What a Louisiana driving record contains and who can see it

Your Louisiana driving record is a document maintained by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) that shows your driving history within the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and any DUI or reckless driving convictions. The record covers a rolling period — typically the last three to five years for most violations, though serious offenses like DUI stay longer.

Your record is not fully public. Insurance companies, employers in certain fields (like commercial driving), law enforcement, and courts can see it. You can also request your own record. A stranger cannot straightforward call and get it. If you need to show your driving history to an employer or insurance company, you will be the one requesting it and providing it to them.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana driving records show violations, accidents, suspensions, and points for the last three to five years, with serious offenses staying longer.
  • You can request your own record in person at an OMV office, by mail, or online through the Louisiana OMV website.
  • The online method is fastest — you can print your record the same day — and costs less than requesting by mail.
  • Employers and insurance companies often ask you to provide your own record rather than requesting it directly from the state.
  • Points on your record affect your insurance rates and can lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many in a short time.

How to request your record online

The Louisiana OMV website allows you to order a copy of your driving record online. Go to the OMV's official website and look for the "Driving Records" or "Request a Driving Record" section. You will need your Louisiana driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

After you enter your information and pay the fee (which varies but is typically under $10), you will receive a digital copy you can read and print when ready. This is the fastest way to get your record if you need it the same day. Keep in mind that the online system is available during business hours, and processing is usually when ready.

Requesting your record by mail or in person

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request your record by mail. Send a written request to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles with your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason you need the record. Include a check or money order for the fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail it to the address listed on the OMV website.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. You can also visit an OMV office in person during business hours. Bring your driver's license and be prepared to pay the fee in cash or by card. The staff will print your record on the spot, though you may wait depending on how busy the office is that day.

Understanding points and how they affect your record

Louisiana assigns points to your license for traffic violations. Minor infractions like speeding might be worth 2 to 4 points, while more serious violations like reckless driving can be 8 points or more. These points accumulate and stay on your record for a set period. If you reach a certain threshold — typically 12 points in a 12-month period — your license can be suspended.

Points also directly affect your insurance rates. Insurers pull your driving record and use the points and violations to calculate your premium. A clean record means lower rates; violations and points mean higher rates. Some violations, like DUI, cause much larger rate increases than minor speeding tickets. If you have points on your record, you may want to ask your insurance company how they affect your specific policy.

What happens if your record has errors

Mistakes on driving records do happen — a violation might be listed twice, or a ticket might be attributed to you when it was actually dismissed. If you spot an error, contact the Louisiana OMV directly. You will need to provide documentation showing the error, such as a court document proving a ticket was dismissed or a letter from the court.

The OMV will investigate your claim and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process can take several weeks. In the meantime, if the error is affecting your insurance rates or a job process, keep copies of the court documents that prove the mistake so you can show them to the insurance company or employer.

How employers and insurance companies use your record

Many employers, especially those hiring for positions that involve driving (commercial drivers, delivery, rideshare), will ask you to provide a copy of your driving record as part of the hiring process. They use it to assess risk — someone with multiple violations or a DUI conviction may not be hired for a driving role. You are responsible for obtaining and providing the record; the employer typically does not request it directly from the state.

Insurance companies also review your record when you explore for or renew a policy. They may ask you to provide it, or they may pull it themselves with your permission. A record with violations or accidents will result in higher premiums. If you have had violations in the past but they have aged off your record (fallen outside the three to five year window), they will no longer appear and should not affect your rates.

How long violations stay on your record

Most traffic violations remain on your Louisiana driving record for three years from the date of conviction. However, some violations stay longer. A DUI conviction typically stays for ten years. Reckless driving convictions and at-fault accidents may also remain for longer periods. Suspensions and revocations are recorded separately and remain as long as the suspension or revocation is in effect.

After a violation ages off your record, it will no longer appear on reports you request. However, it may still be visible to law enforcement and courts in their own systems. For insurance purposes, once it is off your driving record, you can tell your insurer it is no longer there, and it should not be factored into your rates going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a violation from my record before it ages off?

Not directly. However, if you were convicted of a minor violation, you may be able to have it dismissed or reduced through traffic court, which would change what appears on your record. You would need to work with the court in the parish where the violation occurred. A DUI or serious conviction cannot be removed early.

Will my record show violations from other states?

No. Your Louisiana driving record shows only violations that occurred in Louisiana. However, if you were convicted in another state and that state reported it to Louisiana, it may appear. Insurance companies often pull records from multiple states, so they may see out-of-state violations even if they do not appear on your Louisiana record.

How much does it cost to get a copy of my record?

The fee varies slightly depending on the type of record and how you request it. Online requests are typically the least expensive, usually under $10. Mail and in-person requests may cost slightly more. Check the Louisiana OMV website for the current fee schedule.

Do I need my record if I am moving out of Louisiana?

If you are moving to another state and getting a new driver's license there, that state will request your driving record from Louisiana as part of the license transfer process. You do not need to obtain it yourself. However, if you need it for an employer or insurance company before the transfer, you can request it on your own.

What if I have a suspended license — will that show on my record?

Yes. A suspended or revoked license is clearly marked on your driving record. The record will show the reason for the suspension and the date it began. Once your suspension is lifted, that will also be recorded, but the suspension itself remains part of your history.