What's in your Michigan driving record and how to get it
Your Michigan driving record is a document kept by the Secretary of State that shows your driving history — every traffic violation, accident, license suspension, and conviction tied to your name and driver's license number. It does not include accidents where you were not cited, parking tickets, or civil lawsuits. You can order a copy of your own record online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. The record costs money to obtain (fees vary), takes a few business days if you order by mail, and arrives as an official document you can use for insurance, employment, or legal purposes.
Your record is the document that insurance companies and employers see when you give them permission to pull it. It directly affects your insurance rates and can trigger a license suspension if violations pile up. Understanding what is on it and how long violations stay there helps you know what to expect when you explore for insurance or a job that requires driving.
Key Takeaways
- Your Michigan driving record shows traffic violations, accidents where you received a citation, license suspensions, and criminal convictions — but not parking tickets or accidents with no citation.
- You can order your record online through the Secretary of State website, by mail with a form and payment, or in person at a branch office.
- The record takes three to five business days by mail and costs between $10 and $20 depending on how many years of history you request.
- Insurance companies and employers can see your record only if you give them written permission, and some violations stay on it for seven years while others remain indefinitely.
- Points from traffic violations affect your insurance rates when ready and can lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many in a short time.
How to order your driving record online
The fastest way to get your record is through the Michigan Secretary of State website. Go to the "Driver Records" section, select "Order a Driving Record," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card. The system generates a digital copy you can read and print when ready, or you can have it mailed to you.
The online system lets you choose how many years of history you want — typically three, five, seven, or ten years. A shorter history costs less. If you are ordering the record for insurance or employment purposes, ask the company how far back they need you to go; many only care about the last three to five years. Most people receive their digital copy within minutes of ordering.
Ordering by mail or in person
If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. read the form from the Secretary of State website, fill it out with your name, license number, and date of birth, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes five to ten business days from the date they receive it, plus mail time both ways.
You can also walk into any Secretary of State branch office and request your record in person. Bring your driver's license and payment. Some offices can print it on the spot; others mail it to you. Call ahead to confirm what your local office offers and whether you need an appointment, since hours and services vary by location.
What violations stay on your record and for how long
Most traffic violations remain on your Michigan driving record for seven years from the date of conviction. This includes speeding, reckless driving, improper lane change, and failure to stop at a red light. After seven years, the violation drops off your official record, though insurance companies may still have their own records of it.
Some violations stay longer. Criminal convictions — such as driving under the influence (DUI), driving with a suspended license, or hit-and-run — can remain on your record for ten years or more, depending on the offense. License suspensions and revocations also stay on your record for the duration of the suspension plus additional years. If you are unsure how long a specific violation will remain, contact the Secretary of State directly or ask your insurance agent.
How points affect your insurance and license
Michigan uses a points system where different violations carry different point values. A minor speeding ticket might be two points, while reckless driving could be six points. Insurance companies see these points and use them to calculate your rates — more points mean higher premiums. The points take effect when ready after conviction, not after the violation appears on your record.
If you accumulate 12 points within two years, the Secretary of State can suspend your license. If you get 18 points within three years, suspension is likely. You can reduce points by taking a defensive driving course, which removes up to four points from your record (you can do this once every two years). Some violations, like parking tickets, do not add points and do not appear on your driving record at all.
Who can see your driving record
Your driving record is not public. Insurance companies, employers, and other organizations can only see it if you give them written permission. When you explore for insurance, you typically sign a form allowing the company to pull your record. Employers in certain fields — such as commercial driving, delivery, or transportation — often request permission to view your record as part of the hiring process.
Law enforcement and government agencies can access your record without your permission as part of an investigation or license administration. If you are involved in a lawsuit or criminal case, the other party's attorney may subpoena your record. You have the right to know who has requested your record; the Secretary of State can provide that information if you ask.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If your record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, or a conviction that was dismissed — you can file a correction request with the Secretary of State. You will need to provide documentation, such as a court order showing the conviction was overturned or a letter from the court stating the violation was dismissed. Mail the request with supporting documents to the address on the Secretary of State website.
Processing a correction takes several weeks. If the error is serious — such as a DUI conviction that was actually dismissed — consider consulting an attorney, as the correction may affect your insurance rates retroactively. Keep copies of all documents you submit and follow up if you do not hear back within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get my driving record?
The cost ranges from $10 to $20 depending on how many years of history you request and whether you order online or by mail. Online orders are usually cheaper and faster. Call your local Secretary of State office for exact pricing in your area.
Will a violation show up on my record right away?
No. After you are convicted or plead guilty, the court sends the information to the Secretary of State, which can take two to four weeks. Your record updates after that, so violations typically appear within one to two months of conviction.
Can I remove a violation from my record before seven years?
Not directly, but you can reduce points by completing a defensive driving course, which removes up to four points. If a conviction was dismissed or overturned, you can request a correction with court documentation. Some violations may be may be able to access for expungement under Michigan law, but that requires a separate legal process.
Does my record affect my car insurance rates?
Yes. Insurance companies pull your record and use violations and points to set your rates. A single speeding ticket can raise your premium by 10 to 30 percent, depending on the company and your history. Rates typically stay higher for three to five years after a violation.
What if I was in an accident but did not get a ticket?
An accident without a citation does not appear on your driving record. Your insurance company will know about it because you report it to them, but the Secretary of State record stays clean. If you were cited for the accident, the citation will appear on your record.