What a driving record request actually gets you
A driving record is an official document from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) that lists your driving history. It shows traffic violations, accidents you reported to police, license suspensions, points on your license, and sometimes insurance claims. When you request your driving record, you receive a certified copy — the same document employers, insurance companies, and courts use when they ask for it.
You can request your own record, or you can authorize someone else to request it on your behalf. The process is straightforward, but the exact steps and fees depend on which state issued your license. Most states let you request online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles keeps your driving record and is the only place that can issue an official copy.
- You can request your record online, by mail, or in person; online is usually fastest and costs $5 to $15.
- You will need your driver's license number, full name, and date of birth to request your record.
- Processing time ranges from same-day (online) to two weeks (by mail), depending on the method you choose.
- If someone else needs your record, you can sign a release form authorizing them to request it, or you can request it yourself and give them the copy.
How to request your record online
Most states now offer online requests through their DMV website. Go to your state's DMV homepage, look for a link labeled "driving record," "request your record," or "order your driving history," and follow the prompts. You will enter your driver's license number, full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Some states ask for your license plate number or the state where you were licensed.
Online requests typically cost between $5 and $15 and are processed within minutes to a few hours. The record is usually emailed to you as a PDF or mailed to the address on file. If you need it printed on official letterhead (for a court or employer), some states offer that option for an additional fee. Check your state's DMV website for the exact cost and delivery method before you submit your request.
Requesting by mail or in person
If you prefer not to request online, you can mail a request form to your state DMV or visit a local DMV office in person. To request by mail, read the form from your state's DMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with a check or money order for the fee. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the record mailed back to you. Processing by mail usually takes one to three weeks.
To request in person, bring your driver's license or state ID, visit your nearest DMV office, and ask for a copy of your driving record. You can pay by cash, check, or card depending on the office. In-person requests are often processed the same day, though you may wait in line. Call ahead to confirm your local office has the record available and accepts walk-in requests.
What information you need to have ready
Before you start your request, gather these details: your full legal name (as it appears on your license), your driver's license number, your date of birth, and your state of licensure. If you have changed your name since you got your license, have both your current and former names available. Some states also ask for your Social Security number (usually just the last four digits) or your license plate number.
If you are requesting a record for someone else with their permission, you will need their information plus a signed authorization form. Your state's DMV website has a template for this form, or you can write a letter stating that you have permission to request the record on their behalf and have them sign it. Some states require the authorization to be notarized.
Understanding what appears on your record
Your driving record shows violations from the past three to seven years, depending on your state. This includes speeding tickets, reckless driving, driving under the influence, and at-fault accidents. It also shows license suspensions, revocations, and points assessed by your state. Some records include insurance claims you reported to police, though not all states include this information.
The record does not show traffic tickets you paid without a conviction, tickets that were dismissed, or violations that fell off your record due to age. It also does not show accidents where you were not at fault or accidents you did not report to police. If you believe your record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, or a violation that should have aged off — contact your state DMV to dispute it. You may need to provide documentation like a court record showing the ticket was dismissed.
Why employers and insurance companies request your record
Employers in certain fields — commercial driving, rideshare, delivery, or positions requiring a commercial driver's license — often request your driving record as part of a background check. Insurance companies request it to assess your risk and set your premium. Lenders may request it when you explore for a car loan. Courts request it in traffic cases or when determining penalties.
When an employer or insurance company requests your record, they typically ask you to authorize the release. You sign a form giving them permission to contact your state DMV directly. You do not have to provide them with a copy yourself; they request it from the official source. However, you can always request your own copy first to see what they will see.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If your record shows a violation you did not commit, or if information is outdated or incorrect, you can file a dispute with your state DMV. Start by requesting your record and reviewing it carefully. Then contact your state DMV's customer service line or visit a local office with documentation of the error — for example, a court record showing a ticket was dismissed, or a letter from the court correcting the violation date.
The DMV will investigate your dispute, which usually takes two to four weeks. If they find an error, they will correct your record and send you an updated copy. Keep documentation of your dispute and the DMV's response in case the error reappears or an employer or insurance company uses the old information against you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a driving record cost?
Most states charge between $5 and $15 for a certified copy of your driving record. Online requests are usually on the lower end; in-person or mail requests may cost slightly more. Some states offer a free preliminary view of your record online, though the official certified copy has a fee. Check your state DMV website for exact pricing.
How long does it take to get my record?
Online requests are typically processed within minutes to a few hours. In-person requests at a DMV office are often same-day. Mail requests take one to three weeks depending on processing volume. If you need your record urgently, online or in-person is your fastest option.
Can I request someone else's driving record?
You can request someone else's record only if they sign an authorization form giving you permission. Some states require the authorization to be notarized. Alternatively, the person can request their own record and give you a copy. Employers and insurance companies can request records directly from the DMV if you authorize them to do so.
Will requesting my own record affect my insurance or driving record?
No. Requesting your own driving record does not change anything on it, does not affect your insurance rates, and does not trigger any action by your state. It is straightforward a way for you to see what information the DMV has about you.
What if my record shows violations from years ago?
Violations stay on your record for three to seven years depending on your state and the type of violation. After that time, they typically fall off automatically. If you see an old violation that should have aged off, contact your state DMV to request removal. You may need to provide documentation showing the violation is outside the retention period.