Where to request your driving record

Your driving record is held by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — in some states it's called the Department of Transportation or the Registry of Motor Vehicles. You request it directly from that state agency, not from a third party or online service. The agency that issued your license is the only one that maintains the official record.

Most states let you request your record in three ways: by mail, in person at a DMV office, or online through the state's DMV website. A few states offer phone requests as well. Online is usually fastest — you can often get a copy within minutes — but not every state offers it yet. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person requests at a DMV office are typically processed while you wait, though you may need to wait in line first.

Start by visiting your state's DMV website and looking for a link labeled "driving record," "motor vehicle record," or "abstract of driving record." If you cannot find it, call the DMV's main number and ask which method is available in your state and whether there is a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Your driving record comes only from your state's DMV or equivalent agency — the office that issued your driver's license.
  • Most states offer online requests that produce a copy within minutes, though some still require mail or in-person visits.
  • You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number to verify your identity.
  • A certified copy (one with an official seal) costs more than an uncertified copy and is required for some purposes like court cases or insurance disputes.
  • Processing times vary: online is when ready, in-person is same-day, and mail takes one to two weeks depending on your state.

What information you need to provide

When you request your record, the DMV will ask you to verify who you are. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. Most states also ask for your Social Security number, though some do not. A few states ask for your full name exactly as it appears on your license, your address, and the state where you currently hold a license.

If you are requesting someone else's record — for example, as an employer checking a job candidate's history — you will typically need written permission from that person. Some states have specific forms for this; others accept a signed letter. Check your state's DMV website for the exact requirement, as it varies.

Certified versus uncertified copies

The DMV offers two versions of your driving record: certified and uncertified. An uncertified copy is a printout of your record with no official seal or signature. A certified copy has the DMV's official seal, signature, and sometimes a raised emblem, and it is legally recognized as an official document.

You need a certified copy if you are using the record in court, submitting it as evidence in a legal dispute, or providing it to a government agency that requires official documentation. An uncertified copy is fine for personal reference, checking your own history, or showing an insurance company what violations are on file. Certified copies cost more — usually $5 to $15 extra — and may take slightly longer to process, especially by mail.

Online requests in your state

If your state offers online requests, you will go to the DMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, pay the fee (usually $5 to $10), and receive a PDF or printable copy when ready. Some states email the record to you; others let you read it right away. This is the fastest method and works for uncertified copies in most states.

A few states do not yet offer online requests for driving records. If your state's website does not have an online option, look for the mailing address and form to send by mail, or find the phone number to call and ask about in-person options. The DMV website will tell you which methods are available and what the current fee is.

In-person requests at a DMV office

If you go to a DMV office in person, bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to wait. You will fill out a short form (usually called an "abstract request" or "record request form"), pay the fee at the counter, and receive your copy before you leave. Some offices have kiosks where you can request your record without speaking to an employee, which can be faster during busy times.

Call ahead or check your state's DMV website to see if your local office requires an appointment. Many DMV offices now use appointment systems to manage wait times. If your office is very busy, going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon may mean a shorter wait.

Mail requests and processing time

To request by mail, read the form from your state's DMV website or call to have one sent to you. Fill it out, include a copy of your driver's license or ID, write a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the DMV can send your record back to you.

Processing time for mail requests is usually one to two weeks, though it can be longer during busy periods or if the DMV is backlogged. Some states offer expedited mail service for an extra fee — typically $5 to $10 more — which cuts the time to three to five business days. If you need the record urgently, online or in-person is faster.

What appears on your driving record

Your driving record shows your license status (valid, suspended, revoked), traffic violations and citations you have received, at-fault accidents, license points or violations in your state's system, and sometimes insurance-related information. It does not show warnings or tickets that were dismissed or expunged. The record typically covers the past three to five years, though some violations stay on longer depending on your state's rules.

If you see something on your record that you believe is wrong — a violation you did not receive, an accident you were not at fault for, or a point that should have been removed — contact your state's DMV to dispute it. You will need to provide documentation (like a court record or insurance report) to support your claim. The DMV will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a driving record cost?

An uncertified copy usually costs $5 to $10. A certified copy with an official seal costs $10 to $20. Some states charge less; others charge more. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee, as it varies by state and sometimes by the method you use to request it.

Can I get someone else's driving record?

You can request another person's record only if you have their written permission. Employers often ask job candidates to sign a form allowing the employer to pull the record. The DMV will not release someone else's record without proof of consent, which protects privacy.

How long does a violation stay on my driving record?

Most violations stay on your record for three to five years, but this varies by state and the type of violation. Serious violations like DUI or reckless driving may stay longer — sometimes 7 to 10 years. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out how long a specific violation will appear on your record.

What if my record shows an error?

Contact your state's DMV and explain the error. You will need to provide documentation — such as a court record showing a ticket was dismissed, or an insurance report proving you were not at fault in an accident. The DMV will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process usually takes two to four weeks.

Do I need a certified copy or an uncertified copy?

Use an uncertified copy for personal reference or to check your own history. Use a certified copy if a court, government agency, or legal proceeding requires official documentation. When in doubt, ask the organization requesting the record which version they need.