Where to get your driving record online
Your driving record is kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — often called the Secretary of State's office or Department of Transportation. Most states now let you view your record through their official website without visiting an office in person. You log in with your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes a PIN or password you set up when you got your license.
The exact process and what you can see online varies by state. Some states show you everything — traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, points — while others restrict certain information to law enforcement or insurance companies. A few states still require you to request a copy by mail or in person, though this is becoming less common.
You can also order an official copy of your record to be mailed to you or printed at the DMV office. This certified version is what employers, insurance companies, and courts usually ask for when they need proof of your driving history.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV or Secretary of State website is the official source for your driving record, and most states let you view it online for free.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes a security PIN to log in and see your record.
- What information appears online depends on your state — some show everything, others hide certain violations or accidents from public view.
- If you need an official certified copy for an employer or court, you can usually order it online and have it mailed or pick it up at the DMV.
- Checking your record regularly helps you catch errors, monitor points, and understand what employers or insurers will see about your driving history.
How to find your state's DMV website
Start by searching "[your state] DMV driving record" or "[your state] Secretary of State driving record." The official government website will appear at the top of the results. Make sure you are on a .gov domain — scams exist that mimic the real DMV site and charge fees for information you can get free.
If you are unsure which agency handles driving records in your state, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) maintains a list of links to every state's official site. You can also call your local DMV office and ask for the web address to check your record online.
Once you are on the correct site, look for a link labeled "Check Your Driving Record," "View Your Record," "Driver Record Inquiry," or something similar. The exact wording changes by state, but it will be in the main navigation or under a "Services" section.
What information appears on your online record
A typical online driving record shows your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked), any traffic violations from the past three to five years, at-fault accidents, license points or violations that count toward suspension, and any restrictions on your license (like corrective lenses or commercial driving limits). Some states also list minor infractions like parking tickets; others do not.
What you see online may differ from what an insurance company or employer sees. Many states hide certain information from the public version — for example, some violations drop off your public record after a set time but remain visible to insurers. Accidents you were not at fault for may not appear on your record at all, depending on your state's rules.
If you are checking your record because you are explore for a job, buying insurance, or responding to a court notice, ask the person requesting it what they are looking for. That way you know whether the online version will show what they need or whether you should order an official certified copy instead.
Ordering an official copy of your record
Many states let you order a certified or official copy of your driving record through the same website where you view it online. You typically pay a small fee — usually between $5 and $15 — and choose whether you want it mailed to you or printed at a local DMV office for pickup. Processing time ranges from a few days to two weeks depending on the state and method you choose.
Some states still require you to request a copy by mail or in person. If your state's website does not offer online ordering, call the DMV or visit an office to ask how to get an official copy. Bring your driver's license and be ready to pay the fee.
An official copy has a state seal or certification mark and is what employers, insurance companies, and courts accept as proof of your driving history. The free online version you view yourself is not certified and usually cannot be used for official purposes, even if you print it out.
Understanding points, violations, and suspensions on your record
Most states use a point system where traffic violations add points to your record. Speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and other infractions each carry a set number of points. When you accumulate too many points in a set time — often 12 points in three years, though this varies — your license is suspended automatically.
Some violations are more serious than others. A minor speeding ticket might add one or two points, while driving under the influence (DUI) or driving with a suspended license can add four or more points and trigger an when ready suspension. Your online record should show how many points each violation carries and your current total.
Violations and points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation and your state. A minor speeding ticket might fall off after three years, while a DUI can remain for seven to ten years or longer. Check your state's rules to understand when violations will stop counting toward suspension and when they will disappear from your public record.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If you see a violation, accident, or suspension on your record that you believe is wrong, contact your state's DMV directly. Common errors include violations attributed to you that you did not receive, accidents listed twice, or suspensions that should have been lifted. The DMV has a process to investigate and correct these mistakes, though it can take several weeks.
Bring documentation to support your claim — a copy of the ticket showing it was dismissed, proof that you paid a fine, or a letter from the court. If you received a ticket you believe was unfair, you may need to fight it in traffic court first before the DMV will remove it from your record. The DMV cannot overturn a court decision; they can only correct administrative errors.
If you are disputing an error, ask the DMV for a timeline and follow up in writing. Keep copies of all correspondence. Once the error is corrected, ask for an updated copy of your record to confirm the change went through.
Why you should check your record regularly
Reviewing your driving record once or twice a year helps you catch errors before they affect a job process, insurance quote, or court case. It also shows you exactly what employers and insurers will see, so you are not surprised by what they find. If you have points close to the suspension threshold, checking your record reminds you how much room you have left before your license is at risk.
If you have been in an accident or received a ticket, check your record a few weeks later to confirm it was recorded correctly. Sometimes violations take time to appear in the system, and occasionally they are entered with the wrong date or violation code. Catching these issues early makes them easier to fix.
Your record also affects your insurance rates. Violations and accidents stay on your record longer than they stay on your public driving history, so checking what insurers can see helps you understand why your rates went up or when they might come down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else's driving record online?
No. You can only view your own record through the official DMV website. If you need someone else's record — for example, if you were in an accident with them — you can request it through the DMV, but you may need to provide a reason and the person's permission. Insurance companies and law enforcement can access other people's records as part of their work.
Does checking my own driving record hurt my credit or show up anywhere?
No. Checking your own driving record does not affect your credit score, and it does not create any kind of inquiry that shows up on your record. You can check it as often as you want without any negative consequences.
What if my state does not have online access to driving records?
A small number of states still do not offer online viewing. Call your state's DMV office or visit in person to request a copy of your record. You can also ask if they offer phone-based lookup or if you can have a copy mailed to you. Some states are adding online access gradually, so check back periodically to see if the option has become available.
How long do violations stay on my driving record?
This varies by state and by violation type. Minor infractions like speeding typically stay for three to five years, while serious violations like DUI can remain for seven to ten years or longer. Check your state's DMV website or call them to find out the specific timeframe for the violations on your record.
Can I remove violations from my driving record?
You cannot remove a violation that was correctly recorded and you were convicted of, but you may be able to have it dismissed or reduced through traffic court. Some states also offer programs like defensive driving courses that can reduce points or remove a violation after a certain time period. Ask your DMV what options are available in your state.