What a Florida driving record shows and where to request it

Your Florida driving record is a document kept by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) that lists your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations you've been convicted of, accidents you've been involved in, license suspensions or revocations, points on your license, and any administrative actions taken against your driving privileges. The record does not include arrests or charges that didn't result in a conviction.

You can request your own driving record in person, by mail, or online through the DHSMV website. The online method is the fastest — you can view and print your record when ready if you have a valid Florida driver's license number and date of birth. If you request by mail or in person at a DHSMV office, processing takes several business days.

Other people and organizations can also request your record, but only if you give them written permission or if they have a legal reason to see it (such as an employer conducting a background check or an insurance company reviewing your history). The DHSMV charges a small fee for each record requested, though the amount varies depending on how you request it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Florida driving record contains traffic convictions, accidents, license suspensions, and points assessed by the state, but not arrests that didn't lead to conviction.
  • You can view your own record online through the DHSMV website within minutes using your driver's license number and date of birth.
  • Requesting by mail or in person takes several business days, while online requests are when ready.
  • Other people need your written permission or a legal reason to see your record, and the DHSMV charges a fee for each request.
  • Points stay on your record for a set time period — typically five years from the conviction date — and affect your insurance rates and license status.

How to request your record online

The DHSMV's online system lets you pull your own driving record without leaving home. Go to the DHSMV website, find the "Driving Records" section, and select the option to view your record. You'll need your Florida driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will display your record on screen when ready, and you can print or save it as a PDF.

This method works only if you're requesting your own record. If someone else needs to see it — a potential employer, an insurance company, or a lawyer — they must request it separately through their own process, or you must print your record and give it to them directly. Some employers and insurers have their own systems to pull records directly from the DHSMV, but they need your permission first.

Requesting your record by mail or in person

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request your record by mail or visit a DHSMV office in person. To request by mail, you'll need to fill out the appropriate form (available on the DHSMV website), include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about five to ten business days from the date the DHSMV receives your request.

To request in person, locate your nearest DHSMV office using the office locator on their website, bring a valid ID, and ask for a copy of your driving record. You can pay the fee in cash, check, or card, and you'll receive your record on the spot or within a few days depending on the office's workload. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea.

Understanding points and how long they stay on your record

When you're convicted of a traffic violation in Florida, the state assigns points to your license based on the severity of the offense. Speeding 15 miles per hour over the limit is typically 3 points; reckless driving is 4 points; and at-fault accidents are 4 points. These points accumulate, and if you reach a certain threshold, your license can be suspended. The thresholds are 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months.

Points remain on your driving record for five years from the date of conviction, not from the date of the violation. After five years, the points drop off your record and no longer count toward suspension. However, the conviction itself may stay on your record longer for insurance purposes — insurers often look back seven to ten years. You can reduce points through a defensive driving course, which removes up to four points if you haven't taken one in the past 12 months.

What accidents and suspensions appear on your record

If you're involved in a traffic accident in Florida, it will appear on your driving record if you were found at fault or if the accident resulted in injury or property damage above a certain threshold. At-fault accidents typically add 4 points to your license. The accident stays on your record for five years, though insurance companies may consider it for longer.

License suspensions and revocations also appear on your record and are visible to anyone who requests it. A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, after which you can restore it by meeting certain conditions (paying fines, completing a course, or waiting out the suspension period). A revocation is more serious and typically requires you to reapply for a license after meeting specific requirements. Both show up clearly on your record and affect your ability to drive legally in Florida.

How your driving record affects insurance and employment

Insurance companies use your Florida driving record to set your rates. Violations, accidents, and suspensions all increase what you pay for auto insurance. A single speeding ticket might raise your rate by 10 to 15 percent, while a DUI conviction can double or triple your premiums. Some insurers will not cover you at all if you have recent serious violations. Your record is one of the main factors insurers consider, along with age, gender, and the type of vehicle you drive.

Employers also request driving records for jobs that involve driving — delivery drivers, commercial drivers, rideshare drivers, and others. Some employers check records for positions that don't involve driving as part of a general background check. A suspension or revocation on your record may disqualify you from jobs that require a valid license. Traffic violations alone usually don't affect employment, but a DUI or reckless driving conviction may.

Correcting errors on your driving record

If you believe your driving record contains an error — a conviction you didn't receive, an accident that wasn't your fault, or points that should have been removed — you can contact the DHSMV to dispute it. You'll need to provide documentation supporting your claim, such as a court document showing the conviction was dismissed, a letter from the court, or proof that you completed a defensive driving course.

Send your dispute in writing to the DHSMV with copies of your supporting documents. Include your driver's license number, date of birth, and a clear explanation of what is wrong. The DHSMV will investigate and respond within a reasonable timeframe. If the error is confirmed, they will correct your record. This process can take several weeks, so keep copies of everything you send.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a copy of my driving record?

The fee varies depending on how you request it. Online requests are typically the least expensive, while mail and in-person requests may cost more. Check the DHSMV website for current pricing, as fees can change. You'll pay when you submit your request.

Can I see someone else's driving record?

Only if they give you written permission or if you have a legal reason to see it. Employers, insurance companies, and lawyers can request records if they have a legitimate business purpose. The DHSMV will not release someone else's record to you without their consent.

How long does a DUI stay on my Florida driving record?

A DUI conviction stays on your driving record permanently in Florida. However, points associated with it drop off after five years. Insurance companies typically consider it for seven to ten years. You may be able to have the conviction sealed or expunged under certain circumstances, which would remove it from public view.

Will a defensive driving course remove violations from my record?

A defensive driving course removes up to four points from your license, but it does not remove the conviction from your record. The violation will still appear on your driving history, but the points will be reduced. You can take the course once every 12 months.

What if my license is suspended — will it show on my record?

Yes, suspensions and revocations appear on your driving record and are visible to anyone who requests it. The suspension will show the reason for it and the dates it was in effect. Once your license is restored, the suspension remains on your record but is marked as resolved.