Where to get your driving record
Your driving record is kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. You can request your own record directly from that agency, usually through their website, by mail, or in person at a local office. Most states charge a small fee, typically between $5 and $15, though some offer free lookups to the record holder.
The fastest method is almost always the state DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV driving record" and look for a link labeled "order your driving record" or "view your record online." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. Many states let you view the record when ready on screen and read or print it right away.
If you cannot find the online option or prefer not to use it, you can visit a DMV office in person with your driver's license and a small fee. Some states also accept mail requests — the DMV website will list the mailing address and what documents to include. Mail requests typically take one to two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV keeps your driving record and is the only official source; you request it directly from them, not from a third-party website.
- Most state DMV websites let you order your record online and receive it within minutes, though a fee of $5 to $15 usually applies.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number to request your record.
- Your driving record shows traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points assessed by your state, but does not include insurance claims or rates.
- If you find errors on your record, contact your state DMV directly with documentation to request a correction.
What appears on your driving record
Your state driving record includes traffic violations you received (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and so on), at-fault and not-at-fault accidents you were involved in, license suspensions or revocations, points your state assigned for violations, and sometimes DUI or DWI convictions. The exact details vary by state — some show every violation going back seven to ten years, while others keep a shorter history.
Your record does not include insurance claims, insurance rates, or whether your insurance company dropped you. Insurance companies pull a separate report from their own databases. Your record also does not show tickets you received but paid without a conviction, or violations that were dismissed or reduced in court — though some states do keep a notation that the ticket existed.
Points assigned for violations stay on your record for a set period that varies by state, usually three to five years. After that time, the points drop off, though the violation itself may remain visible. Some states allow you to take a defensive driving course to remove points early.
Why employers and others request your driving record
Employers who hire drivers — delivery companies, rideshare services, taxi companies, bus services, and some government agencies — often request your driving record as part of a background check. They want to see whether you have serious violations, suspensions, or multiple accidents. Insurance companies also pull your record when you explore for auto insurance or after an accident.
Courts may request your record in civil cases involving a car accident, and landlords occasionally check driving records as part of a tenant background check, though this is less common. In most cases, the person or organization requesting your record must have your written permission to do so.
If you are explore for a job that involves driving, it is worth checking your own record first so you know what an employer will see. If you find errors, you have time to dispute them before the employer pulls their copy.
How to dispute errors on your driving record
If your record shows a violation you did not receive, an accident you were not in, or points that were assigned in error, contact your state DMV directly. Most states have a formal dispute process outlined on their website. You will typically need to submit a written request with documentation — for example, a court document showing a ticket was dismissed, or a police report showing you were not at fault in an accident.
The DMV will investigate your claim, which can take several weeks to several months. Keep copies of everything you submit. If the DMV denies your dispute, some states allow you to request a hearing or appeal the decision.
If a violation was dismissed or reduced in court, bring the court paperwork to the DMV. If you were found not at fault in an accident, a police report or insurance company letter can help. The stronger your documentation, the faster the DMV can correct the record.
How long violations stay on your record
The length of time a violation remains visible on your driving record depends on the violation type and your state. Minor violations like speeding typically stay for three to five years. More serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or at-fault accidents may stay for seven to ten years or longer. Some states keep certain violations permanently, though points assigned for those violations may drop off after a set time.
Even after a violation ages off your record, it may still be visible to insurance companies or employers if they have access to historical records. The DMV record is what your state considers "current," but third parties sometimes maintain their own databases.
If you are concerned about how old violations might affect a job process or insurance quote, check your record first and ask the employer or insurance company directly what time period they review.
Differences between your DMV record and insurance records
Your state driving record and your insurance record are separate. Your DMV record is official and maintained by the government. Your insurance record is maintained by insurance companies and includes claims you filed, accidents you reported, and violations the insurance company learned about — which may or may not match your DMV record exactly.
Insurance companies use their own databases and third-party reports to build your driving profile. They may know about violations before they appear on your DMV record, or they may not know about violations that are on your DMV record if you did not report them to your insurance company. Insurance companies also track claims history, which does not appear on your DMV record at all.
If you want to know what an insurance company has on file about you, you can request your insurance record directly from the company. This is different from requesting your DMV record.
Getting your record for a specific purpose
If you need your driving record for a job process, court case, or insurance matter, check whether the requesting organization has specific requirements. Some employers want an official certified copy with a seal from the DMV, while others accept a printout. Courts may require a certified copy. Insurance companies usually accept any version of your record.
When you order your record online, check whether the state offers a certified version or a standard version. Certified copies cost more but carry official weight in legal or formal settings. If you are unsure which version you need, ask the organization requesting it before you order.
Keep a copy of your record for your own records. If you need it again soon, you may not have to pay for another copy if you already have a recent one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my driving record?
Online orders through your state DMV website usually show your record within minutes. Printed copies ordered online may arrive by mail in three to seven business days. In-person requests at a DMV office are typically when ready. Mail requests take one to two weeks depending on the state.
Can I see someone else's driving record?
No, not without their permission. Your state DMV will only release a record to the person whose name is on it, or to someone with written authorization from that person. Employers, insurance companies, and courts can request records only with the driver's permission or a court order.
What if my record shows an accident I was not in?
Contact your state DMV and request a correction. Provide documentation such as a police report showing you were not involved, or an insurance company letter. The DMV will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process can take several weeks.
Does my driving record affect my insurance rates?
Yes, insurance companies use your driving record to set rates, but they also use their own claims history and other factors. Your DMV record shows violations and accidents, but your insurance company may have additional information about claims you filed. Check both your DMV record and your insurance record if you want to know what is affecting your rates.
Can I remove a violation from my driving record early?
Some states allow you to take a defensive driving course to remove points or reduce the time a violation stays on your record. Check your state DMV website to see whether this option is available and what course requirements explore. Not all violations may have access to for removal.