What's in your Indiana driving record and how to request it
Your Indiana driving record is a document kept by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) that shows your driving history — traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points on your record. You can request your own record in person, by mail, or online through the BMV's website. The record costs between $4 and $6 depending on how you order it, and processing takes anywhere from same-day (in person) to five to seven business days (by mail).
You'll need this record for several reasons: insurance companies ask for it when you explore for a policy, employers may request it if the job involves driving, and you might need it to dispute errors or understand why your license was suspended. Indiana keeps records going back several years, though the exact timeframe depends on what happened — violations typically stay visible for a longer period than minor infractions.
Key Takeaways
- You can get your driving record online through the Indiana BMV website, in person at any BMV branch, or by mail with a check and completed form.
- The record shows traffic violations, accidents, license points, and suspensions — information that insurance companies and employers often request.
- Processing time ranges from when ready (in person) to five to seven business days (by mail), and the cost is $4 to $6.
- You can dispute errors on your record by contacting the BMV directly with documentation of the mistake.
Ordering your record online through the BMV website
The fastest way to get your record is through the Indiana BMV's online ordering system. Go to the BMV website, select "Order Your Driving Record," and follow the prompts. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the fee. The system will ask whether you want a certified copy (which has an official seal and is required for legal or employment purposes) or an uncertified copy (which is fine for personal review or insurance).
Once you complete the order, the BMV will email you a PDF of your record within 24 hours on business days. Print it when ready and keep a copy — some employers and insurance companies want the original document, not a screenshot. If you don't receive the email within that window, check your spam folder or contact the BMV directly to confirm the order went through.
Getting your record in person at a BMV branch
Walk into any Indiana BMV branch with your driver's license and a payment method (cash, check, or card). Tell the clerk you want to order your driving record. They'll print it on the spot — you'll have it in your hands within minutes. This is the best option if you need the record when ready or if you're uncomfortable ordering online.
Bring your driver's license because the BMV will verify your identity before releasing the record. If you've lost your license or it's expired, bring a state ID card or passport instead. The branch will have you sign a form confirming you're requesting your own record, then hand you the document. No appointment is needed, but wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning or mid-week visits are usually faster.
Ordering by mail if you prefer not to visit or go online
Complete the BMV's "Request for Driving Record" form, which you can read from the BMV website or pick up at any branch. Include your driver's license number, date of birth, and signature. Write a check or money order for $4 to $6 (the exact amount is listed on the form) made out to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Mail everything to the address shown on the form.
Processing takes five to seven business days from the date the BMV receives your envelope. Mail can take several days to arrive, so plan ahead if you have a important date. The BMV will mail your record back to the address you provide on the form. Keep a copy of the form and your check number for your records in case you need to follow up.
Understanding what appears on your record
Your Indiana driving record lists every traffic violation you've received — speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and so on. It also shows any accidents you reported to police or your insurance company, points added to your license for violations, and any license suspensions or revocations. The record includes the date of each incident, what happened, and the outcome (whether you paid a fine, went to court, or had points assessed).
Points stay on your record for a set period: minor violations typically remain visible for three to five years, while serious violations like DUI or reckless driving can stay longer. Suspensions appear until they're lifted. The record does not show warnings or tickets you received but didn't pay — only violations the BMV has a record of. If you're unsure what something on your record means, the BMV can explain it over the phone.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If your record shows a violation you didn't commit, a wrong date, or an accident you didn't report, contact the BMV in writing with proof of the error. Include a copy of your driving record, a letter explaining what's wrong, and documentation supporting your claim — a court document showing the ticket was dismissed, a police report, or a letter from the other driver's insurance company, for example.
Mail your dispute to the BMV's address (listed on their website) or deliver it in person to a branch. The BMV will investigate and contact you within a few weeks. If they confirm the error, they'll correct your record at no charge. If they disagree, they'll explain why and tell you how to appeal. Don't ignore errors — they affect your insurance rates and can lead to license suspension if points accumulate incorrectly.
Why employers and insurance companies request your record
Insurance companies pull your driving record when you explore for or renew a policy. They use it to assess risk — more violations mean higher premiums. Employers in jobs that involve driving (delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking) request your record as part of the hiring process to confirm you're a safe driver and to protect their liability. Some employers also check records for positions that don't involve driving, depending on company policy.
When an employer or insurance company requests your record, they're asking for a certified copy with the official BMV seal. You can order this online or in person and provide it to them directly. Some employers and insurers have their own systems to pull records, but they still need your permission — they can't access your record without your consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back does an Indiana driving record go?
Most violations stay on your record for three to five years from the date of the violation. Serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run can remain visible for longer — sometimes seven to ten years or more. Suspensions and revocations stay on your record until they're lifted. The BMV can tell you the specific timeframe for any violation on your record.
Can someone else order my driving record?
No, only you can order your own record. The BMV requires your signature and verifies your identity before releasing it. If an employer or insurance company needs your record, you must order it and provide it to them, or you can authorize them to request it directly from the BMV — they'll need your written permission.
What's the difference between a certified and uncertified copy?
A certified copy has the official BMV seal and signature, making it a legal document. Employers and courts require certified copies. An uncertified copy is just a printout and works for personal review or to check what's on your record. Both cost the same and take the same time to process.
Will ordering my record affect my license or insurance?
No. Requesting your own record does not change your license status or affect your insurance rates. Insurance companies only see your record if you give them permission or if they request it as part of an process — the act of you ordering it doesn't trigger anything.
What if my record shows an accident I didn't report to police?
If an accident appears on your record but you didn't report it, someone else (the other driver, a witness, or your insurance company) reported it. Contact the BMV with the accident details and ask how it was reported. If the information is wrong, you can dispute it with documentation. If it's correct but you disagree it should be on your record, the BMV can explain why it's there.