Where to find your driving record

Your driving record is kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the office that issued your license. You can request a copy of your record directly from that agency, either in person, by mail, or online through their website. Some states let you check it when ready through a portal; others mail it to you within a few business days.

The record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported to police, license suspensions or revocations, and points or violations that affect your driving status. Insurance companies and employers often request this record, so knowing what's on it before they do can help you prepare.

Start by going to your state's DMV website and looking for "driving record," "motor vehicle record," or "abstract of driving record." The exact name varies by state. If you cannot find it online, call the DMV directly — the phone number is on your license or on the state website.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV keeps your driving record and is the only place that can give you an official copy.
  • Most states now let you order your record online, though some still require you to visit in person or mail a request form.
  • You will need to provide your name, date of birth, license number, and sometimes a signature or notarization.
  • Insurance companies and employers may request your record, so check it yourself first to catch errors or outdated information.
  • If you find an error on your record, contact the DMV in writing with proof and ask them to correct it.

Online ordering through your state DMV

Most states now offer online ordering through their DMV website. You typically enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number, then pay a small fee — usually between $5 and $15. The record is either emailed to you when ready as a PDF or mailed within three to five business days, depending on the state.

Some states require you to create an account on their DMV portal before you can order. If your state's website is unclear, look for a link labeled "order driving record," "request abstract," or "view my record." If the online system is down or your state does not offer it, move to the in-person or mail options.

In-person requests at the DMV

You can walk into any DMV office and request your record at the counter. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be ready to pay the fee in cash or card. The staff will print or hand you the record on the spot, or tell you it will be mailed within a few days if they need to pull archived records.

In-person requests are fastest if you need the record the same day. However, DMV wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Call ahead or check your state's website to see if you can reserve a time slot, which many states now offer.

Mailing a request to the DMV

If you prefer not to go online or visit in person, you can mail a written request to your state DMV. You will need to fill out a form — usually called a "Record Request Form" or "Abstract Request Form" — which you can read from the DMV website or request by phone.

Include your driver's license number, full name, date of birth, current address, and the fee (usually a check or money order). Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes one to three weeks from the time the DMV receives it, so factor in mail time on both ends. Keep a copy of what you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

What information appears on your record

Your driving record shows your license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), all traffic violations from the past three to seven years (depending on your state), at-fault accidents you reported, license points or violations that count toward suspension, and any DUI or reckless driving convictions. Some states also list non-moving violations like parking tickets, though most do not.

The record does not include accidents where you were not at fault, tickets that were dismissed or reduced, or violations that fell off after the state's retention period. Retention periods vary — some states keep violations for three years, others for seven or longer. If you are unsure what should or should not be on your record, ask the DMV when you request it.

Correcting errors on your record

If you find an error — a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, a ticket that was dismissed but still shows as active — contact the DMV in writing. Include a copy of your record, a clear explanation of the error, and any supporting documents (a court dismissal letter, a receipt showing you paid a fine, a police report, etc.).

Send it to the address listed on the DMV website for record corrections. The DMV will investigate and either correct the record or send you a letter explaining why they cannot. This process usually takes four to eight weeks. If the error affects your insurance or employment, ask the DMV for a letter stating the correction request is pending, which you can show to those parties in the meantime.

Why employers and insurers request your record

Insurance companies pull your driving record to set your rates — violations and accidents raise premiums. Employers in transportation, delivery, or roles requiring a commercial license also request records to verify you are a safe driver and to protect themselves from liability. Some employers check records even for jobs that do not involve driving, depending on company policy.

You have the right to know what is on your record before an insurer or employer sees it. If you find violations or accidents you had forgotten about, you can prepare an explanation or correct errors before they affect your rates or job prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do violations stay on my driving record?

Most states keep violations for three to seven years, though serious offenses like DUI may stay longer. Some states remove violations after a set time automatically; others require you to request removal. Check your state DMV website for the specific retention period, as it varies widely.

Can I see my record if someone else requests it?

No. Only you, your insurance company, an employer you authorize, or a court can request your record. The DMV will not release it to anyone else without your written consent. If you suspect someone pulled your record without permission, contact the DMV and ask how to file a complaint.

What if my record shows an accident I was not at fault for?

At-fault accidents stay on your record; not-at-fault accidents usually do not appear. If a not-at-fault accident is showing, contact the DMV with a copy of the police report or insurance documentation proving you were not at fault, and ask them to remove it.

Does my record show tickets I paid but did not go to court for?

Yes. Paying a ticket is an admission of guilt in most states, so it counts as a conviction and stays on your record. If you want to contest a ticket, you must go to court before paying. Once you pay, the violation is permanent unless you later get it dismissed or expunged through a court order.

How often should I check my driving record?

Check it at least once a year, or before you explore for insurance or a job that requires a background check. This gives you time to spot errors and correct them before they affect your rates or opportunities. You can also check it after any accident or traffic stop to make sure it was reported correctly.