Where to get your driving record
Your driving record is held by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or the equivalent agency in your state — some call it the Secretary of State, Registry of Motor Vehicles, or Department of Transportation. You cannot get your record from a private website or third party; the state is the only source. Each state keeps its own records and does not share them with other states in real time, so if you have lived in multiple states, you will have separate records in each one.
Most states let you order your record online through their DMV website. A few still require you to visit in person or mail a request. The online method is fastest — you typically receive a digital copy within minutes or a printed copy by mail within one to two weeks. In-person requests at a DMV office usually take the same day.
To find your state's DMV website, search "[your state] DMV driving record" or go to your state government's main website and look for the motor vehicles or transportation agency. The URL will be something like dmv.ca.gov or dmvnj.org, not a .com site.
Key Takeaways
- Your driving record comes only from your state's DMV or equivalent agency, and you order it directly from them — not from a third-party website.
- Most states offer online ordering with results in minutes to two weeks, depending on whether you want a digital or mailed copy.
- Your record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points or convictions, but not every accident or minor incident appears on it.
- Insurance companies and employers often request your record, so checking it yourself first lets you know what they will see.
- If you find errors — a ticket you paid, an accident that was not your fault, or a violation from another person — you can dispute it with your state DMV.
What appears on your driving record
A standard driving record shows traffic violations you were cited for (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), accidents you reported to police or your insurance company, license suspensions or revocations, and any criminal convictions related to driving (DUI, driving with a suspended license). It also shows points or violations that led to license restrictions, such as an ignition interlock requirement.
What does not appear: minor accidents where no police report was filed, tickets you paid without a conviction (in some states), or violations from other drivers even if they were in your car. Insurance claims you filed do not show up on your DMV record — your insurance company keeps those separate. Parking tickets and traffic camera citations may or may not appear, depending on your state and whether you paid them.
The length of time violations stay on your record varies by state and violation type. A speeding ticket might drop off after three to five years; a DUI conviction can stay for ten years or longer. Your state's DMV website will specify how long each type of violation remains visible.
How to order your record online
The process is similar across most states but the exact steps differ. Start by visiting your state DMV website and looking for a link labeled "Driving Record," "Check My Record," "Order Records," or "View My Driving History." Click that link.
You will be asked to provide your driver's license number, full name, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number or the last four digits of it. Some states require you to answer security questions based on your driving history or personal information. Have your driver's license handy when you start.
You will then choose whether you want a certified copy (required for court or official purposes) or an uncertified copy (for personal review or insurance). A certified copy costs more — typically five to fifteen dollars — and takes longer. An uncertified copy is usually cheaper or free and appears when ready on screen or within a few days by mail.
After you pay (if there is a fee), you will receive a confirmation number. If you ordered a digital copy, you can usually view or read it right away. If you ordered a mailed copy, note the expected delivery date and check your mail.
Ordering by mail or in person
If your state does not offer online ordering or you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. Visit your state DMV website and read the request form — it is usually called "process for Driving Record" or "Request for Driving Record." Fill it out with your name, license number, date of birth, and the reason you need the record.
Mail the form and a check or money order (payable to your state DMV) to the address listed on the form. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the record mailed back to you. Mail requests typically take two to four weeks, so plan ahead if you need the record by a specific date.
To order in person, visit your local DMV office with your driver's license and a completed request form (or ask the staff to provide one). You will pay the fee at the counter and receive your record the same day, either printed or on a USB drive depending on the office.
Understanding points, violations, and convictions on your record
Most states use a point system where different violations carry different point values. A minor speeding ticket might be worth one or two points; reckless driving or a DUI might be worth four to six points. When your total reaches a threshold — often twelve points in a rolling three-year period — your license is suspended. Your record shows your current point total and how many points each violation added.
A conviction means you were found guilty or pleaded guilty to a traffic violation. A violation is the citation itself. If you received a ticket but had it dismissed or reduced to a non-moving violation (like a parking ticket), it may not appear as a conviction on your record, though the citation itself might still show. The distinction matters because employers and insurance companies often care more about convictions than citations.
Accidents appear on your record if you reported them to police or your insurance company filed a report. Your record will note whether you were at fault, not at fault, or fault was undetermined. At-fault accidents stay on your record longer and affect your insurance rates more than not-at-fault accidents.
What to do if your record has errors
If you find a mistake — a ticket you paid that still shows as unpaid, an accident attributed to you that was not your fault, or a violation from someone else — you can dispute it. Contact your state DMV and ask for the dispute or correction process. Most states have a form you fill out explaining the error and providing evidence (a receipt showing you paid the ticket, a police report showing you were not at fault, or a copy of the other driver's license).
Send the form and your evidence to the address your DMV provides. The DMV will investigate, which can take several weeks to a few months. If they find the error, they will correct your record and send you an updated copy. If they disagree, you can request a hearing or appeal, though the process and timeline vary by state.
Do not ignore errors, especially if you are explore for a job, a loan, or insurance. Employers and insurers see the same record you do, and they may deny you based on information that is not even yours.
Why employers and insurers request your driving record
Insurance companies pull your driving record every time you explore for or renew a policy. They use it to calculate your risk and set your premium. A clean record means lower rates; violations and accidents mean higher rates or denial of coverage. Some insurers check your record annually even if you do not renew, so a new violation can trigger a rate increase mid-policy.
Employers who hire drivers — delivery companies, rideshare platforms, taxi services, commercial trucking — always request your record before hiring. Many also check it periodically during employment. A suspended license, DUI, or pattern of violations can disqualify you or lead to termination. Even employers in non-driving roles sometimes check driving records as part of a background check, particularly if the job involves company vehicles or travel.
Landlords and lenders may also request your driving record as part of a background check, though this is less common than insurance and employment checks. A poor driving record does not legally prevent you from renting or borrowing, but it can be a factor in their decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to check my driving record?
Most states charge between zero and fifteen dollars for an uncertified copy, which is what you need for personal review. Certified copies cost more, typically ten to twenty dollars. Some states offer one free copy per year. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee.
Can I see my record if my license is suspended or expired?
Yes. Your driving record is separate from your license status. You can order your record even if your license is suspended, expired, or revoked. The record will show the suspension or revocation, but you can still access it.
How long do traffic violations stay on my record?
It varies by state and violation type. Minor violations like speeding typically stay for three to five years. More serious violations like DUI can remain for seven to ten years or longer. Your state DMV website lists the retention period for each violation type.
Will checking my own driving record affect my insurance rates?
No. Checking your own record is a soft inquiry and does not trigger a rate change. Only when your insurance company pulls your record — during process, renewal, or periodic checks — can it affect your rates.
What if I find a ticket on my record that I do not remember receiving?
Contact your state DMV or the court listed on the ticket. If you genuinely did not receive notice, you may be able to reopen the case or have the ticket dismissed. If you did receive it but forgot, you can still dispute it if you believe it was issued in error, but you will need evidence to support your claim.