What a Utah driving record shows and who can see it

Your Utah driving record is a document maintained by the Utah Driver License Division that lists your traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and other driving-related incidents. It does not include your personal information like address or Social Security number — only your driving history. The record is public, meaning employers, insurance companies, courts, and law enforcement can request it, though some information is restricted depending on who is asking and why.

Utah keeps two versions of your record: the abstract, which is what most employers and insurers see, and the full record, which law enforcement and courts access. The abstract typically shows violations from the past three to five years, while the full record goes back further. Accidents appear on your record whether you were at fault or not, though fault determinations affect how they impact your insurance rates and driving record points.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request your own driving record online through the Utah Driver License Division website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office.
  • The record shows traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points assessed against your license, but not your personal contact information.
  • Employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement can all request your record, though they see different versions depending on their purpose.
  • Errors on your record — wrong violation dates, accidents you were not in, or dismissed charges — can be corrected by submitting documentation to the Driver License Division.

How to request your own driving record online or by mail

The fastest way to get your record is through the Utah Driver License Division's online portal. You will need your driver license number or state ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online system generates an abstract when ready, which you can view, print, or read as a PDF. This version is the same one employers and insurers typically receive.

If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail by sending a form to the Driver License Division in Salt Lake City. The mailing address and the form itself are available on the Driver License Division website. Mail requests take longer — usually one to two weeks — and cost a small fee. You can also visit a Driver License office in person and request a copy on the spot, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

What violations and incidents appear on your record

Traffic violations are the most common items on a driving record. These include speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and driving without a valid license. Each violation carries a point value under Utah's point system; accumulating too many points in a short period can result in a license suspension. Violations typically remain on your record for three years from the date of the violation, though some serious offenses stay longer.

Accidents also appear on your record, regardless of fault. A single accident stays visible for three years. If you were at fault in multiple accidents or had violations in addition to an accident, your record will show all of them, and your insurance company will see the full picture. Suspensions, revocations, and administrative actions — such as a suspension for unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court — are also recorded and visible to anyone who requests your abstract.

Convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving with a suspended or revoked license remain on your record for much longer than standard violations. A DUI conviction stays on your driving record for ten years in Utah, and it will appear to any employer or insurer who requests your record during that time.

How points are assigned and what they mean for your license

Utah uses a point system to track driving behavior. Each violation is assigned a certain number of points based on its severity. For example, speeding 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit is typically 25 points, while reckless driving is 75 points. Points accumulate, and if you reach a threshold within a certain time period, your license is automatically suspended.

The thresholds are: 200 points in 12 months, 300 points in 24 months, or 400 points in 36 months. Once you hit one of these thresholds, the Driver License Division sends you a notice of suspension. The suspension period depends on how many points you accumulated and whether you have prior suspensions. You can request a hearing to contest the suspension, but you must do so within ten days of receiving the notice.

Points do not disappear when ready after a certain time — they stay on your record for the full three-year period. However, if you go a full 12 months without any new violations, the oldest points begin to drop off, and your total resets. This is why some drivers with older violations may not be suspended even if they accumulate new points.

Correcting errors on your driving record

If your record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, an accident listed twice, or a charge that was dismissed — you have the right to request a correction. Start by gathering documentation that proves the error: a court document showing a charge was dismissed, a police report showing you were not involved in an accident, or a citation that was later voided.

Submit your documentation to the Driver License Division along with a written request for correction. Include your driver license number, your full name, your date of birth, and a clear explanation of what is wrong and what the correct information should be. You can mail this to the Driver License Division or deliver it in person. The division will review your request and either correct the record or send you a letter explaining why they cannot make the change.

If the Driver License Division denies your correction request, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This process takes longer but gives you a chance to present your evidence in front of an impartial decision-maker. The hearing request must be filed within 30 days of the denial letter.

How employers and insurers use your driving record

Employers who hire drivers — for delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking, or any job involving a company vehicle — routinely request driving records as part of their hiring process. They use the record to assess risk: multiple violations or accidents suggest a driver who is more likely to cause costly incidents. Some employers have specific policies, such as refusing to hire anyone with a DUI conviction in the past five years or anyone with more than two violations in the past three years.

Insurance companies request your record when you explore for a policy and periodically while you are insured. They use violations and accidents to calculate your premium. A single speeding ticket might raise your rate by 10 to 15 percent, while an at-fault accident can increase it by 25 percent or more. A DUI conviction can double or triple your insurance costs, and some insurers will not cover you at all if you have a recent DUI.

Your record is also used by courts in criminal cases, by law enforcement during traffic stops, and by the Driver License Division itself when deciding whether to suspend or revoke your license. Understanding what is on your record helps you know what employers and insurers will see and what you may need to explain during a job interview or insurance process.

How long violations stay on your record

Most traffic violations remain on your Utah driving record for three years from the date of the violation. This means a speeding ticket from January 2022 will drop off your record in January 2025. However, the three-year period applies only to the driving record itself — your insurance company may keep the violation on your insurance record for longer, and it will continue to affect your rates even after it falls off your driving record.

Serious violations have longer retention periods. A DUI conviction stays on your driving record for ten years. Reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and hit-and-run convictions also remain for extended periods. Accidents typically stay for three years, though if you were at fault and it resulted in a conviction, the conviction may stay longer.

Dropping off your driving record does not erase the incident — it straightforward means it no longer appears on the abstract that employers and insurers see. Law enforcement and courts can still access the full record, which includes older violations. Additionally, if you are pulled over for a new violation, an officer can see your entire history, including violations that are no longer on the public abstract.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not directly — you cannot see the exact version they receive. However, the abstract you can order yourself is the standard version most employers and insurers see. If you want to know what a specific employer or insurer saw, you can ask them directly; some will provide a copy of the report they received.

Does a dismissed traffic charge still appear on my driving record?

No, dismissed charges should not appear on your record. If a charge was dismissed in court, request that the Driver License Division remove it. Provide a copy of the court order showing dismissal. If it remains on your record after you submit the documentation, file a correction request.

How do I know if my license is about to be suspended due to points?

The Driver License Division mails you a notice when you reach a suspension threshold. However, you can also check your record online to see your current point total. If you are close to a threshold, consider taking a defensive driving course, which can reduce your points in some cases.

Will a traffic violation from another state appear on my Utah driving record?

Yes, if you were driving a vehicle registered in Utah or if you hold a Utah driver license, violations from other states are reported to Utah through the Interstate Compact on Driver Licensing. They will appear on your Utah record and count toward your point total.

Can I request someone else's driving record?

Only if you have a legitimate reason and proper authorization. Employers can request records for job candidates, insurance companies can request records for applicants, and law enforcement can request records during investigations. Private individuals cannot request another person's record without their written consent.