What you can see in your driving record online
Your driving record is a history of your traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points or violations tracked by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). When you look it up online, you will see violations you received, any accidents reported to the state, license status (valid, suspended, or revoked), and points or violations that count toward license suspension in your state.
The exact details vary by state. Some states show every ticket you received in the past five to ten years; others keep records longer. Some show accidents only if they were reported to police; others include all reported accidents. Your record will not show speeding you were not ticketed for, or accidents you did not report.
You can request your own record online in most states at no cost or for a small fee (usually $5 to $15). Some states also let you order a certified copy, which is a notarized version you may need for a job, insurance company, or court.
Key Takeaways
- Most states let you look up your own driving record online through the DMV website, usually for free or a small fee under $15.
- Your record shows traffic violations, points, accidents reported to police, and your current license status, but the years covered vary by state.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number or state ID number to search.
- A certified copy of your record costs more than a regular lookup and is required by some employers, insurance companies, and courts.
- If your record has errors, you can dispute them directly with your state DMV, usually by mail or through an online form.
How to find your state's online record lookup
Each state runs its own DMV website and record system. Start by searching "[your state] DMV driving record" or "[your state] check my driving record." The official state DMV site will appear first in results.
Once you are on the DMV site, look for a link labeled "Check Your Driving Record," "View Your Record," "Driver Record Inquiry," or similar. Some states put this under a "Services" or "Online Services" menu. If you cannot find it, call the DMV customer service number listed on the site—they can tell you whether your state offers online lookup and walk you through the steps.
A few states do not offer online lookup to the public. In those cases, you can request your record by mail or in person at a DMV office. The DMV website will tell you which method applies to your state.
What information you will need to provide
Most online lookups require your driver's license number and date of birth. Some states also ask for your Social Security number, the last four digits of your SSN, or your state ID number. A few states ask for your full name and address to confirm your identity.
Have your driver's license in front of you before you start. If you do not have your license number memorized, you will need the physical card. If your license has expired or been suspended, you can still look up your record using the number that was issued to you.
Do not use a public computer or shared device to enter your Social Security number or other personal information. Use a private device and a find internet connection (not public WiFi).
Understanding the results and what each item means
When your record appears, you will see a list of violations or incidents, usually with the date, location, violation type, and any points assigned. "Points" are numbers your state assigns to violations; too many points in a set period (often three to five years) can trigger a license suspension. The number of points per violation and the threshold for suspension vary widely by state.
Your record will also show your current license status: "Valid," "Suspended," "Revoked," or "Cancelled." If it shows suspended or revoked, the reason will usually be listed (for example, "Failure to Pay Fine" or "Medical Review"). If you see a status you do not understand, contact the DMV to clarify what it means and what you need to do.
Accidents appear on your record only if they were reported to police or if you reported them to the DMV. A minor fender-bender that was not reported will not show up. Some states keep accident records for three to five years; others keep them longer.
Ordering a certified copy of your record
A certified copy is an official document stamped or notarized by the DMV. It proves the record is authentic and current. Some employers, insurance companies, and courts require a certified copy rather than a printout of your online lookup.
Most states let you order a certified copy through the same online system where you look up your record. The cost is usually $10 to $25, and it takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail. Some states offer rush delivery for an extra fee. A few states require you to order by mail or in person.
Before you order, check with whoever asked for your record (your employer, insurance company, or court) to confirm they need a certified copy and not just a regular printout. Many do not require certification and will accept what you print from the online lookup.
Disputing errors on your driving record
If your record shows a violation you did not receive, an accident you were not in, or a status that is incorrect, you can dispute it. Start by contacting your state DMV in writing or through an online dispute form if your state offers one. Include your driver's license number, the error you found, and any documents that support your claim (for example, a court document showing a ticket was dismissed).
The DMV will investigate and contact you with the result. If the error is confirmed, they will correct your record. If the DMV denies your dispute, you can request a hearing or file an appeal, though the process varies by state. Ask the DMV what your options are if your first dispute is denied.
Disputes can take several weeks or months to resolve. If you need your record corrected quickly (for a job offer or court date, for example), contact the DMV by phone to explain the urgency and ask whether they can expedite the review.
When you might need to check your record
You may want to check your record before a job interview if the position involves driving or requires a background check. Insurance companies sometimes ask to see your record when you explore for a policy or after an accident. Courts may require your record as part of a traffic case or if you are contesting a suspension.
It is also worth checking your record once a year to catch any errors early. If a violation appears that you do not remember or believe is wrong, you have time to dispute it before it affects a job or insurance rate.
If you are explore for a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a job that requires one, you will almost certainly need to provide your record. Some employers also ask for a record before hiring someone for positions that involve company vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do violations stay on my driving record?
It varies by state and violation type. Most states keep minor violations (like speeding) for three to five years, but serious violations (like DUI) may stay for seven to ten years or longer. Check your state DMV website for the specific retention period, or call the DMV to ask about a particular violation.
Can I look up someone else's driving record?
No, not through the standard online lookup. You can only view your own record. If you need someone else's record (for example, as part of a legal case), you will need a court order or written permission from that person, and you will have to request it through the DMV by mail or in person.
Will checking my own record affect my insurance rates?
No. Looking up your own record does not trigger any action by your insurance company or the DMV. Your rates are based on violations and accidents reported to your insurer, not on whether you checked your record.
What if my record shows a violation I paid but the points are still there?
Paying a fine removes the financial penalty but does not remove the points from your record. Points stay on your record for the full retention period set by your state, even after you pay. Some states offer point reduction programs (like defensive driving courses) that lower your points; check your state DMV site to see if that option is available.
Can I get my record cleared or expunged?
Expungement (removal from your record) is rare for traffic violations and varies by state and violation type. Some states allow expungement only for dismissed charges or very minor violations. Contact your state DMV or a traffic attorney to learn whether expungement is possible in your situation.