What a PennDOT driving record shows and who can see it

Your PennDOT driving record is a document kept by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 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 convictions related to driving. The record covers violations and incidents from the past three to five years, though some serious offenses stay longer.

You can request your own record at any time. Employers, insurance companies, courts, and law enforcement can also request it, but they need your permission or a legal reason to do so. Your record affects your insurance rates, your ability to get certain jobs, and whether you can keep your license.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get your PennDOT driving record online through the PA Department of Transportation website, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT office.
  • The online method is fastest and costs between $5 and $10 depending on which version you request.
  • You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to request your record.
  • A certified copy takes longer but is required for court cases, employment verification, or insurance claims.
  • Points on your record from traffic violations stay for three years, but serious violations like DUI may stay longer.

Ordering your record online

The fastest way to get your PennDOT driving record is through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website. Go to the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services page and look for the option to order your driving record. You will need your Pennsylvania driver's license number or your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method.

The website offers two versions: an unofficial copy and a certified copy. An unofficial copy arrives as a PDF you can read when ready or within a few hours, and costs around $5. A certified copy is printed, signed, and mailed to you, which takes five to seven business days, and costs around $10. Choose the certified version if you need the record for a court, employer, or insurance company — they usually will not accept the unofficial version.

Requesting your record by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. Send a letter to PennDOT's Driver Records Section that includes your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, current address, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail it to the address listed on the PennDOT website under Driver Records. This method takes two to three weeks.

You can also visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person. Bring your driver's license or state ID, fill out the request form, and pay the fee. You will receive your record on the spot if you request an unofficial copy, or you can order a certified copy to be mailed to you. PennDOT offices are open during standard business hours, and wait times vary by location.

Understanding points and violations on your record

When you receive a traffic ticket or are convicted of a driving violation in Pennsylvania, points are added to your license. The number of points depends on the violation — a speeding ticket might be three points, while reckless driving could be six. These points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation.

If you accumulate six points within 12 months, your license will be suspended. If you reach 11 points within 24 months, your license will be suspended again. Serious violations like DUI, driving with a suspended license, or hit-and-run remain on your record longer than three years and carry harsher penalties. You can see the exact point value for each violation on your record.

How to challenge information on your record

If your record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, an incorrect date, or a ticket that was dismissed — you can request a correction. Contact PennDOT's Driver Records Section with documentation of the error, such as a court dismissal letter or proof of payment showing the ticket was resolved differently than your record states.

PennDOT will investigate your claim and update your record if the error is confirmed. This process usually takes two to four weeks. Keep copies of all documents you send, and follow up if you do not hear back within that timeframe. If PennDOT denies your request, you can file an appeal through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your record shows a suspension or revocation, you cannot legally drive until it is lifted. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored automatically after the suspension period ends, or you may need to complete certain steps like paying a reinstatement fee or completing a defensive driving course. A revocation is permanent, and you must reapply for a license and pass the written and driving tests again.

Check your record regularly to know when a suspension will end. If you are unsure of the reason for the suspension or revocation, call PennDOT's Driver Services line or visit a Driver License Center. They can explain what caused it and what you need to do to restore your driving privileges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my driving record?

An unofficial copy downloads when ready or within a few hours when you order online. A certified copy mailed to you takes five to seven business days. Requests by mail take two to three weeks. In-person requests at a PennDOT office are when ready for unofficial copies.

Can I see my record for free?

No. PennDOT charges a fee for all driving records, whether official or certified. The fee is typically $5 for an unofficial copy and $10 for a certified copy, though prices may vary. You cannot view your record without paying.

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

Only if you reported the accident to PennDOT or if it was reported by the other driver or police. Accidents appear on your record as reported incidents, not as violations. Being at fault or not at fault does not change whether the accident shows up — that is determined by whether it was officially reported.

How do I remove old violations from my record?

You cannot remove violations, but they fall off your record automatically after three years for most traffic violations. Serious violations like DUI stay longer. Once the three-year period passes, the violation no longer counts toward license suspension or points accumulation, though it may still be visible on your full history.

What if I lost my driver's license number?

You can still request your record using your Social Security number and date of birth instead. If you need your license number for another reason, you can find it on your physical license card, or call PennDOT to look it up with your name and date of birth.