How to get your Florida driving record

You can request your Florida driving record through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) in three ways: online through their official website, by mail, or in person at a local DHSMV office. The online method is fastest — you can order and receive your record within minutes if you pay the small fee by credit or debit card. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days, and in-person requests are processed the same day you visit.

To order online, go to the DHSMV website and select "Order a Driving Record." You will need your Florida driver's license number or your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The fee for an official record is typically around $7 to $8, though this can vary. You can choose to have the record emailed to you or printed and mailed to your address.

If you prefer to order by mail, send a written request to the DHSMV with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason you need the record. Include a check or money order for the fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail it to the address listed on the DHSMV website under "Mailing Address for Records Requests." In-person requests require you to visit any DHSMV office with a valid ID and payment.

Key Takeaways

  • The Florida DHSMV website lets you order your driving record online and receive it by email within minutes for a small fee.
  • Your record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points on your license from the past three to five years.
  • You need either your driver's license number or Social Security number, plus your date of birth, to order online.
  • Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days, while in-person requests at a DHSMV office are completed the same day.

What information appears on your Florida driving record

Your Florida driving record contains a history of traffic violations, at-fault accidents you reported to the state, license suspensions or revocations, and points accumulated from moving violations. The record typically shows violations and accidents from the past three to five years, though serious violations like DUI may stay on your record longer. Points are added based on the type of violation — for example, speeding 15 miles per hour over the limit adds three points, while reckless driving adds four points.

The record also shows whether you have any active license restrictions, such as requirements to wear corrective lenses, use an ignition interlock device, or carry proof of insurance. If you have completed a traffic school course or defensive driving course, that information may appear as well. Your record does not include parking tickets or violations that did not result in points.

Why you might need to check your record

Insurance companies request your driving record when you explore for or renew a policy, and they use it to set your rates. Employers in certain industries — particularly those involving commercial driving or transporting passengers — often request records as part of background checks. You may also need your record if you are disputing a violation, explore for a commercial driver's license, or checking whether points have been properly recorded after a traffic stop.

Checking your own record regularly helps you catch errors before an insurance company or employer sees them. If you notice a violation you do not recognize or an accident you did not report, you can contact the DHSMV to dispute it. Errors on your record can affect your insurance rates and employment prospects, so verifying accuracy is worth the small fee.

Understanding points and license suspension in Florida

Florida uses a points system where moving violations add points to your license. If you accumulate 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. Accumulating 18 points within 18 months results in a 3-month suspension, and 24 points within 36 months results in a 1-year suspension. Points stay on your record for five years from the date of the violation, though the suspension itself is lifted once you complete the required period and pay any reinstatement fees.

You can reduce points by completing an approved traffic school or defensive driving course. Florida allows you to remove up to four points every 12 months through these courses, though you can only use this option once every 12 months. Some violations, such as DUI or driving with a suspended license, cannot be reduced through traffic school.

Disputing errors on your driving record

If your record contains a violation you believe is incorrect, contact the DHSMV directly with documentation supporting your dispute. You will need to provide the ticket number, the date of the violation, and evidence that the violation was dismissed, reduced, or incorrectly recorded. This might include a court document showing the case was dismissed or a letter from the court indicating the violation was reduced.

Submit your dispute in writing to the DHSMV with copies of supporting documents. The process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. If the DHSMV finds the error, they will correct your record at no charge. If you disagree with their decision, you can request a hearing before the DHSMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my driving record online?

If you order online and choose email delivery, you can receive your record within minutes. If you choose mail delivery, allow 7 to 10 business days. In-person requests at a DHSMV office are completed the same day.

Can I check someone else's driving record?

You can only order your own driving record unless you have written permission from the person whose record you want to see. Some employers and insurance companies can request records directly from the DHSMV with proper authorization.

How much does a Florida driving record cost?

The fee is typically $7 to $8, depending on the type of record and delivery method. Check the DHSMV website for the exact current fee, as it may change.

Will traffic school remove violations from my record?

Traffic school does not remove violations from your record, but it can reduce up to four points every 12 months. The violation itself stays on your record for five years.

What if my license suspension was not listed on my record?

Contact the DHSMV directly to verify your suspension status. If a suspension was imposed but not recorded, the DHSMV can correct it. If you were suspended and have completed the suspension period, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee to restore your license.