What a Michigan driving record contains and who can see it
Your Michigan driving record is a file kept by the Secretary of State that shows 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 restrictions or endorsements on your license. The record does not include arrests or tickets you received but were not convicted of, and it does not include violations from other states.
Your driving record is not private. Your insurance company, an employer who has your permission, a court, a police officer during a traffic stop, and certain government agencies can all view it. You can also request your own record at any time. Some employers, especially those hiring for positions that involve driving, will ask you to provide a copy or will request it directly from the Secretary of State.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan driving records show convictions, accidents, points, and license status, but not arrests or out-of-state violations.
- You can order your record online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a branch office.
- Online orders take one to two business days; mail orders take five to seven business days.
- Your record is used by insurance companies, employers, and courts, so checking it yourself can help you spot errors before others do.
- Points stay on your record for two years from the conviction date, but serious violations like DUI remain longer.
How to order your driving record online
The fastest way to get your Michigan driving record is through the Secretary of State website. Go to michigan.gov/sos and look for the "Driving Records" section under the Driver Services tab. You will need your driver's license number and your date of birth. You can order either a "certified" record (which has an official seal and is accepted by courts and employers) or an "uncertified" record (which is cheaper and fine for your own review).
After you enter your information and pay the fee, the record will be emailed to you within one to two business days. The fee varies depending on whether you want a certified or uncertified copy — check the website for current pricing. You will receive a PDF that you can print, save, or forward to whoever needs it.
Ordering by mail or in person
If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. read the form from the Secretary of State website, fill it out, and mail it along with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include your driver's license number and date of birth. Mail orders typically take five to seven business days to arrive, not counting mail delivery time.
You can also visit a Secretary of State branch office in person. Bring your driver's license or another form of ID. Most branch offices can print a record on the spot, though some may need to mail it to you. Call ahead to confirm your local branch has the service available and to check their hours.
Understanding points and how long violations stay on your record
Michigan uses a point system for traffic violations. When you are convicted of a violation, points are added to your license. Minor violations like speeding might be two or three points; more serious violations like reckless driving can be six points. If you accumulate 12 points within two years, your license is suspended. Points drop off your record two years after the conviction date, not from the date of the violation.
Some violations stay on your record longer than two years. A DUI conviction remains on your record for life in Michigan, though it may not count toward your point total after a certain time. Accidents and suspensions also remain visible on your record for longer periods. If you have an old violation you think should have dropped off, order a copy of your record to verify what is still showing.
What to do if you find an error on your record
If your driving record shows a violation you do not believe you were convicted of, or if it lists an accident you were not involved in, you can dispute it. Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Records section directly by phone or through their website. You will need to explain which item is wrong and provide documentation — for example, a court document showing the case was dismissed, or proof that you were not the driver involved in an accident.
The Secretary of State will investigate your dispute. This process can take several weeks. While the dispute is being reviewed, the incorrect item will remain on your record, so if you need a clean record for an employer or insurance company, ask them if they can wait or if they will consider a letter from the Secretary of State explaining that a dispute is pending.
How insurance companies and employers use your record
Insurance companies pull your driving record to set your rates. Violations, accidents, and suspensions all raise your premium. Some insurers will not insure you at all if you have certain violations like a recent DUI. If your rates went up suddenly, your insurance company may have discovered a violation on your record that you did not know was there — this is a good reason to check your own record regularly.
Employers who hire for driving positions — delivery drivers, truck drivers, taxi drivers, and others — will request your record as part of the hiring process. They are looking for violations, suspensions, and accidents. Some employers have strict policies and will not hire anyone with certain violations. If you are explore for a driving job, it is worth ordering your own record first so you know what an employer will see.
Reducing points through traffic school
Michigan allows you to reduce points on your license by completing a traffic safety course, but only under certain conditions. You can remove up to three points once every 12 months, and you can do this only if you have not had points removed in the past 12 months. The violation must be a moving violation — parking tickets and equipment violations do not may have access to.
You must complete an approved traffic safety course. The Secretary of State website lists courses that are recognized in Michigan. After you finish the course, you will receive a certificate. Send this certificate to the Secretary of State along with the required fee. The points will be removed from your record, though the violation itself will still show that you were convicted — only the points are erased.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a copy of my driving record?
The cost depends on whether you want a certified or uncertified copy and whether you order online, by mail, or in person. Uncertified copies are cheaper than certified ones. Check the Secretary of State website for current fees, as they may change. In-person orders at a branch office may have different pricing than online orders.
Will a ticket I got dismissed show up on my driving record?
No. Your record shows only convictions, not arrests or tickets that were dismissed, reduced, or resulted in acquittal. If a ticket appears on your record and you were not convicted, you can dispute it with the Secretary of State and provide proof of the dismissal.
How long does a DUI stay on my Michigan driving record?
A DUI conviction remains on your record permanently in Michigan. However, it may not count toward your point total after a certain period. Insurance companies typically look back three to five years, so after that time a DUI will have less impact on your rates, though it will still be visible on your record.
Can I check someone else's driving record?
No, not without their permission. You can only order your own record. If you need someone else's record — for example, as an employer or in a legal matter — you must have their written consent or a court order. The Secretary of State will not release another person's record without proper authorization.
What if I lost my driver's license number and need to order my record?
Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Records section by phone. They can look up your license number using your name and date of birth, and then help you order your record. You can also visit a branch office in person with your ID, and staff can look up your information for you.