Where to Request Your Florida Driving Record

You can request your Florida driving record from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), which maintains all records for drivers licensed in the state. The DHSMV offers three main ways to get your record: online through their official website, by mail, or in person at a local Driver License office.

The online method is the fastest. You go to the DHSMV website, select the driving record request option, and pay the fee using a credit or debit card. Your record arrives by email within minutes. By mail, you send a completed form with payment to the DHSMV address in Tallahassee, and processing takes 5 to 10 business days. In person, you visit any Driver License office in Florida, complete the request form, pay the fee, and receive your record on the spot or within a few days depending on the office's workload.

Key Takeaways

  • The Florida DHSMV is the only source for official Florida driving records, and you can request one online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office.
  • Online requests cost less than mail or in-person requests and deliver your record by email within minutes.
  • You will need to provide your driver license number, date of birth, and the reason for the request.
  • Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days and require you to mail a form and payment to the DHSMV office in Tallahassee.
  • In-person requests at a Driver License office are processed when ready or within a few days, depending on office volume.

What Information You Need to Provide

When you request your driving record, the DHSMV requires your Florida driver license number or your full name and date of birth. You must also state the reason for the request. Common reasons include personal review, employment verification, insurance purposes, or court-ordered requests.

If you are requesting someone else's record, you will need their permission or a legal reason to do so. The DHSMV distinguishes between records you can see (your own) and records that require authorization or a court order. Employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement can request records under specific circumstances, but a private citizen cannot request another person's record without that person's written consent.

Fees and Payment Methods

The fee for a Florida driving record varies by the method you choose. Online requests are the least expensive option. Mail requests cost more because they include processing and mailing costs. In-person requests at a Driver License office fall between the two in price.

Payment methods depend on how you request the record. Online requests accept credit and debit cards only. Mail requests require a check or money order made payable to the Florida DHSMV. In-person requests at Driver License offices accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the individual office's payment systems. Call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

Online Request Process and Timeline

To request your record online, visit the official DHSMV website and locate the driving record request section. You will enter your driver license number and date of birth, confirm the reason for the request, and review the fee amount. After payment is processed, you receive a confirmation email with a link to read your record.

Most online records arrive within minutes, though the DHSMV states they may take up to one business day. You can print the record when ready or save it as a PDF. This method is best if you need your record quickly for employment verification, insurance purposes, or personal review. The record you receive online is an official document that most employers and insurance companies will accept.

Mail Request Process and Timeline

To request by mail, read the driving record request form from the DHSMV website or call the DHSMV to have one mailed to you. Complete the form with your name, date of birth, driver license number, and the reason for the request. Include a check or money order for the correct fee and mail everything to the DHSMV address listed on the form.

Processing takes 5 to 10 business days from the date the DHSMV receives your request. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total from when you mail the form to when you receive your record. This method is useful if you prefer not to use the internet or if you need multiple copies of your record. Keep a copy of what you mail in case questions arise about your request.

In-Person Request at a Driver License Office

You can walk into any Florida Driver License office and request your driving record in person. Bring your valid Florida driver license or another form of government-issued photo identification. Complete the driving record request form at the office, state your reason for the request, and pay the fee.

Some offices hand you the record when ready after payment. Others process the request and mail it to you within a few days. Call the Driver License office before you go to confirm whether they print records on site or mail them. Office hours and wait times vary by location, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday typically means shorter waits. The DHSMV website has a locator tool to find the office nearest you and its hours.

What Your Driving Record Contains

Your Florida driving record includes your personal information, license status, any traffic violations or citations you received, accident reports, license suspensions or revocations, and points on your license. The record shows violations from the past three to five years, though some serious violations remain longer. Points are assigned based on the severity of the violation and stay on your record for a set period.

The record does not include information about traffic stops that did not result in a citation, parking tickets, or violations in other states. If you believe information on your record is incorrect, you can contact the DHSMV to dispute it. Bring documentation of the error, such as a court dismissal or a letter from law enforcement, and submit it to the DHSMV with a written explanation of what is wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a traffic violation stay on my Florida driving record?

Most traffic violations remain on your record for three years from the date of the violation. More serious violations, such as DUI or reckless driving, stay for five years or longer. Points assigned for violations also follow the three-year rule, though the points may affect your insurance rates for a longer period.

Can I request someone else's driving record?

No, unless you have written permission from that person or a legal reason such as a court order. Employers and insurance companies can request records under specific circumstances, but private citizens cannot. If you need someone's record, ask them to request it themselves and share it with you.

What if my record has incorrect information on it?

Contact the DHSMV with documentation of the error, such as a court dismissal or a letter from law enforcement. Submit a written explanation of what is wrong along with your supporting documents. The DHSMV will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed.

Is my online driving record an official document?

Yes, the record you read from the DHSMV website is an official document. Most employers, insurance companies, and government agencies will accept it. Print it on official letterhead or save the PDF to provide as proof of your driving history.

How often should I check my driving record?

You can request your record at any time. Many people check it once a year to may support the information is accurate and to monitor points or violations. You may also want to check it before explore for employment or insurance, or if you suspect identity theft or fraud.