points or violations assessed against your license.

The length of time violations stay on your record varies by state and by violation type. Most states keep minor traffic violations for three to five years, while serious violations like DUIs or reckless driving may stay for seven to ten years or longer. Some states remove violations after a certain time has passed; others keep them permanently but stop counting them toward your license status after a set period.

Your record does not show parking tickets, arrests that did not result in a conviction, or violations from other states unless you were convicted and your home state was notified. It also does not show your insurance claims or rates — that information comes from your insurance company's separate records.

Personal copy versus certified copy

When you order your driving record, you may be asked whether you want a personal copy or a certified copy. A personal copy is for your own use — to check for errors, understand your driving history, or satisfy your own curiosity. A certified copy is an official document with a state seal or signature that proves the record is authentic. Employers, insurance companies, and courts often require a certified copy.

If you are ordering for a job process, insurance quote, or court case, ask the organization which type they need before you order. Certified copies usually cost more and take slightly longer to arrive, but ordering the wrong type means you will have to request again. Some states let you order both at once.

How to read your driving record

Your record will list each violation with the date it occurred, the type of violation, the location, and any points or fines assessed. It may also show whether you completed traffic school or a defensive driving course, which can reduce points in some states.

If your record shows a suspension or revocation, it will include the reason (too many points, a DUI, unpaid fines, or another cause) and the dates the suspension was in effect. Check whether the suspension has been lifted — if you were suspended and later reinstated, both dates should appear on your record.

Some states use a points system where each violation adds points to your license; others use a different method to track violations. Your record should explain how many points you currently have and how many you can accumulate before your license is suspended. If the explanation is unclear, your state DMV website usually has a guide to reading your specific record format.

Checking your record for errors

Review your record carefully for violations you do not remember, tickets you believe you paid, or accidents you did not report. Errors do happen — a ticket may be attributed to the wrong date, a violation may be listed twice, or a paid fine may still show as outstanding.

If you find an error, contact your state DMV with documentation of the correction. For a paid ticket, bring a copy of your payment receipt or a letter from the court showing the ticket was dismissed. For a violation you believe was incorrect, you may need to provide a court document or a letter from the officer or court. The DMV will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed.

Corrections can take several weeks, so if you need your record for a job or insurance process soon, contact the DMV when ready and ask about expedited processing. Some states allow you to submit a written statement disputing the error, which will appear on your record alongside the violation while the investigation is underway.

Using your driving record for insurance or employment

Insurance companies and employers often request your driving record as part of their underwriting or hiring process. Insurance companies use it to assess risk and set your rates; employers use it to evaluate whether you are safe to hire for a job involving driving.

When you provide your record to a third party, you are usually giving them permission to see violations and accidents. Some violations — particularly DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple speeding tickets within a short time — can raise your insurance rates or disqualify you from certain jobs. Other violations have little impact.

If your record contains violations that concern you, be prepared to explain them when asked. Some employers and insurers consider the age of the violation, whether you completed traffic school, and whether you have had violations since. A single ticket from five years ago is usually viewed differently than multiple recent violations.

Requesting someone else's driving record

You cannot order another person's driving record without their permission, with limited exceptions. Employers, insurance companies, and courts can request records as part of their official process, but a private individual cannot straightforward order a record for someone else.

If you need someone else's record — for example, before hiring a driver or before allowing someone to drive your vehicle — you must ask them to order it themselves and provide it to you. Some states allow you to authorize another person to request your record on your behalf by signing a form, which you can then give to that person to submit to the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my driving record?

Online orders usually arrive within three to five business days, though some states display your record when ready on screen. Mail orders take one to two weeks. In-person requests at a DMV office are typically ready the same day or within a few hours. Call your state DMV to confirm the timeline for your specific state.

Can I see my driving record online without ordering it?

Some states let you view your record when ready on their DMV website if you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. Others require you to order it and wait for it to arrive. Check your state's DMV website to see whether when ready online viewing is available.

What if I have an out-of-state violation?

Violations from other states may or may not appear on your home state record, depending on whether the other state reported the conviction to your state. If you received a ticket out of state and paid it, it should appear on your record. If you are unsure, you can order a record from the state where the violation occurred to confirm.

Does my driving record affect my insurance rates?

Yes, violations and accidents on your record typically increase your insurance rates. The impact depends on the type of violation, how recent it is, and your insurance company's specific policies. A single speeding ticket may raise rates slightly; a DUI or multiple violations within a few years can raise rates significantly or result in higher premiums or non-renewal.

How do I remove violations from my driving record?

You cannot remove violations from your record, but they do age off after a certain period — usually three to seven years depending on your state and the violation type. Some states allow you to take a defensive driving course to reduce points, which can help your license status but does not erase the violation from your record.