Where to request your driving record
Your driving record is held by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though the name varies by state — some call it the Secretary of State, others the Registry of Motor Vehicles. You can request your record directly from that agency, either in person at a local office, by mail, or through their website. Most states now offer online ordering, which is the fastest route if you have a computer and a credit card.
The process differs slightly by state. Some states let you read your record when ready after paying a small fee (typically $5 to $15); others mail it to you within one to two weeks. A few states still require you to visit an office in person, though this is becoming less common. Check your state's DMV website to see which methods are available where you live.
You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and driver's license number. Some states also ask for your Social Security number. If you no longer have your license or cannot remember the number, your name and date of birth are usually enough.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV holds your driving record and is the only official source; you cannot get an official copy from a third-party website.
- Most states let you order online and receive your record within minutes or days, though fees and delivery methods vary by state.
- Your driving record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points or violations from the past three to seven years, depending on your state.
- You may need your record for insurance purposes, employment, rental applications, or to check for errors before they affect your rates or driving privileges.
What appears on your driving record
A driving record lists traffic violations you received, including speeding tickets, red light violations, and reckless driving charges. It also shows accidents you reported to police or your insurance company, license suspensions or revocations, and points or demerits assigned by your state. The record typically covers the past three to seven years, though serious violations like DUI may stay longer.
Not every accident appears on your record — only those reported to law enforcement or your insurance company. Minor fender-benders you handled privately usually do not show up. Similarly, parking tickets and violations that did not result in a moving violation do not appear on your driving record, though they may appear on a separate parking violation history.
Your record does not include information about insurance claims, rates you pay, or tickets you received but later had dismissed or reduced. It shows only violations that were finalized and recorded by your state.
Why you might need your driving record
Insurance companies check your driving record before issuing a policy and use it to set your rates. If you have violations or accidents on your record, your premiums will be higher. Some insurers will not cover you at all if you have serious violations like multiple DUIs or a suspended license.
Employers often request driving records for jobs that involve driving — delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking, or any position where you operate a company vehicle. Some employers also check records for positions with access to sensitive information or financial responsibility, as a way to assess your judgment and reliability.
Landlords and rental car companies may also check your record. Rental car agencies use it to decide whether to rent to you and what insurance surcharge to charge. Some landlords check it as part of a background review, though this is less common than employer or insurance checks.
How to correct errors on your driving record
If your record contains a violation you did not commit, a ticket you paid but that still shows as unpaid, or an accident you were not involved in, you can file a correction request with your DMV. The process varies by state, but generally you submit a written request with supporting documents — a court dismissal letter, proof of payment, or a police report showing you were not at fault.
Some states let you file corrections online; others require you to mail the request or visit an office in person. Processing times range from two weeks to several months. Contact your state DMV directly to learn the specific steps and what documents you need to include.
If your record shows a suspension or revocation you believe was incorrect, contact your DMV's administrative division rather than the general records office. Suspension disputes often require a hearing or written appeal, and the process is more formal than a straightforward record correction.
The difference between your driving record and your driving history
Your driving record is the official document kept by your state DMV. It shows violations, accidents, and license actions recorded by the state. Your driving history is a broader term that can include information from multiple sources — your insurance company's claims history, tickets you received but did not pay, or violations from other states.
When an insurance company or employer asks for your "driving history," they may be asking for your official DMV record, or they may be asking you to self-report all driving incidents you remember. Read the request carefully. If they ask for your "official driving record" or "DMV record," they want the document from your state. If they ask you to "describe your driving history," they want you to list incidents from your memory.
Requesting records for another person
You generally cannot request someone else's driving record without their permission. Most states treat driving records as private information and will not release them to a third party. However, there are exceptions: a lawyer can request records as part of a legal case, an insurance company can request records for someone who filed a claim, and a court can order records released.
If you need someone else's record — for example, to check a potential employee or a driver you hired — ask them to request their own record and share it with you. Some states allow employers to request records directly if the employee has signed a consent form, so check your state's rules if this applies to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a violation stay on my driving record?
Most violations stay on your record for three to five years, though this varies by state and the type of violation. Serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run may stay for seven to ten years or longer. Check your state DMV website for the specific retention period in your state.
Can I remove a violation from my driving record?
You cannot remove a violation that you actually committed, but you may be able to have it reduced or dismissed through traffic court. Some states also offer programs like traffic school that can remove points from your record if you complete the course. Contact your state DMV or the court that issued the ticket to learn what options are available.
Will my driving record show tickets I paid online?
Yes, if you paid a ticket and it was processed by the court, it will show on your record as a violation. Paying the ticket does not remove it from your record; it only means you satisfied the fine. The violation itself remains part of your history.
How much does it cost to get my driving record?
Fees range from about $5 to $20 depending on your state and how you order it. Online orders are usually cheaper than in-person or mail requests. Some states offer one free record per year; check your state DMV website for details.
Can I get my driving record if my license is suspended?
Yes, a suspended license does not prevent you from requesting your record. You can still order it online or by mail using your name and date of birth. The suspension itself will appear on the record you receive.