What a Missouri driving record contains and who can see it
Your Missouri driving record is a document kept by the Missouri Department of Revenue 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 commercial driving restrictions. The record does not include parking tickets or violations that happened outside Missouri.
Missouri distinguishes between your personal driving record, which you can see yourself, and your public driving record, which employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement can request. Your personal record shows everything. The public record omits certain information like your Social Security number and some personal details, but includes the violations and points that matter to insurers and employers.
You can request your own record in person, by mail, or online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Employers and insurance companies request records through a separate process and must have your written consent in most cases.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri driving records show violations, accidents, license status, and points, and are maintained by the Department of Revenue.
- You can view your own record online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri license office without paying a fee.
- Employers and insurance companies can request your public record only with your written permission.
- Points stay on your record for three years from the violation date, and suspensions appear until they are lifted.
- You can dispute inaccurate information on your record by contacting the Department of Revenue with supporting documents.
How to order your driving record online
The fastest way to get your Missouri driving record is through the Missouri Department of Revenue's online system. Go to the Department of Revenue website and look for the "Driving Record" or "Abstract of Driving Record" option. You will need your Missouri driver's license number and date of birth to log in.
Once you log in, you can view your record when ready on screen. You also have the option to print it or read it as a PDF. There is no charge for viewing your own record this way. If you need an official certified copy for a court case or legal matter, you can request one through the same system, and the Department of Revenue will mail it to you within five to seven business days.
Keep in mind that online records update within one to two business days of a violation being reported to the Department of Revenue. If you were recently cited and do not see it yet, check back in a few days.
Requesting your record by mail or in person
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request your driving record by mail. Write a letter to the Missouri Department of Revenue that includes your full name, date of birth, Missouri driver's license number, and the reason you need the record. Mail it to the address listed on the Department of Revenue website. Processing takes about two weeks.
You can also visit any Missouri license office in person and request your record at the counter. Bring your driver's license or state ID. Staff will print your record on the spot, usually within a few minutes. There is no fee for this service.
If you need a certified abstract — a formal, sealed copy for legal or employment purposes — request it specifically in your letter or at the counter. Certified copies take longer to process (five to seven business days by mail) because they must be signed and sealed by a Department of Revenue official.
Understanding points and violations on your record
Missouri assigns points to certain traffic violations. A speeding ticket might be worth two to four points depending on how far over the limit you were. Reckless driving is worth four points. Driving with a suspended license is worth eight points. Points accumulate, and if you reach 12 points within three years, your license is suspended for 30 days on the first suspension.
Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation, not from the date you paid the fine or completed traffic school. If you took a defensive driving course after a violation, that course may have removed points from your record, but the violation itself still appears — it just shows that you completed the course.
Accidents appear on your record whether you were at fault or not. At-fault accidents add points in some cases. Insurance companies see all accidents, so even a minor fender-bender can affect your rates.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid. You cannot drive legally during a suspension, and driving while suspended is a separate criminal offense. Suspensions typically last 30 days to one year depending on the reason. Once the suspension period ends and you meet any conditions (like paying fines or completing a substance abuse program), you can explore to reinstate your license.
A revocation is permanent removal of your license. You must wait a set period — often one to five years — before you can reapply for a license. Revocations usually result from multiple suspensions, serious violations like driving under the influence, or failure to pay child support or court fines.
Both suspensions and revocations appear on your public driving record. Employers and insurance companies will see them. Your record shows the reason for the suspension or revocation and the date it was lifted (if it has been).
Correcting errors on your Missouri driving record
If your record contains a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, or incorrect point totals, you can dispute it. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue in writing and explain what is wrong. Include copies of supporting documents — a court dismissal letter, a traffic ticket showing different information, or a police report that contradicts what appears on your record.
The Department of Revenue will investigate your dispute, which typically takes two to four weeks. If they find an error, they will correct it and send you an updated record. If they do not find an error, they will explain why the information on your record is correct.
Do not assume a violation will disappear on its own. If you believe something is wrong, report it. Errors can affect your insurance rates and employment opportunities, so it is worth the effort to correct them.
Who can request your driving record and what they see
Employers, insurance companies, and government agencies can request your driving record, but they need your written permission in most cases. When you explore for a job that involves driving, you typically sign a form allowing the employer to pull your record. When you buy car insurance, you authorize the insurance company to access your record.
Law enforcement and courts can access your record without your permission as part of an investigation or legal proceeding. The Department of Revenue can also share your record with other state agencies for licensing or regulatory purposes.
The public record that employers and insurers see does not include your Social Security number, address, or some other personal details, but it includes every violation, accident, point, and suspension. There is no way to hide a violation from an insurance company or employer — it will appear on the public record for the full three years (or longer for serious violations).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do violations stay on my Missouri driving record?
Most violations stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. Serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license may stay longer — sometimes up to five or seven years. Once the time period passes, the violation no longer counts toward your point total, but it may still appear on your record as historical information.
Can I remove a violation from my record early?
No, you cannot remove a violation before the three-year period ends. However, if you complete a defensive driving course within a certain time after a violation, Missouri may remove the points associated with that violation (though the violation itself still appears on your record). You can take the course only once every three years.
Does my record show accidents I was not at fault for?
Yes, all reported accidents appear on your record, whether you were at fault or not. However, insurance companies can see which accidents were your fault and which were not, because the police report or insurance claim notes the at-fault driver. An accident you were not at fault for should not increase your insurance rates, but it will still show on your record.
What if I need my record for a court case or legal matter?
Request a certified abstract of your driving record. This is an official, sealed copy signed by a Department of Revenue official. You can order it online, by mail, or in person. Certified copies take five to seven business days by mail. Courts and attorneys require certified copies because they are official documents that can be entered as evidence.
Can I check someone else's driving record?
No, you cannot view another person's driving record without their written permission. Only the driver, their employer (with permission), their insurance company (with permission), law enforcement, and courts can access a driving record. If you need someone's record for a legal matter, you must obtain their signed consent or a court order.