What a Colorado driving record contains and who can see it
Your Colorado driving record is a document maintained by the Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It shows your driving history in the state: traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and any DUI or DWAI convictions. The record covers violations from the past three to five years, though some serious offenses like DUI remain longer.
Not everyone can see your record. You can always request your own. Employers, insurance companies, courts, and law enforcement can see it under specific circumstances. Some information—like your Social Security number or medical information—is kept private even from those with access to the rest of the record.
Key Takeaways
- You can request your own Colorado driving record online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, and the online method is fastest.
- The record shows traffic violations, accidents, license actions, and points for the past three to five years, with DUI convictions staying longer.
- You will need your driver's license number or full name and date of birth to request the record, and there is a small fee unless you are requesting it for a legal proceeding.
- Employers and insurance companies see a version of your record, but they cannot see medical information or your Social Security number.
- If you find errors on your record, you can dispute them by contacting the DMV with documentation of the correction.
How to request your own Colorado driving record online
The fastest way to get your record is through the Colorado DMV website. Go to the DMV's official site and look for the "Driver Records" or "Request Your Driving Record" section. You will need your Colorado driver's license number or your full legal name and date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your identity—usually by answering security questions based on your driving history or personal information.
Once you have verified your identity, you can view your record when ready on screen and print it. If you need an official certified copy (some employers or courts require this), you can order it through the same system and it will be mailed to you within a few business days. There is a fee for certified copies; the DMV website shows the current amount when you order.
Requesting your record by mail or in person
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request your record by mail. Fill out the form available on the Colorado DMV website (usually called the "process for Driving Record" or similar), include a copy of your ID, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with the required fee. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail.
You can also visit a DMV office in person. Bring your driver's license or ID and ask for a copy of your driving record. Staff will print it on the spot or tell you if you need to order a certified version. Find your nearest DMV office location on the state website.
Understanding points, violations, and what stays on your record
Colorado uses a point system for traffic violations. Minor infractions like speeding add two to four points; more serious violations like reckless driving add six to twelve points. If you accumulate too many points in a set time period, your license can be suspended. The DMV will notify you if you are approaching suspension.
Most violations stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction. However, serious offenses like DUI, DWAI, or habitual traffic offender designations remain for longer—sometimes ten years or more. Accidents you report stay on your record for three to five years. When a violation or accident falls off your record, it no longer appears on new requests, though it may still be visible to law enforcement through a separate system.
What employers and insurance companies see
When an employer or insurance company requests your driving record, they receive what is called a "three-year record" or "five-year record" depending on what they order. This version shows violations, accidents, and license actions, but does not include your Social Security number, medical information, or some other personal details. Insurance companies use this record to set your rates; employers use it to assess whether you are safe to hire for a job involving driving.
You have the right to know if an employer or insurance company has requested your record. Some employers will tell you they are doing so; insurance companies typically disclose this in their process materials. If you believe someone has accessed your record without a legal reason, you can contact the Colorado DMV to file a complaint.
Disputing errors on your Colorado driving record
If you see an error on your record—a violation you did not commit, an accident listed twice, or incorrect dates—you can dispute it. Contact the Colorado DMV directly with documentation supporting your claim. For a violation you believe is wrong, bring a copy of the court disposition or ticket showing the error. For an accident, provide a police report or insurance documentation.
The DMV will investigate your dispute and contact you with the outcome. If the error is confirmed, they will correct your record. This process can take several weeks. Keep copies of everything you submit and note the name of the DMV staff member you speak with, in case you need to follow up.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
Your driving record will show if your license has been suspended or revoked and the reason why. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent until you go through a reinstatement process. The record will show the date the action took effect and, for suspensions, when it ends.
If your license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive in Colorado. To restore driving privileges, you must complete the steps required by the DMV—which may include paying fines, completing a substance abuse course (for DUI-related suspensions), or waiting out the suspension period. The DMV website lists the specific requirements for your situation. Once you have completed all requirements, you can request reinstatement and your record will be updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a copy of my driving record?
The fee varies depending on whether you want a regular copy or a certified copy, and whether you order online, by mail, or in person. Check the Colorado DMV website for current pricing. There is no fee if you are requesting the record for a court proceeding and can provide documentation of that.
How long does it take to get my record if I order it online?
You can view your record when ready after verifying your identity. If you order a certified copy to be mailed, it typically arrives within three to five business days.
Will a ticket I got dismissed still show up on my record?
No. If a ticket was dismissed or you were found not guilty, it should not appear on your driving record. If it does, contact the DMV with a copy of the court disposition showing the dismissal and request a correction.
Can I see what my insurance company or employer saw when they checked my record?
Not directly through the DMV. However, you can request your own record and see what information is available. If you want to know specifically what an employer or insurance company saw, you can contact them and ask; they may be able to provide a copy of the report they received.
Does a DUI stay on my Colorado driving record forever?
No, but it stays much longer than most violations. A DUI conviction typically remains on your record for at least ten years. After that time, it may no longer appear on routine driving record requests, though law enforcement can still access it through their own systems.