What a Virginia driving record contains and where to request 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 shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and any convictions related to driving. The record covers a set period — typically the last three to five years for routine requests, though older violations may appear depending on the type of offense.

You can request your driving record directly from the Virginia DMV. The easiest method is through the DMV's online portal at dmvnow.com, where you can order a copy when ready using your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also request a record in person at any Virginia DMV office, by mail, or by phone. Each method has different processing times and fees.

Your record is used by insurance companies to set your rates, by employers who need to verify your driving history for certain jobs, and by courts in traffic cases. Understanding what appears on your record helps you spot errors and know what information others may see about your driving.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia driving records show violations, accidents, suspensions, points, and driving-related convictions for the past three to five years.
  • You can order your record online through dmvnow.com, in person at a DMV office, by mail, or by phone, with online being the fastest option.
  • Insurance companies and employers commonly request driving records to assess risk or verify your driving history.
  • Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation type, and accumulating 12 or more points in 12 months triggers a license suspension in Virginia.
  • You can dispute errors on your record by contacting the Virginia DMV with documentation of the correction.

How to order your record online, by mail, or in person

The fastest way to get your Virginia driving record is through dmvnow.com. Log in or create an account, select "Order Driving Record," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method. The record is typically available for read within minutes. The fee for an online record is currently $7.50, though this may vary.

If you prefer to order by mail, read the form from the Virginia DMV website or request one by calling 1-804-367-0538. Mail the completed form with your payment to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes approximately 7 to 10 business days. If you order in person at a DMV office, you can receive your record the same day, though you may wait in line. Bring your driver's license or identification and payment.

Phone orders are also available by calling the DMV's customer service line. You will provide your information verbally and arrange payment. The record will be mailed to you, which takes about 7 to 10 business days. Some people order records this way if they do not have internet access or prefer speaking with someone directly.

What violations and points mean on your Virginia record

Virginia uses a point system to track driving violations. Each type of violation carries a specific number of points. For example, reckless driving is 6 points, speeding 1 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit, and failure to obey a traffic signal is 3 points. These points accumulate on your record and affect your license status.

If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period, your license will be suspended. The suspension length depends on how many points you have: 12 to 17 points results in a 30-day suspension, 18 to 23 points results in 60 days, and 24 or more points results in 90 days. Points remain on your record for different periods depending on the violation. Most violations stay for three to five years, though some serious offenses remain longer.

Accidents appear on your record if you reported them to the DMV or if police filed a report. At-fault accidents add points to your record, while not-at-fault accidents typically do not. Insurance companies see accidents on your record and often raise your rates, even if you were not at fault, because the claim history affects their assessment of your risk.

How to check for errors and dispute incorrect information

Errors on your driving record do happen — a violation may be recorded under the wrong date, a suspension may not have been lifted after it expired, or a conviction may appear that was dismissed. Before disputing anything, order a copy of your record and review it carefully against any documentation you have, such as court dismissal papers or insurance records.

If you find an error, contact the Virginia DMV directly. You can call 1-804-367-0538 or visit a local DMV office with your documentation. Bring proof of the correction — for example, a court order showing a conviction was dismissed, or a letter from the court confirming the case outcome. The DMV will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process typically takes several weeks.

Some errors take longer to resolve than others. If the error involves a conviction, you may need to provide court documents. If it involves a suspension that should have been lifted, bring proof that you met all requirements to have it removed. Keep copies of everything you submit and note the name of the DMV employee you spoke with, in case you need to follow up.

Why insurance companies and employers request your record

Insurance companies request your Virginia driving record to set your premium rates. They use violations, accidents, and suspensions to calculate risk. A clean record with no violations typically results in lower rates, while violations and accidents increase your premium. Some insurers may refuse to cover you if your record shows serious violations like reckless driving or multiple at-fault accidents within a short period.

Employers in certain fields — commercial driving, delivery, rideshare, or positions requiring a commercial driver's license — routinely request driving records as part of the hiring process. They want to verify that you have a valid license and that your record does not show patterns of reckless or unsafe driving. Some employers also check records for positions that do not involve driving but require a background check.

When an insurance company or employer requests your record, they typically order it directly from the DMV using your consent. You do not need to provide the record yourself, though you can if you choose. Understanding what appears on your record helps you anticipate how it may affect insurance rates or job opportunities.

How long violations stay on your record and when they drop off

The length of time a violation remains on your Virginia driving record depends on the type of offense. Most traffic violations stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction. However, more serious violations remain longer. Reckless driving, for example, stays for five years. Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions remain on your record for 11 years.

Suspensions and revocations also appear on your record. A suspension typically shows the dates it was in effect, and once the suspension is lifted, it remains visible on your record as a historical entry. A revocation is more serious and may remain on your record longer, depending on the reason for revocation.

Points drop off your record automatically after the retention period expires. You do not need to do anything — the DMV removes them. However, if you are close to the 12-point threshold that triggers suspension, you may want to avoid additional violations until older points age off. Some people take a defensive driving course to reduce points, which can remove up to 5 points from your record if you have not done so in the past three years.

Defensive driving courses and point reduction options

Virginia allows you to reduce points on your record by completing an approved defensive driving course. If you have not taken a course in the past three years, you can remove up to 5 points by completing an accredited course. This does not erase violations from your record — it straightforward reduces the points associated with them. The course typically costs between $20 and $50 and can be taken online or in person.

To take a defensive driving course, search for "Virginia DMV approved defensive driving course" online. The course provider will give you a completion certificate, which you submit to the DMV. The point reduction is applied to your record within a few weeks. This option is useful if you are approaching the 12-point suspension threshold and want to avoid losing your license.

Defensive driving courses are also sometimes required by the court as part of a traffic violation sentence. In other cases, your insurance company may offer a discount if you complete a course, even though it does not reduce points. Check with your insurer about their policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to order a Virginia driving record?

An online record through dmvnow.com costs $7.50. In-person orders at a DMV office may have a different fee. Mail and phone orders also vary slightly. Contact the Virginia DMV at 1-804-367-0538 for current pricing on all methods.

Can I see my driving record online without ordering it?

No, you must order an official copy from the DMV. You cannot view your record through a free online portal. However, you can log into dmvnow.com to check your license status, renewal dates, and some basic information, but a full driving record requires an order and payment.

How long does it take to get my record if I order online?

Online records are typically available for read within minutes. You can print it when ready or save it as a PDF. Mail and phone orders take 7 to 10 business days, and in-person orders are available the same day.

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

A dismissed ticket should not appear on your record, but errors do occur. If a dismissed case still shows, contact the DMV with a copy of the court dismissal order. The DMV will investigate and remove it if the dismissal is confirmed.

What happens if I accumulate too many points on my record?

Twelve or more points in 12 months triggers a license suspension. The suspension length depends on your total points: 12 to 17 points is 30 days, 18 to 23 points is 60 days, and 24 or more is 90 days. You must meet all requirements to have your license reinstated after the suspension ends.