A Type 3A record is the standard driving history report that shows your traffic violations, accidents, and license status

A Type 3A driving record is the version of your driving history that most employers, insurance companies, and courts request. It includes every traffic violation you've received, accidents you've been involved in, license suspensions or revocations, and whether your license is currently valid. Unlike other record types, a Type 3A does not include your Social Security number or detailed personal information — it's designed to show only driving-related events.

The specific events that appear on your Type 3A depend on your state, but the record typically goes back three to five years for minor violations and longer for serious offenses like DUIs. Some states keep certain violations on your record indefinitely. The format is standardized within each state, so once you understand how to read one, you can interpret any Type 3A from that state.

Key Takeaways

  • A Type 3A record shows traffic violations, accidents, license status, and suspensions, but not your Social Security number or full personal details.
  • Most employers, insurance companies, and courts request a Type 3A when they need to verify your driving history.
  • The record typically covers the past three to five years for minor violations, though serious offenses like DUIs may appear longer.
  • You can obtain your own Type 3A record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency, usually for a small fee.
  • Errors on your Type 3A record can affect insurance rates and employment decisions, so reviewing it periodically is important.

What information appears on a Type 3A record

Your Type 3A record lists every traffic stop that resulted in a citation or warning that was recorded in the system. This includes speeding tickets, red light violations, failure to yield, reckless driving, and DUI or DWI charges. The record shows the date of the violation, the location, the specific violation code, and the outcome — whether you paid a fine, went to court, or had the charge dismissed.

Accidents also appear on a Type 3A, whether you were at fault or not. The record notes the date, location, and whether police responded. Some states include the names of other drivers involved; others do not. License actions — suspensions, revocations, or restrictions — are clearly marked with the reason and the dates they were in effect. Your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired) is shown at the top of the record.

Points or violations that have been dismissed, expunged, or reduced through traffic school may still appear on your Type 3A with a notation showing the final disposition. This is important because some employers or insurers may see the original charge even if it was later reduced.

How to read the violation codes and dates on your record

Each violation on your Type 3A is assigned a code — usually a number or alphanumeric combination — that corresponds to a specific traffic law. Your state's DMV publishes a code guide that translates these numbers into plain language. For example, code 1153 might mean "speeding in a school zone" while code 502 might mean "failure to yield." You can find the code guide on your state's DMV website or request it when you order your record.

The dates on your record show when the violation occurred, when you were cited, and when the case was resolved. Some records also show when points will drop off your record — this is the date when the violation no longer counts toward your driving record, though it may still appear in your history. Understanding these dates matters because insurance companies and employers often care most about recent violations.

If you see a violation you don't recognize or believe is incorrect, note the exact code, date, and location. You will need this information to dispute the entry with your state's DMV.

Why employers and insurance companies request Type 3A records

Employers in positions that involve driving — delivery drivers, commercial drivers, rideshare operators, or anyone with access to company vehicles — routinely request Type 3A records as part of background checks. They use the record to assess whether you are a safe driver and to manage liability risk. A record with multiple violations or accidents may disqualify you from the position or affect your insurance rates if hired.

Insurance companies request Type 3A records to set your premium and determine whether to insure you at all. A clean record typically results in lower rates, while violations like DUI, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents can significantly increase your premium or lead to denial of coverage. Some insurers also use the record to decide whether to drop you as a customer if your record changes after you've been insured.

Courts may request your Type 3A when you're charged with a traffic offense, especially if it's a repeat violation or if the offense is serious. The record helps the judge understand your driving history and may influence sentencing or whether you're offered traffic school as an alternative to a fine.

How to obtain your own Type 3A record

You can request your own Type 3A record directly from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, Secretary of State, or equivalent agency. Most states allow you to order online, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. The fee varies by state but typically ranges from $5 to $20. Some states offer a free annual record check, though you may have to pay for additional copies.

To order, you will need your driver's license number, full name, date of birth, and current address. Some states also ask for your Social Security number for verification purposes, though this information is not included on the record itself. Online orders are usually processed within one to three business days; mail orders may take one to two weeks.

You can also request a Type 3A on behalf of someone else if you have their permission and their identifying information, though some states require a signed authorization form. This is common when employers or insurance companies request records on your behalf — they will typically handle the order themselves.

How long violations stay on your Type 3A record

The length of time a violation appears on your Type 3A varies significantly by state and by the type of violation. Minor violations like speeding or failure to yield typically remain visible for three to five years. More serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run may stay on your record for seven to ten years or longer. Some states keep certain offenses on your record indefinitely.

It's important to understand that a violation "dropping off" your record does not mean it disappears entirely — it means it no longer counts toward your current driving status or point total. Insurance companies and employers may still be able to see it if they request a longer historical record, and courts can access it for sentencing purposes. The date when a violation drops off is usually shown on your Type 3A record.

If you've completed traffic school or had a violation reduced or dismissed, the outcome is noted on your record, but the original violation may still be visible. Some states allow you to request that certain violations be removed or sealed after a set period of time, but this requires a separate petition to the court.

Disputing errors on your Type 3A record

If your Type 3A record contains an error — a violation you didn't receive, an accident you weren't involved in, or incorrect dates — you have the right to dispute it. Start by contacting your state's DMV in writing, including your driver's license number, the specific error, and any supporting documentation (such as court records showing a dismissal or a police report). Include a copy of your Type 3A record with the error highlighted.

The DMV will investigate your dispute, which typically takes 30 to 60 days. If the error is confirmed, the DMV will correct your record and issue you a new Type 3A at no charge. If the DMV denies your dispute, you can request a hearing or file an appeal, though the process varies by state. Some states allow you to add a written statement to your record explaining a disputed entry.

If the error originated with a court (for example, a violation was dismissed but the dismissal wasn't reported to the DMV), you may need to contact the court directly and ask them to send the corrected information to the DMV. Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation in case you need to dispute the error with an employer or insurance company later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Type 3A record show my Social Security number?

No. A Type 3A is designed to exclude sensitive personal information like your Social Security number. It includes your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and address, but not your SSN. Other record types may include this information, but Type 3A does not.

Can I see what my insurance company or employer sees when they request my record?

Yes. The Type 3A you order for yourself is the same record that employers and insurance companies receive. However, they may request additional information or a longer historical period than what appears on a standard Type 3A. Contact the employer or insurer directly to ask what specific record they pulled.

Will traffic school remove a violation from my Type 3A record?

Traffic school typically prevents points from being added to your record and may allow you to avoid a fine, but it does not remove the violation from your Type 3A. The violation will still appear, but it may be marked as "dismissed" or "reduced." Some states allow you to request removal after a certain period of time, but this is separate from traffic school.

How often should I check my Type 3A record?

It's a good idea to review your record at least once a year, or before explore for a job that requires a driving history check or before shopping for insurance. This gives you time to dispute any errors before they affect employment or insurance decisions. You can also request a record whenever you receive a citation to verify it was recorded correctly.

What's the difference between a Type 3A and other driving record types?

Different states use different record types for different purposes. A Type 3A is the standard record that shows violations, accidents, and license status. Other types may include more detailed personal information, longer historical periods, or records of license applications and renewals. Your state's DMV can explain which type is appropriate for your situation.