What a Maryland driving record shows and who can request it

Your Maryland driving record is a document kept by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) that lists your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points on your license, and any convictions related to driving. The record does not include arrests that did not result in a conviction, and it does not show your personal information like your Social Security number or address.

You can request your own driving record, or someone else can request it if they have your written permission. Employers, insurance companies, courts, and law enforcement can also request records under certain circumstances. The MVA maintains these records for a set period — violations typically stay on your record for three years from the conviction date, though some serious offenses remain longer.

Maryland offers three ways to get your record: in person at an MVA office, by mail, or online through the MVA website. Each method takes a different amount of time and costs a small fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Maryland driving record shows traffic violations, accidents, license actions, and driving-related convictions, but not arrests without convictions.
  • You can order your own record online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office, and the fee is the same regardless of method.
  • Online ordering through the MVA website is the fastest option and typically takes one to two business days.
  • If someone else needs your record, you must provide written permission, and they will need your full name, date of birth, and driver's license number.
  • Traffic violations stay on your record for three years from conviction, but serious offenses like DUI may remain longer.

Ordering your record online through the MVA website

The fastest way to get your Maryland driving record is through the MVA's online ordering system at mva.maryland.gov. Go to the "Records and Abstracts" section and select "Order Your Driving Record." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask whether you want a certified copy (which has the MVA's official seal and is accepted by courts and employers) or an uncertified copy (which is less formal but costs less).

After you enter your information and pay the fee by credit or debit card, the MVA will email your record to you within one to two business days. You can print it when ready or save it as a PDF. If you need the record urgently, this is your best option — it is faster than mail and does not require a trip to an office.

One thing to watch: the online system will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or past addresses. This is a security step to prevent someone from ordering your record without permission. If you cannot answer the questions, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Requesting your record by mail

To order by mail, read the "Request for Driving Record" form from the MVA website or pick one up at any MVA office. Fill in your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and current address. Write whether you want a certified or uncertified copy. Include a check or money order for the fee (made payable to "Maryland MVA") and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Mail requests typically take 10 to 15 business days from the time the MVA receives your envelope. This method works if you do not have a credit card for online ordering or if you prefer not to use the internet. Keep in mind that mail can be delayed, so do not use this method if you need the record within a week.

If someone else is requesting your record on your behalf, you must sign the form and include a copy of your driver's license or state ID. The MVA will mail the record to the address you provide, which can be your address or the requester's address.

Getting your record in person at an MVA office

You can walk into any Maryland MVA office and request your driving record at the counter. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be ready to pay the fee in cash, check, or card. The staff will print your record on the spot, and you will have it in your hands within minutes. This is the only method that gives you the record when ready.

The downside is that you have to travel to an office during business hours. MVA offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have Saturday hours. If you live far from an office or have a busy schedule, the online method is usually more practical.

If you are requesting someone else's record in person, bring their signed permission letter along with your ID and theirs. The MVA staff will verify the permission before releasing the record to you.

Understanding certified versus uncertified copies

A certified copy has the MVA's official seal and signature. Courts, employers, and insurance companies often require certified copies because the seal proves the document came directly from the state and has not been altered. If you are ordering the record for a court case, a job process, or an insurance claim, ask whether you need a certified copy — many organizations do.

An uncertified copy is a printout of your record without the official seal. It costs less and is fine for your own personal use, such as checking what violations are on your record or reviewing your points. If you are unsure whether you need certified or uncertified, order certified — it costs only a few dollars more and works everywhere.

What to do if you find errors on your record

If your driving record shows a violation you do not recognize, an accident you did not report, or a license action you did not request, contact the MVA to dispute it. You can call the MVA's customer service line or visit an office in person with your record and any documents that prove the error (such as a court dismissal, a police report, or correspondence from the MVA).

The MVA will investigate the error and correct it if it is wrong. This process can take several weeks, so if you need a corrected record for a job or court case, start the dispute as soon as you notice the problem. Ask the MVA for a letter explaining the dispute while it is being investigated — some employers and courts will accept this letter alongside your record.

How long violations stay on your Maryland record

Most traffic violations remain on your driving record for three years from the date of conviction. This means a speeding ticket from January 2022 would drop off in January 2025. However, some violations stay longer: DUI (driving under the influence) convictions remain for 10 years, and reckless driving stays for five years. Accidents you reported stay on your record for three years from the date of the accident, not the conviction date.

Even after a violation drops off your driving record, it may still appear on your criminal record if you were convicted. The MVA record and the criminal record are separate, and removing something from one does not remove it from the other. If you have questions about what stays on your record and for how long, the MVA can tell you based on your specific violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get my driving record?

The fee varies depending on whether you want a certified or uncertified copy and which method you use. As of now, certified copies cost more than uncertified copies, and the fee is the same whether you order online, by mail, or in person. Check the MVA website for the current fee, as it can change.

Can I check my driving record for free?

No, the MVA charges a fee for all copies of your driving record, whether certified or uncertified. However, you can view a summary of your points and license status for free by logging into your MVA account online if you have a Maryland driver's license.

How long does it take to get my record if I order it online?

Online orders typically arrive in your email within one to two business days. This is faster than mail (10 to 15 days) and slower than in-person (when ready), but it is the best option if you need the record soon and cannot visit an office.

Can my employer order my driving record without my permission?

No. Your employer must have your written permission to request your driving record. If they ask you to sign a form allowing them to order it, you can see what they are requesting before you agree. You have the right to refuse, though some jobs may require it as a condition of employment.

What if my record shows points I do not think I should have?

Points are added to your record when you are convicted of a traffic violation. If you believe the points are wrong, contact the MVA with proof of the error, such as a court document showing the conviction was dismissed or reduced. The MVA will investigate and correct your record if the error is confirmed.