What a driving record contains and who keeps it
Your driving record is a file maintained by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency—some states call it the Secretary of State or Registry of Motor Vehicles). It contains a history of traffic violations, accidents you reported to police, license suspensions or revocations, and in some states, safety inspection failures or parking violations. The record does not include accidents you did not report to law enforcement, or tickets you received but paid without a conviction being recorded.
Every state maintains its own driving record. If you have lived in multiple states or hold licenses in more than one state, each state has a separate file on you. Your record in one state does not automatically appear in another state's system, though states can request your history through the National Driver Register when they issue or renew your license.
Insurance companies, employers, courts, and landlords can request your driving record with your permission. Some employers—particularly those hiring for positions involving driving or security—will ask you to authorize a record check as part of the hiring process. You can always request your own record directly from your state's DMV.
Key Takeaways
- Your driving record is kept by your state's DMV and includes violations, accidents reported to police, and license actions, but not unreported accidents or paid tickets without convictions.
- You can obtain a copy of your record by visiting your state DMV's website, calling their office, or visiting in person; the process and fee vary by state.
- Traffic violations stay on your record for three to seven years depending on the state and the type of violation, though serious offenses like DUI may remain longer.
- Insurance companies and employers can see your driving record if you authorize them to, and some insurers will raise rates or deny coverage based on violations or accidents.
- You have the right to dispute inaccurate information on your record by contacting your state DMV with documentation of the error.
How to get a copy of your driving record
The fastest way to obtain your record is through your state's DMV website. Most states now offer online ordering, where you enter your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number, then pay a small fee (usually $5 to $15) and receive the record by mail or email within days. Some states allow you to print it when ready after payment.
If your state does not offer online ordering, you can visit a DMV office in person with your driver's license and request a copy. You will pay the same fee and receive the record on the spot or by mail. A few states still require you to mail a request form with payment, which takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office.
Some states distinguish between a "certified" copy (with an official seal, required for legal proceedings) and an "uncertified" copy (for your own records or insurance purposes). Certified copies cost more and take longer to receive. For most purposes—checking what insurers see, reviewing your history, or disputing errors—an uncertified copy is sufficient.
What violations and incidents stay on your record
Traffic violations remain on your record for a set period that varies by state and violation type. Minor violations like speeding or running a red light typically stay for three to five years. More serious violations—reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, or at-fault accidents—may remain for five to seven years or longer. A DUI or felony driving offense can stay on your record for ten years or permanently, depending on the state.
Accidents appear on your record only if you reported them to police or if police responded to the scene. A minor fender-bender you settled privately with the other driver will not show up unless one of you filed a police report. At-fault accidents typically remain for three to five years; not-at-fault accidents may stay longer or be removed sooner depending on state rules.
Parking violations and toll violations do not appear on your driving record in most states—they are handled separately by local authorities or toll agencies. However, if you ignore parking tickets long enough, they can result in a license suspension, which will then appear on your driving record.
How your record affects insurance rates and coverage
Insurance companies pull your driving record when you explore for a policy and periodically while you are insured. A clean record—no violations or accidents in the past three to five years—qualifies you for the best rates. Each violation or accident typically increases your premium. A single speeding ticket might raise your rate by 10 to 15 percent; a DUI can double or triple your premium or cause an insurer to deny coverage altogether.
Some insurers use a system called "safe driver" discounts, where you earn lower rates for each year without violations. If you receive a ticket, you lose the discount and your rate jumps. Other insurers straightforward add a surcharge for each incident on your record. The exact impact depends on the insurance company's underwriting rules and your state's regulations on how insurers can use driving records.
If your record is very poor—multiple violations, a DUI, or an at-fault accident—some standard insurers will refuse to cover you. You may then need to purchase a policy from a high-risk or "assigned risk" insurer, which charges significantly higher premiums. As violations age and fall off your record, your rates will gradually decrease.
Disputing errors on your driving record
If your record contains a violation you did not commit, a ticket that was dismissed, or an accident you were not at fault for, you have the right to dispute it. Start by obtaining a copy of your record and identifying the error. Then contact your state's DMV in writing (email, mail, or online form, depending on what the state offers) and explain the discrepancy. Attach documentation: a court order showing the ticket was dismissed, a police report showing you were not at fault, or a letter from the court.
The DMV will investigate your claim, which typically takes 30 to 60 days. If they find the error, they will correct or remove the entry. If they deny your dispute, you can request a hearing before a DMV official or, in some states, file an appeal with a higher authority. Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation you submit.
Disputes are most successful when you have official documentation—a court document, police report, or letter from the prosecutor. If you straightforward disagree with a ticket you received, disputing it through the DMV is unlikely to work; instead, you would have needed to contest it in traffic court at the time.
How long violations stay on your record by state
| Violation Type | Typical Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor speeding or traffic violation | 3 to 5 years | Varies by state; some states remove after 3 years, others keep for 7 |
| At-fault accident | 3 to 7 years | Longer in some states; not-at-fault accidents may be removed sooner |
| Reckless driving or serious violation | 5 to 10 years | Treated more severely than minor violations in most states |
| DUI or DWI | 5 to 15 years or permanent | Varies widely; some states keep permanently, others remove after 10 years |
| Driving with suspended or revoked license | 5 to 10 years | Often treated as a serious offense; duration depends on state |
What employers and landlords see on your record
When you authorize an employer or landlord to check your driving record, they see the same information you do: violations, accidents, and license actions. Employers hiring for positions that involve driving—delivery drivers, truck drivers, taxi drivers, or commercial vehicle operators—almost always request this check. Some employers in security, transportation, or positions requiring a clean background will also pull your record even if driving is not part of the job.
A single speeding ticket is unlikely to disqualify you from most jobs. However, a DUI, multiple violations, or a suspended license can result in a job offer being withdrawn. Landlords are less likely to deny housing based on a driving record alone, but some use it as one factor in assessing reliability, particularly if you will be parking on their property or if the rental is in a building with strict policies.
You have the right to know if your driving record was checked and to see what was reported. If an employer or landlord denies you based on information in your record, they must tell you and give you a chance to dispute it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a copy of my driving record?
Most states charge between $5 and $15 for an uncertified copy ordered online or by mail. Certified copies cost more, usually $10 to $25. Some states offer the first copy free each year. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and ordering method.
Will a ticket I paid show up on my driving record?
It depends on how you paid it. If you paid a ticket and pleaded guilty or no contest, the violation will appear on your record. If you paid a ticket but the charge was dismissed or reduced to a non-moving violation (like a parking ticket), it may not appear. Request your record to see what was actually recorded.
Can I remove a violation from my driving record early?
In most states, no—violations remain for the set period. However, some states offer "traffic school" or defensive driving courses that allow you to remove a minor violation if you complete the course within a certain time. A few states have "point reduction" programs. Check your state's DMV website or ask at a DMV office about options specific to your violation.
How long does it take to get my driving record by mail?
If you order online, most states mail the record within 5 to 10 business days, though some offer email delivery within 24 hours. If you request by mail, add time for your letter to reach the DMV. Visiting a DMV office in person is fastest—you usually receive the record the same day.
Will my driving record from another state follow me if I move?
Your old state's record stays in that state. When you explore for a license in your new state, the new state's DMV can request your history from the National Driver Register, which includes serious violations and suspensions. However, minor violations from another state may not automatically appear on your new state's record unless you disclose them or the new state specifically requests them.