What a driving record is and why you need it
Your driving record is an official document from your state's motor vehicle agency that lists every traffic violation, accident, and licensing action tied to your name and driver's license number. It includes speeding tickets, at-fault crashes, license suspensions, and DUI convictions — anything the state has on file about your driving history.
You need your driving record for job applications (especially for positions involving driving), insurance quotes, court cases, rental car companies, and loan applications. Employers often request it before hiring, and insurance companies use it to set your rates. Some states also require you to review it periodically to catch errors.
The document you receive is called a driving history report or motor vehicle record (MVR), depending on your state. It shows only violations and incidents — not your current license status or registration information, which are separate records.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's motor vehicle agency (called the MVA, DMV, or RMV depending on your state) maintains your driving record and is the only official source.
- You can request your record in person at a local office, by mail, online through your state's website, or sometimes by phone, depending on your state's options.
- Processing times range from same-day (in-person) to two to three weeks (by mail), and fees typically range from $5 to $15.
- You should check your record for errors like violations you did not receive or accidents you were not in, since correcting them requires contacting your state agency directly.
- Your record is public information, but some states limit who can request it — employers and insurers can usually order it, but you may need written permission from you to do so.
How to request your record online or by mail
Most states now offer online ordering through their motor vehicle agency website. Search "[your state] motor vehicle record online" or go directly to your state's MVA, DMV, or RMV website. You will typically enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Payment is usually by credit or debit card, and you can read or print the record when ready or have it mailed to you.
If your state does not offer online ordering, you can request by mail. read the request form from your state's website (often called a "driving record request form" or "motor vehicle record request"), fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your driver's license or state ID. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.
Some states also allow phone requests, though this is less common. Call your state's motor vehicle agency main line and ask if you can order a record by phone. You will need to provide your license number and date of birth, and they will mail the record to you.
Getting your record in person at an MVA office
The fastest way to get your record is to visit a local motor vehicle office in person. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay the fee (usually $5 to $15, depending on your state). You will fill out a short form at the counter, pay, and receive your record on the spot or within a few minutes.
Find your nearest office by searching "[your state] motor vehicle office locations" or visiting your state's website. Some states allow you to check wait times online before you go. Bring exact change if possible, as not all offices have card readers, though most do now.
Understanding what appears on your record
Your driving record shows violations from the past three to seven years, depending on your state. Moving violations (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving) appear with the date, location, and fine amount. At-fault accidents show the date and a brief description. License suspensions, revocations, and reinstatements are listed with dates. DUI or DWI convictions appear prominently and remain on your record longer than other violations.
Not everything appears on your record. Parking tickets do not show up. Accidents where you were not at fault may not appear, or may appear with a note indicating you were not responsible. Violations dismissed in court usually do not appear, though this varies by state. Paid-off fines and completed traffic school courses do not remove violations from your record — they remain but may show the resolution.
The record does not show your current license status, vehicle registration, or insurance information. It also does not show warnings or citations that were not formally filed.
Checking your record for errors and correcting them
Review your record carefully for violations you do not recognize, accidents you were not in, or duplicate entries. Errors do happen — violations can be entered under the wrong license number, or an accident report might list you when another driver was at fault.
If you find an error, contact your state's motor vehicle agency directly. Most states have a dispute process: you will need to submit a written request explaining the error and provide supporting documents (a court dismissal letter, insurance report, or police report). Mail this to the address listed on your record or submit it through your state's website if that option is available. Processing disputes typically takes four to eight weeks.
Do not assume the error will fix itself. Errors on your driving record can affect insurance rates and job prospects, so it is worth the effort to correct them.
What employers and insurers see when they request your record
When an employer or insurance company requests your record, they see the same violations and incidents you do — the full driving history for the past several years. However, they cannot see your record without your written permission. Most job applications include a checkbox authorizing the employer to request your record, and insurance companies ask for permission when you get a quote.
Some states have restrictions on what employers can see. A few states exclude certain minor violations or old violations from employer records, though the violations still appear on your personal record. Check your state's rules if you are concerned about a specific violation affecting a job process.
Insurance companies use your record to calculate your rate. Violations and accidents increase your premium, and the impact depends on the severity and how recent the violation is. A speeding ticket from five years ago affects your rate less than one from last month.
How long violations stay on your record
Violation retention periods vary by state and by violation type. Most states keep minor violations (speeding, equipment violations) for three to five years. More serious violations like reckless driving or DUI typically remain for seven to ten years or longer. Some states keep DUI convictions on your record permanently.
Even after a violation "falls off" your record — meaning it no longer appears in the standard report — it may still be accessible through background checks or court records. The violation straightforward stops appearing on your official motor vehicle record.
If you are unsure how long a specific violation will remain on your record, contact your state's motor vehicle agency and ask. They can tell you the exact retention period for your violation type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get my driving record?
Fees range from $5 to $15 depending on your state and how you request it. In-person requests are usually the same price as online or mail requests. Some states charge extra if you need the record rushed or certified (with an official seal).
Can I get someone else's driving record?
No, not without their written permission. Driving records are considered private information. Employers and insurance companies can request your record only if you authorize them to do so. Law enforcement and courts can access records as part of an investigation or case.
Will traffic school remove a violation from my record?
Traffic school does not remove the violation from your record in most states. It may reduce the fine or prevent points from being added to your license, but the violation itself remains. Some states allow you to "mask" or hide one violation every few years through traffic school, but this is not common.
What if I was found not guilty in traffic court?
Violations dismissed or resulting in a not-guilty verdict usually do not appear on your driving record. However, the court must report the dismissal to your state's motor vehicle agency, which can take several weeks. If the violation still appears after the dismissal, contact your motor vehicle agency with a copy of the court order.
How do I know if my record has been requested by an employer or insurer?
You will not automatically know when your record is requested. When you authorize an employer or insurance company to pull your record, they are not required to tell you the results. If you are concerned about what they saw, you can request your own record and review it yourself.