Where to get your driving record

Your driving record is kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. You can request your record directly from that agency, either online, by mail, or in person at a local office. Most states charge a small fee, usually between $5 and $15, though some offer one free copy per year.

The fastest route is your state's DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV driving record" and look for a link labeled "order driving record," "request driving history," or "view my record." Many states now let you order online and receive it by mail within one to two weeks, or read it when ready as a PDF. A few states still require you to visit an office in person or mail in a form.

If you cannot find the online option or prefer not to use it, call your state DMV's main number and ask how to request a copy by mail. You will need to provide your driver's license number, full name, and date of birth. Some states also let you request a record through a third-party vendor — these services charge more but may be faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state DMV keeps your driving record and is the only official source; order directly from them rather than through a third-party site.
  • Most states offer online ordering with delivery by mail or when ready read, though fees range from free to about $15 depending on the state.
  • Your record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points or convictions, but does not include arrests without a conviction.
  • Insurance companies and employers can see your record, so check it before they do to catch errors or outdated information.
  • If you find an error — a ticket you paid, an accident that was not your fault, or a violation that should have been removed — contact your DMV to request a correction.

What appears on your driving record

Your driving record shows traffic violations you were convicted of or pleaded guilty to, including speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and driving under the influence. It also lists accidents you reported to police or your insurance company, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and any restrictions on your driving privileges.

What does not appear: arrests that did not result in a conviction, tickets you were found not guilty of, or violations that have been removed under your state's rules. Some states automatically remove minor violations after a set time — often three to five years — while others keep them indefinitely unless you request removal.

The record you see may differ slightly from what an insurance company or employer sees. Some states offer two versions: a "personal" record you can view yourself, and a "certified" or "official" record that third parties request. The official version sometimes includes more detail or shows violations that have been removed from the public version.

Why employers and insurers check your record

Insurance companies pull your driving record before they quote you a rate or renew your policy. A violation, accident, or suspension can raise your premium significantly or cause a company to decline to insure you. Some insurers check your record every renewal; others only when you first explore or after a major change in coverage.

Employers in certain fields — commercial driving, rideshare, delivery, school bus operation, or any job involving a company vehicle — will request your record as part of hiring. A serious violation like a DUI or a suspended license can disqualify you. Even jobs that do not involve driving may check your record if the position requires a valid license.

Checking your own record before an insurer or employer does lets you spot errors, understand what they will see, and prepare an explanation if needed. If you know a violation is on your record, you can sometimes take a defensive driving course to reduce points or show good faith to an insurer.

How to correct errors on your driving record

If your record shows a ticket you paid but the conviction was not removed, an accident you were not at fault for, or a violation that should have expired, contact your state DMV in writing. Include your driver's license number, the specific error, and any supporting documents — a receipt showing you paid the ticket, a police report, or a court document showing the case was dismissed.

The DMV will investigate and either correct the record or explain why the information is accurate. This process typically takes four to eight weeks. If the DMV denies your request, you can file a formal appeal or petition the court that issued the original ticket to correct the record.

Do not rely on a third-party "record clearing" or "expungement" service unless you are dealing with a criminal conviction that qualifies for removal under your state's law. Most traffic violations cannot be expunged, and these services often charge high fees for work you can do yourself by contacting the DMV and the court.

Points, suspensions, and what they mean for your license

Most states use a point system: each violation adds points to your record, and accumulating too many points in a set time period — usually 12 months — triggers a license suspension. The number of points per violation varies by state and violation type. A speeding ticket might be 2 to 4 points, while a DUI is often 6 to 12 points or more.

Your driving record will show your current point total and how many points you can accumulate before suspension. Some states let you reduce points by completing a defensive driving course, though you can usually do this only once every year or two. Points typically expire after three to five years, meaning they no longer count toward suspension once that time passes.

A license suspension means you cannot legally drive for a set period — often 30 days to one year, depending on the violation and whether it is your first offense. Your record will show the suspension dates and the reason. A revocation is more serious: your license is cancelled, and you must reapply and pass a test to get a new one.

Requesting records for insurance or employment

When an insurance company or employer requests your record, they contact your state DMV directly using your license number and consent. You do not need to order it yourself for them — they handle that. However, you have the right to know what they received. If you are denied insurance or a job based on your driving record, the company must tell you and provide you with a way to dispute the information.

If you are explore for a job that requires a driving record check, ask the employer upfront what they are looking for. Some employers only care about suspensions or DUIs; others will overlook minor speeding tickets. Knowing what they will see lets you address concerns during the interview.

You can also request a copy of your record to show an employer or insurer yourself, which can speed up the process. Some employers prefer this because it proves you are transparent about your history.

How long violations stay on your record

The time a violation remains on your driving record depends on your state and the type of violation. Minor violations like speeding often drop off after three to five years. More serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or at-fault accidents may stay for seven to ten years or longer. A few states keep all violations indefinitely unless you request removal.

Even after a violation expires and is no longer shown on your official record, insurance companies may still see it if they request your full history. Some insurers look back seven to ten years regardless of what your state's official record shows. Check your state's specific rules by contacting your DMV or visiting their website.

If you are unsure whether a violation has been removed, order a current copy of your record. The DMV will show you what is currently active and what has been removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my driving record online right now?

Most states offer online access to your driving record through their DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV driving record" to find the link. Some states let you view it when ready; others mail it to you. A few states still require you to visit an office or mail in a request form.

Will checking my own record affect my insurance rates?

No. Checking your own record is a soft inquiry and does not affect your rates or show up to insurers. Only when an insurance company or employer requests your record does it count as an official inquiry.

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

Being at fault is not always recorded on your driving record — the record shows that an accident occurred, not necessarily who caused it. If the police report or insurance claim shows you were not at fault, you can request the DMV correct the record to reflect that. Bring a copy of the police report or insurance information.

How do I remove old violations from my record?

Most violations automatically drop off after your state's retention period — usually three to seven years. If a violation is still showing after that time, contact your DMV with the violation details and ask them to remove it. Some states require you to submit a written request; others handle it automatically.

Can I see what my insurance company or employer saw?

You have the right to request a copy of any report used to make a decision about you. If you are denied insurance or a job based on your driving record, ask for a copy of the report they received. You can then compare it to your official DMV record to spot errors.