What's in your Florida driver's license record and how to see it
Your Florida driver's license record is a file kept by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) that shows your driving history, violations, suspensions, and personal information on file. It includes traffic citations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points accumulated from violations, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. You can view your own record online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office.
The record itself is public information, meaning employers, insurance companies, and other organizations can request it with your permission. Understanding what's in your record matters because it affects your insurance rates, your ability to renew your license, and whether you'll face penalties or restrictions on driving.
Key Takeaways
- Your Florida driving record includes traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and point accumulations that affect your driving privileges and insurance rates.
- You can check your own record free through the DHSMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth, or request a certified copy by mail or in person for a small fee.
- Points from traffic violations stay on your record for three to five years depending on the violation type, and accumulating 12 points in 12 months triggers a suspension.
- Employers and insurance companies can request your record with your permission, so knowing what's on file helps you understand why rates or job offers may be affected.
How to check your record online through DHSMV
The fastest way to see your Florida driver's license record is through the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Go to the "Driver Records" section and select "View Your Driving Record." You'll need your Florida driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will display your current record when ready at no cost, showing violations, points, suspensions, and any restrictions on your license.
The online record shows the same information that employers and insurance companies see when they request your record. If you need a certified copy for a job process or court case, you can order one through the same system and have it mailed to you, or you can request one in person at any driver's license office. Certified copies cost a small fee, which varies depending on how many pages you need.
Understanding points and how violations affect your license
Florida assigns points to traffic violations based on severity. A speeding ticket might be 3 points, reckless driving is 4 points, and a DUI is 6 points. These points accumulate on your record, and if you reach 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. Reaching 18 points in 18 months results in a 3-month suspension, and 24 points in 36 months results in a 12-month suspension.
Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation. Most traffic violations remain for three years, but more serious violations like DUI or reckless driving stay for five years. Once the time period passes, the points drop off your record automatically, though the violation itself may still appear in your history. You can reduce points through a defensive driving course, which removes up to four points if you haven't taken one in the past 12 months.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid and you cannot legally drive. Suspensions happen when you accumulate too many points, fail to pay traffic fines, or fail to appear in court. A suspension typically lasts 30 days to 12 months depending on the reason. Once the suspension period ends and you meet any other requirements (like paying fines or completing a course), you can renew your license.
A revocation is more serious — it means your license is cancelled and you must reapply for a new one after a waiting period. Revocations result from serious violations like multiple DUIs, habitual traffic offender status, or refusing a breath test. Your driving record will clearly show whether your license is currently suspended or revoked, and the DHSMV website will tell you when you're may be able to access to restore it. If you're unsure of your status, call the DHSMV at 1-844-5-DHSMV (1-844-534-7368) to confirm.
How employers and insurance companies use your record
Employers who hire drivers — delivery companies, rideshare services, commercial trucking firms — routinely request driving records as part of background checks. They're looking for patterns of violations, suspensions, or accidents that suggest you may be a liability on the road. Insurance companies also pull your record to set your rates; violations and accidents typically raise your premiums, sometimes significantly.
You have the right to know what's being reported about you. If you're explore for a job that requires driving or shopping for insurance, check your own record first so you understand what the employer or insurer will see. If there are errors on your record — a violation you didn't commit, an accident you weren't in, or points that should have dropped off — you can dispute them with the DHSMV by submitting a written request with supporting documents.
Requesting a certified copy of your record
A certified copy of your driving record is an official document with the DHSMV seal that proves your record is accurate as of a specific date. You need one for court cases, job applications, or legal proceedings. You can order one online through flhsmv.gov, by mail, or in person at any driver's license office.
Online orders are processed within a few business days and mailed to your address. By mail, send a written request with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason you need the record to the DHSMV address listed on their website. In person, bring your ID to any driver's license office and request a certified copy on the spot. The fee is typically $7 to $10 for a single copy, though prices may vary. If you need it urgently, some offices can print it when ready.
Correcting errors on your Florida driving record
If your record contains a violation you didn't commit, an accident you weren't involved in, or points that should have expired, you can file a dispute with the DHSMV. Start by getting a copy of your record to document exactly what's wrong. Then submit a written request to the DHSMV explaining the error and providing supporting evidence — a court document showing the violation was dismissed, a police report, or correspondence from the court.
Send your dispute to the DHSMV Records Bureau at the address on their website. The DHSMV will investigate and contact you with the outcome. If the error is confirmed, they'll correct your record. This process can take several weeks, so don't wait until you're explore for a job or renewing your insurance to address errors. If you believe the error is affecting your insurance rates or job prospects, keep copies of your dispute correspondence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do violations stay on my Florida driving record?
Most traffic violations remain on your record for three years from the date of conviction. More serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, and habitual traffic offender status stay for five years. Once the time period expires, the violation drops off automatically, though it may still appear in your complete driving history.
Can I remove points from my record before they expire?
Yes. You can remove up to four points by completing an approved defensive driving course, but only once every 12 months. The course must be taken before the violation expires. Some violations, like DUI, cannot be removed through a course. Check the DHSMV website for approved course providers.
What's the difference between checking my record online and ordering a certified copy?
The online record is free and shows your current driving history when ready, but it's not an official document. A certified copy has the DHSMV seal and is accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies as proof of your record. Certified copies cost a small fee and take a few business days to arrive by mail.
Will a traffic violation I got dismissed still show on my record?
Dismissed violations may still appear in your record history, but they should not carry points. If a dismissed violation is showing points, file a dispute with the DHSMV and include the court document proving dismissal. The DHSMV will correct the record to remove the points.
How do I know if my license is currently suspended?
Check your record online through flhsmv.gov — it will clearly state if your license is suspended or revoked. You can also call the DHSMV at 1-844-534-7368 to confirm your status. If suspended, the notice will tell you when you're may be able to access to restore it and what steps you need to take.