Your BMV driving record is a file the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles keeps about your driving history, including traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points on your record.

The BMV maintains two versions of your record. The driving record (also called your motor vehicle record or MVR) shows violations, accidents, suspensions, and conviction points that affect your license status. The abstract is a shorter version that shows only convictions and suspensions — this is what most employers and insurance companies see when they request your record.

You can view your own record online through the BMV website, by mail, or in person at any BMV branch. You can also order an official certified copy if you need it for a job process, insurance claim, or court matter. The record you see online is the same one insurers and employers access, so checking it yourself helps you spot errors before they affect your rates or job prospects.

Key Takeaways

  • Your BMV driving record includes traffic violations, at-fault accidents, license suspensions, and conviction points, while the abstract shows only convictions and suspensions.
  • You can check your record free online through the BMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth, or order a certified copy by mail for a fee.
  • Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation — minor infractions drop off after two years, but serious violations like DUI can remain for seven years or longer.
  • If you find an error on your record, you can dispute it by contacting the BMV with documentation, though the process takes several weeks.
  • Employers and insurance companies see your abstract (convictions and suspensions only), not your full record, but both versions affect your insurance rates and job prospects.

What appears on your BMV driving record

Your record shows every traffic violation you received, whether you paid the ticket, contested it, or had it dismissed. This includes speeding, running a red light, improper lane changes, and equipment violations. The record also notes the date of the violation, the location, and the fine amount if one was issued.

Accidents you reported to police or your insurance company appear on your record if they resulted in injury, death, or property damage over a certain threshold (usually $500 in Indiana). The record shows whether you were at fault, not at fault, or fault was undetermined. At-fault accidents stay on your record for three years and affect your insurance rates during that time.

License suspensions and revocations are recorded with the reason — unpaid fines, too many points, DUI conviction, or failure to pay child support, for example. The record also shows conviction points, which accumulate based on the severity of violations. A speeding ticket might add two points, while a reckless driving conviction adds six points. Reaching 12 points in two years triggers a suspension.

How to check your record online

The BMV offers free online access to your driving record through their website. Go to the BMV's official site and look for the "Check Your Driving Record" or "View Your Record" option. You will need your Indiana driver's license number and your date of birth to log in.

The online record updates within one to two business days of a conviction being entered into the system, though it can take longer if the court is processing the case. You can print the record directly from the screen, but this printout is not an official certified copy — it is for your own reference only.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to request your record by mail, you can fill out the BMV's record request form and send it with a check or money order. The fee varies but is typically $5 to $10 for a non-certified copy and $15 to $20 for a certified copy. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days by mail.

How long violations stay on your record

The length of time a violation remains on your BMV record depends on the type of offense. Minor traffic violations like speeding or improper lane changes stay on your record for two years from the conviction date. After two years, they no longer appear on your abstract, though they may still be visible in your full driving record for historical purposes.

More serious violations have longer retention periods. At-fault accidents remain for three years. Reckless driving convictions stay for five years. DUI (driving under the influence) convictions and refusals to take a breath test remain on your record for seven years. Habitual traffic violator status can remain for up to ten years.

Points also expire over time. Points from a single violation drop off your record two years after the conviction date, which means your point total decreases and you move closer to avoiding a suspension. However, if you accumulate new violations before old points expire, your total can climb quickly.

Disputing errors on your record

If you believe information on your record is wrong — a violation you did not commit, an accident marked as your fault when it was not, or a conviction that was dismissed — you can file a dispute with the BMV. Start by gathering documentation: a court order showing the case was dismissed, a letter from the prosecutor, or a police report that contradicts what is on your record.

Contact the BMV's Records Department by phone or mail with your documentation. Explain which item on your record is incorrect and provide evidence. The BMV will investigate by requesting records from the court or law enforcement agency that reported the violation. This process typically takes four to eight weeks.

If the BMV confirms the error, they will correct your record and issue you a new abstract. If they determine the information is correct, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. You would need to present your case in person or by phone, with documentation and possibly a witness.

How your record affects insurance and employment

Insurance companies request your abstract, which shows convictions and suspensions but not every minor violation. However, insurers also receive reports directly from the court system and police, so they often know about violations even if they do not appear on your abstract. A single speeding ticket can raise your premium by 10 to 15 percent, while a reckless driving conviction or at-fault accident can increase rates by 25 to 50 percent or more, depending on your insurer.

Employers who hire drivers — delivery companies, rideshare services, taxi companies, and commercial trucking firms — request your full driving record or abstract depending on the job. Some employers run checks for any position that involves driving a company vehicle. A DUI conviction, multiple suspensions, or a pattern of violations can disqualify you from hire or lead to termination if discovered after employment.

Non-driving employers may also check your record as part of a background investigation, though they are less likely to focus on minor traffic violations. Serious convictions like DUI or reckless driving are more likely to affect hiring decisions in any field.

Reducing points and clearing violations

Indiana does not offer a formal point reduction program like some states do, but points do expire naturally. Two years after a conviction, points from that violation drop off your record, which lowers your total and reduces suspension risk. If you receive a new violation before old points expire, however, your total climbs again.

The best way to avoid accumulating points is to drive without violations. If you have already received tickets, paying them promptly and contesting them in court if you believe you were wrongly cited are your options. Some courts offer traffic school or defensive driving courses that may result in a ticket being dismissed if you complete the course and have no other violations during a set period — typically six months to a year. Contact the court that issued your ticket to ask whether this option is available.

Suspensions can be lifted once you meet the requirements — paying outstanding fines, completing a suspension period, or attending a hearing. Once a suspension is lifted, your record shows it was suspended and then reinstated, but the suspension itself remains part of your history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see what employers and insurance companies see when they check my record?

Not exactly. Employers and insurers request your abstract, which shows convictions and suspensions. Your online record shows more detail, including minor violations and accidents. However, insurers also receive data directly from courts and police, so they may know about violations not yet on your abstract. Checking your own record gives you a good sense of what is visible, but third parties may have additional information.

How long does it take for a ticket to show up on my BMV record?

It typically takes one to two business days after the court enters a conviction into the system. If you paid a ticket or it was dismissed, it can take longer for that information to update. If a ticket does not appear within a week, contact the court that issued it to confirm the status.

Will a dismissed ticket still show on my record?

Dismissed tickets may still appear on your record for a short time after dismissal, but they should eventually be removed. If a dismissed ticket remains on your record after 30 days, contact the BMV with a copy of the dismissal order and request that it be removed.

What is the difference between suspension and revocation?

A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, after which you can have it reinstated by meeting certain requirements. A revocation is permanent or long-term — you must wait a specified number of years and then reapply for a license, often with additional requirements like retesting.

Does my record show tickets I paid versus tickets I contested in court?

Your record shows the violation and the outcome — whether it was convicted, dismissed, or you paid a fine. It does not distinguish between paying a ticket and contesting it in court. Both result in a conviction if you lose the case or pay the fine.