What a Virginia driving record shows and who can see it

Your Virginia driving record is a document kept by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that lists your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points on your license, and any convictions related to driving. The record covers a rolling period — typically the last three to five years for most violations, though some serious offenses stay longer.

Not everyone can see your driving record. You can always request your own. Employers, insurance companies, courts, and law enforcement can also access it, but usually only with your permission or for specific legal reasons. If you're explore for a job that involves driving, your potential employer will likely ask permission to pull your record. Insurance companies check it when you explore for or renew a policy.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get your Virginia driving record online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, and the fastest method is usually online.
  • Your record shows traffic violations, accidents, license actions, and points accumulated over roughly the last three to five years, depending on the violation type.
  • Employers and insurance companies commonly request your record, but they need your written permission to do so.
  • Virginia uses a point system where violations add points to your license, and accumulating too many points can result in suspension.

How to order your driving record online

The fastest way to get your Virginia driving record is through the DMV's online ordering system. Go to the Virginia DMV website and look for the "Driving Records" section. You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the request. The system will ask whether you want a certified copy (which has an official seal and costs more) or an uncertified copy (which is cheaper and works for most personal purposes).

After you submit your order and payment online, the DMV will mail the record to the address on file with your license. This typically takes five to ten business days. If you need the record faster, you can pay an expedited fee, though this still takes several days. Keep in mind that the online system is available 24/7, so you can order at any time without visiting an office.

Getting your record by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. Fill out the appropriate form (available on the Virginia DMV website), include a copy of your driver's license or ID, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with payment. This method is slower — expect two to three weeks for processing and delivery.

You can also walk into any Virginia DMV office and request your record in person. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay the fee at the counter. If the office has the record available, you may be able to leave with a copy the same day, though some offices require you to wait a few days for processing. Call ahead to confirm your local office's procedures, as they vary by location.

Understanding points and violations on your record

Virginia assigns points to your license based on the type of violation. Speeding 1–9 mph over the limit is 3 points, while speeding 20+ mph over the limit is 6 points. Reckless driving is 6 points. Failure to obey a traffic signal is 3 points. These points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation — minor infractions may drop off after three years, while more serious violations can remain for five years or longer.

If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period, your license will be suspended for a month. If you get 18 points in 24 months, the suspension is three months. If you reach 24 points in 36 months, your license is suspended for six months. You can reduce points by completing a driver improvement course, which removes up to 5 points from your record, though you can only do this once every 12 months.

What to do if your record contains an error

Mistakes on your driving record do happen — a violation might be listed twice, a conviction might be recorded under the wrong date, or a ticket you paid might still show as unpaid. If you spot an error, contact the Virginia DMV directly. You can call their customer service line or visit a local office with a copy of your record and documentation of the correct information (such as a receipt showing you paid a ticket, or a court document showing a case was dismissed).

The DMV will investigate your claim and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process can take several weeks. If the error involves a court case, you may need to provide a certified copy of the court's decision. Keep copies of all correspondence with the DMV in case you need to follow up or dispute the correction later.

How employers and insurance companies use your record

When you explore for a job involving driving — delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking, or any position where you'll operate a company vehicle — the employer will almost certainly request your driving record. They're looking for patterns of violations, suspensions, or accidents that suggest you may be a risky driver. Some employers have strict policies and won't hire anyone with certain violations, while others are more flexible.

Insurance companies pull your record when you explore for auto insurance and again when you renew your policy. Violations and accidents directly affect your premium — more violations typically mean higher rates. Some insurers offer discounts if your record is clean for a certain period. If you're shopping for insurance after a violation, getting quotes from multiple companies is worth doing, because insurers weigh your record differently.

Requesting someone else's driving record

You generally cannot get someone else's driving record without their permission, even if you're a family member. The DMV treats driving records as private information. However, there are exceptions: law enforcement can access records as part of an investigation, courts can order records in legal proceedings, and employers can request records from job candidates who have signed a consent form.

If you need someone's record for a legitimate reason — for example, you're hiring them or you're involved in a legal case — ask them to request their own record and share it with you, or ask them to sign a release form that allows you to request it on their behalf. The DMV will provide the form you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get my Virginia driving record?

An uncertified copy typically costs around $8 to $12, while a certified copy with an official seal costs more — usually $15 to $20. Expedited processing adds an extra fee. Prices can change, so check the Virginia DMV website for current fees before ordering.

How long does a violation stay on my Virginia driving record?

Most traffic violations remain on your record for three to five years. More serious violations, such as reckless driving or DUI, may stay for longer — sometimes up to 11 years or more. The exact length depends on the type of violation and whether it resulted in a conviction.

Can I remove points from my license?

Yes. Completing a Virginia DMV-approved driver improvement course removes up to 5 points from your record. You can do this once every 12 months. Some insurance companies also offer discounts if you complete the course, even if you don't have points to remove.

Will a dismissed traffic ticket show up on my driving record?

Dismissed tickets should not appear on your record, but sometimes they do due to processing delays or errors. If you see a dismissed ticket listed, contact the DMV with a copy of the court's dismissal order and ask them to remove it. This usually takes a few weeks to process.

What's the difference between a certified and uncertified driving record?

A certified record has an official DMV seal and signature, making it a legal document that courts and government agencies will accept. An uncertified record is just a printout of your history. For personal use, uncertified is fine and cheaper. For legal proceedings or official purposes, you'll need certified.