What a Michigan driving record shows and who can see it

Your Michigan driving record is a document kept by the Secretary of State that lists your traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and other driving-related events. It does not include your personal information like address or Social Security number — only your driving history. The record is public, meaning your insurance company, an employer, a court, or a potential landlord can request it if you give permission or if the law allows them to.

Michigan keeps two versions of your record. The public record shows violations and suspensions and is what most people see when they request their own record. The abstract of driving record is the official version used by courts and law enforcement and includes more detail about each incident.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request your own Michigan driving record online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a branch office for a small fee.
  • Your record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points assigned to your license, but not your personal details like address.
  • Points stay on your record for two years from the violation date, and suspensions appear until they are lifted.
  • Insurance companies and employers can see your record if you consent, and courts can access it without your permission.
  • If information on your record is wrong, you can dispute it by contacting the Secretary of State with proof of the error.

How to order your driving record online

The fastest way to get your record is through the Michigan Secretary of State website. Go to sos.state.mi.us, find the "Driver Records" section, and select "Order Your Driving Record Online." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method — the fee is currently $7 for a public record.

The system will ask whether you want a public record or an abstract. Choose public record unless a court or government agency specifically asked for an abstract. You can print the record when ready after ordering, or have it mailed to you. If you print it right away, you have the record in hand within minutes. If you request mailing, allow five to seven business days for delivery.

Ordering by mail or in person

If you do not have internet access or prefer to order on paper, you can mail a request to the Michigan Secretary of State, Driver Records Section, 430 West Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Include a completed form (available on the Secretary of State website), a copy of your driver's license or state ID, and a check or money order for $7. Mail requests take two to three weeks.

You can also visit a Secretary of State branch office in person. Bring your driver's license or state ID and $7 in cash or card. The staff will print your record on the spot. Branch locations and hours are listed on the Secretary of State website — most are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer Saturday appointments.

What violations and points mean on your record

Each traffic violation on your record carries a point value. Speeding 1 to 5 miles over the limit is 1 point; speeding 6 to 10 miles over is 2 points; speeding 11 to 15 miles over is 3 points, and so on. Reckless driving is 6 points. Driving with a suspended license is 6 points. At-fault accidents are 3 points each. Points accumulate over time and can lead to license suspension if you reach 12 points in two years.

Your record also shows the date of each violation, the fine you paid (if any), and whether the violation is still active or has been resolved. Violations stay on your record for two years from the date of the violation — after two years, they stop counting toward your point total, but they remain visible on your record history for insurance and employment purposes.

License suspensions and their causes

If your record shows a suspension, it will list the reason and the dates the suspension was in effect. Common reasons include reaching 12 points in two years, driving with a suspended or revoked license, failing to pay a traffic fine, or failing to appear in court. Some suspensions are automatic; others require a court order.

Once a suspension ends, it appears on your record as "lifted" or "terminated." You must wait until the suspension is officially lifted before you can legally drive. If you are unsure whether your suspension is still active, contact the Secretary of State at 517-322-1460 or check the online record — it will clearly state the current status.

Correcting errors on your record

If your record contains wrong information — a violation you did not commit, an accident listed twice, or a suspension that was lifted but still shows as active — you can dispute it. Start by gathering proof of the error: a court document, a police report, or correspondence from the Secretary of State showing the correction.

Send a written request to the Secretary of State, Driver Records Section, with your name, driver's license number, and a clear explanation of the error. Include copies (not originals) of your supporting documents. The Secretary of State will investigate and contact you within 30 days. If the error is confirmed, they will issue a corrected record. If you disagree with their decision, you can request a hearing.

Who can see your record and when

Your insurance company can see your record when you explore for a policy or renew one — they use it to set your rates. An employer can see it if you consent and if the job involves driving. A court can access it without your permission during a legal proceeding. A landlord or property manager may request it as part of a background check, though this is less common.

You control who sees your record by deciding whether to consent to a records check. If someone asks to see your driving record, you can ask why they need it and whether you must consent. In most cases, you have the right to refuse, though an employer or insurance company may decline to hire or insure you if you do.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do violations stay on my Michigan driving record?

Violations stop counting toward your point total after two years from the violation date, but they remain visible on your record history indefinitely. Insurance companies typically look back three to five years, so older violations may not affect your rates.

Can I get my record if I lost my driver's license?

Yes. You can order online using your driver's license number and date of birth, or by mail using a copy of any state ID. If you have neither, contact the Secretary of State at 517-322-1460 to confirm what documents you need.

What is the difference between a public record and an abstract?

A public record is a summary of your violations and suspensions. An abstract is the official version with more detail and is used by courts and law enforcement. Unless a court or agency specifically asks for an abstract, order a public record.

Does my record show accidents I was not at fault for?

Only accidents you reported to police appear on your record, and they show whether you were at fault. Not-at-fault accidents do not add points to your license, but they may still appear in your history for insurance purposes.

How do I know if my license is currently suspended?

Check your driving record online or call the Secretary of State at 517-322-1460. Your record will clearly state whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked and the reason why.