What's on your Maryland driving record and how to get it
Your Maryland driving record is a document kept by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) that shows your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and any restrictions on your driving privileges. The record covers violations and incidents from the past three to five years, though some serious offenses stay longer.
You can request your own driving record in three ways: online through the MVA website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. The online method is fastest — you can view and print your record the same day. By mail takes about five to seven business days. In-person requests are processed while you wait, though you may need to bring identification and pay a small fee.
Your record is not automatically sent to you. You have to request it. Insurance companies, employers, courts, and other agencies can also request your record if you give them permission or if they have a legal reason to see it.
Key Takeaways
- Your Maryland driving record shows traffic violations, accidents, license actions, and points from roughly the past three to five years.
- You can view your record online through the MVA website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office.
- Traffic violations add points to your record; accumulating too many points in a short time can result in a license suspension.
- You have the right to correct factual errors on your record by contacting the MVA with supporting documents.
- Insurance companies and employers may request your record, but you can ask to see what they receive.
How points are added to your record and what they mean
The MVA assigns points to your license for most traffic violations. A minor violation like speeding 10 miles per hour over the limit adds one point. More serious violations like reckless driving add three to eight points. At-fault accidents also add points, typically two to four depending on the circumstances.
Points accumulate over time. If you receive 8 points within 24 months, the MVA will suspend your license for 90 days. If you reach 12 points within 24 months, your license is suspended for 120 days. A third suspension within a three-year period results in a one-year revocation. Points stay on your record for a set time — usually three years from the violation date — and then drop off automatically.
You can reduce points by completing a defensive driving course approved by the MVA. This course removes up to three points from your record and may lower your insurance rates. You can take the course once every three years.
Requesting your record online through the MVA
The fastest way to see your driving record is through the MVA's online system. Go to the Maryland MVA website and look for the "Driver Records" or "Check Your Driving Record" section. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
The system will display your record when ready. You can view violations, points, license status, and any restrictions. You can print the record or save it as a PDF. There is a small fee — typically a few dollars — charged to your credit or debit card. This online record is the same one employers and insurance companies receive when they request it.
If you cannot find the online portal or have trouble logging in, the MVA website has a phone number to call for technical support. You can also request your record by mail or visit an MVA office in person.
Requesting your record by mail or in person
To request your record by mail, read the form from the MVA website or call the MVA to have one sent to you. Fill out the form with your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason you need the record. Include a check or money order for the fee and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes five to seven business days. The MVA will mail your record to the address you provide. Keep in mind that mail can be delayed, so request your record earlier than you think you will need it if you are on a important date.
If you need your record when ready, visit an MVA office in person. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay the fee in cash, check, or card. The staff will print your record while you wait. MVA offices are located throughout Maryland; you can find the nearest one and check its hours on the MVA website.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If you find an error on your record — a violation you did not commit, an accident that was not your fault, or incorrect points — you have the right to request a correction. Common errors include violations attributed to the wrong person, accidents listed as at-fault when they were not, or points that were not removed after the required time.
To correct an error, contact the MVA in writing with your name, driver's license number, and a clear description of the error. Include supporting documents: a copy of the court disposition if the violation was dismissed, a police report if the accident was not your fault, or any other evidence that proves the record is wrong. Mail this to the MVA's Records Correction section.
The MVA will review your request and respond within 30 days. If they agree the record is wrong, they will correct it. If they disagree, they will explain why and tell you how to appeal. You can also request a hearing before an MVA hearing officer if you believe the decision is incorrect.
How your driving record affects insurance and employment
Insurance companies pull your driving record to set your rates. Violations and accidents increase your premiums; a clean record keeps rates lower. Some violations — like driving under the influence or reckless driving — cause larger rate increases than minor speeding tickets. Multiple violations within a few years can cause an insurance company to drop you entirely.
Employers also request driving records for jobs that involve driving: commercial drivers, delivery personnel, rideshare drivers, and others. Some employers will not hire you if your record shows serious violations or too many minor ones. Government jobs and positions requiring a security clearance often have stricter standards.
You can ask insurance companies and employers what they see on your record. If they received information that is incorrect, you can dispute it with the MVA using the correction process described above. Correcting errors on your record can lower insurance rates and improve your chances with employers.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions. Suspensions typically last 90 to 120 days for point accumulation, though they can be longer for serious violations like DUI. During a suspension, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
A revocation is more serious. You cannot drive at all, and you must wait a set period — usually one year or more — before you can reapply for a license. You will have to pass the written test and driving test again. Some revocations require you to complete a substance abuse program or other conditions before you can reapply.
If your license is suspended or revoked, the MVA will send you a notice by mail. The notice explains the reason, the length of the action, and what you must do to restore your driving privileges. If you believe the suspension or revocation is wrong, you have the right to request a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do violations stay on my Maryland driving record?
Most violations stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. Some serious violations like DUI or reckless driving may stay longer — up to five years or more. Points drop off automatically after three years; you do not have to do anything to remove them.
Can I see what my insurance company sees when they request my record?
Yes. You can request a copy of your record the same way your insurance company does — through the MVA online system, by mail, or in person. The record you receive is the same one they receive. If you find errors, you can dispute them with the MVA.
What does it mean if my license shows a restriction?
A restriction limits how or when you can drive. Common restrictions include requiring corrective lenses, prohibiting driving at night, or requiring an ignition interlock device. Restrictions appear on your license and your driving record. You must follow all restrictions or you can be cited for a violation.
If I pay a traffic ticket, does it disappear from my record?
Paying a ticket does not remove the violation from your record. Paying means you are accepting the violation and paying the fine. The violation stays on your record for three years. The only ways to remove a violation are to have it dismissed in court or to complete a defensive driving course if you are may be able to access.
How do I know if my license is about to be suspended?
The MVA sends a notice by mail when you reach the point threshold for suspension. If you receive a notice, you have a short window — usually 10 days — to request a hearing before the suspension takes effect. Check your record online regularly to track your points and avoid surprises.