What a Maryland driving record contains and who can see it
Your Maryland driving record is a file kept by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) that shows your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and any convictions related to driving. The record also notes when you passed your driving test and when your license expires.
Not everyone can see your full record. Insurance companies, employers, courts, and law enforcement can access it, but what they see depends on their reason for asking and Maryland law. You can always see your own complete record. Family members, landlords, and the general public cannot access it without your permission.
Your record stays active as long as you hold a Maryland license. Traffic violations typically remain on your record for three years from the date of conviction, though more serious offenses like DUI stay longer. Points you accumulate also expire after a set time, but suspensions and revocations are noted until they are lifted.
Key Takeaways
- You can request your own Maryland driving record in person at any MVA office, by mail, or online through the MVA website without paying a fee.
- The MVA charges a fee to employers, insurance companies, and other third parties who request your record, but you will not pay anything to see your own.
- Traffic violations stay on your record for three years from conviction, while DUI convictions and license suspensions remain longer.
- You can dispute errors on your record by contacting the MVA with documentation, such as proof that a ticket was dismissed or that an accident was not your fault.
How to request your own driving record
The fastest way to see your record is through the MVA's online portal. Go to the Maryland MVA website, select "Driver Records," and choose the option to view your own record. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The record appears when ready on screen and you can print or save it.
If you prefer to request it in person, visit any MVA office with your driver's license or state ID. Tell the clerk you want to see your driving record. They will print it for you on the spot at no charge. Bring a second form of identification if possible, though your license is usually enough.
You can also request your record by mail. Send a letter to the MVA with your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and current address. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail it to the MVA's Records Request section — the address is on the MVA website. Processing takes about two weeks.
Understanding points, violations, and suspensions on your record
Maryland uses a point system to track driving violations. Most traffic violations add points to your license — for example, speeding adds two to five points depending on how far over the limit you were, and reckless driving adds eight points. If you accumulate 8 points within two years, the MVA will suspend your license for a period of time.
Points expire and are removed from your record, but the timing depends on the violation. Minor violations like speeding typically have points that expire after three years. More serious violations like DUI or reckless driving carry points that stay on your record longer. You can see the expiration date for each violation on your record.
A suspension means you cannot legally drive in Maryland until the suspension period ends. A revocation is more serious — it means your license is cancelled and you must reapply and pass the driving test again to get a new one. Both appear on your record and affect insurance rates and employment prospects.
What to do if your record has errors
Errors on your driving record do happen. A ticket might be listed as a conviction when it was actually dismissed, or an accident might be marked as your fault when it was not. The first step is to get a copy of your record and review it carefully against any documents you have — court dismissals, insurance reports, or police reports.
If you find an error, contact the MVA in writing with documentation. Send a letter to the Records Request section explaining the error, which item on your record is wrong, and what the correct information should be. Include copies of supporting documents — a court order showing a dismissal, an insurance report, or a police report. Do not send originals.
The MVA will investigate your dispute. This can take several weeks. If they confirm the error, they will correct your record and send you a corrected copy. If they disagree, they will explain why and tell you how to appeal. Keep copies of everything you send and note the date you mailed it.
How employers and insurance companies use your record
Employers who hire drivers — delivery services, taxi companies, transit agencies — routinely request driving records as part of background checks. They pay a fee to the MVA for this access. They use the record to assess whether you are a safe driver and whether your violations match the job requirements. A single speeding ticket may not disqualify you, but multiple violations or a DUI will.
Insurance companies also request your record and use it to set your rates. A clean record keeps your premiums lower. Violations, accidents, and suspensions raise your rates. Some insurers will not insure you at all if your record shows recent serious violations. If you are shopping for insurance, your record is one of the main things the company will check.
You have the right to know what information an employer or insurance company sees. If you are denied a job or charged a higher insurance rate based on your driving record, you can request a copy of the record they reviewed. This helps you catch errors before they cost you money or opportunity.
How to improve your record after violations
Once a violation is on your record, you cannot remove it before the expiration date — but you can take steps to show the MVA that you are a safer driver going forward. The most direct way is to avoid new violations. Each year without a violation strengthens your record and eventually old violations expire and disappear.
If you received a ticket, you have options. You can pay the fine and accept the conviction, which adds points. You can contest the ticket in traffic court and try to get it dismissed. You can also ask the court about a probation before judgment (PBJ) — if the judge agrees, the conviction does not go on your record if you stay violation-free for a set period, usually six months to a year.
Some violations can be reduced through defensive driving school. If you complete an approved course, the MVA may reduce the points on your record for that violation. The course costs money and takes time, but it can prevent your license from being suspended if you are close to the 8-point threshold. Ask the court clerk or your insurance company which schools are approved in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get my driving record?
There is no charge when you request your own record online, in person at an MVA office, or by mail. The MVA only charges when employers, insurance companies, or other third parties request your record. You will not pay anything to see your own information.
How long does a DUI stay on my Maryland driving record?
A DUI conviction stays on your record for ten years from the date of conviction. During that time, it affects your insurance rates, employment prospects, and license status. After ten years, it is removed from your public record, though it may still appear in background checks depending on the type of check.
Can I get a ticket removed from my record before three years?
No, violations cannot be removed early just by asking. However, if you can prove the ticket was dismissed or the conviction was overturned, you can dispute it and have it removed when ready. You will need court documentation showing the dismissal. If you completed a defensive driving course or received a probation before judgment, you can also request a record correction based on that outcome.
Will a minor speeding ticket affect my insurance rates?
Most insurance companies will raise your rates after any traffic violation, including minor speeding tickets. The amount of the increase depends on how far over the speed limit you were, your driving history, and your insurance company's policies. Some companies are more lenient than others, so it is worth shopping around after a violation.
What happens if I move out of Maryland — does my record follow me?
Your Maryland driving record stays with the MVA and remains accessible to other states through the National Driver Register. If you get a license in another state, that state can see your Maryland violations and suspensions. Some violations may affect your ability to get a license in your new state, so it is important to disclose your history when you explore.