What's on your Washington driving record and how to get it

Your Washington driving record is a document kept by the Department of Licensing (DOL) that shows your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, DUI convictions, and points accumulated from traffic infractions. You can request your own record online through the DOL website, by mail, or in person at a DOL office.

The record you get for yourself is called an abstract of driving record. It shows violations and accidents from roughly the past five to ten years, though some serious infractions stay longer. You'll need this document if you're explore for certain jobs, renting a vehicle, or disputing information you believe is incorrect.

Washington also maintains a public record version that employers, insurance companies, and others can request about you with your permission. This version may show more detail than what you see yourself, depending on who's asking and why.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order your Washington driving record online at dol.wa.gov, by mail, or at a DOL office for a small fee.
  • Your record shows traffic violations, accidents, suspensions, and points for roughly the past five to ten years.
  • Points from traffic infractions stay on your record for three years from the violation date, but serious violations like DUI last much longer.
  • If information on your record is wrong, you can dispute it by contacting the DOL with supporting documents like court records or police reports.
  • Employers and insurance companies can see your record only if you authorize them to, though some employers require this as a condition of hiring.

How to order your driving record online or by mail

The fastest way to get your record is through the DOL website at dol.wa.gov. Go to the "Driving Records" section, select "Order Your Driving Record," and follow the steps to pay the fee (currently around $7 to $10, though this can change). You'll receive a digital copy by email within one business day, or you can print it when ready in some cases.

If you prefer to order by mail, send a written request to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Include your full name, date of birth, Washington driver's license number, and payment. Mail requests take longer — typically one to two weeks — but work if you don't have online access.

You can also visit a DOL office in person and request your record on the spot. Bring your driver's license or ID and be prepared to pay the fee. This is the fastest option if you need the record the same day.

Understanding points, violations, and how long they stay on your record

Washington uses a points system for traffic violations. Each type of infraction carries a set number of points — for example, speeding 1 to 10 miles over the limit is typically 1 point, while reckless driving is 8 points. Points accumulate, and if you reach a threshold (usually 12 points in a 12-month period), your license can be suspended.

Points from standard traffic violations stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. However, serious violations have longer timelines. A DUI conviction stays on your record for at least 10 years. Hit-and-run, vehicular assault, and other felony driving charges may never be removed. Suspensions and revocations also remain visible for several years after they're lifted.

Accidents appear on your record whether or not you were at fault, but only at-fault accidents count toward your driving history for insurance and licensing purposes. An accident typically stays visible for five to seven years.

What to do if your record has errors

If you see incorrect information on your abstract — a violation you didn't commit, an accident listed as your fault when it wasn't, or a suspension that was already lifted — you can dispute it. Start by contacting the DOL directly at 360-902-3900 or through their website to explain the error.

The DOL will ask you to provide supporting documents. This might be a court record showing the charge was dismissed, a police report proving you weren't at fault in an accident, or proof that a suspension was already removed. Gather these documents before you call, or ask the DOL which specific documents they need.

If the error involves a traffic violation or accident, you may also need to contact the court or law enforcement agency that issued the citation or report. The DOL can tell you which agency to reach out to. The dispute process can take several weeks, so don't expect when ready changes to your record.

How employers and insurance companies see your record

Employers and insurance companies cannot see your driving record without your permission. However, many employers — especially those hiring for positions that involve driving — require you to authorize a record check as a condition of employment. When you sign an authorization form, you're allowing them to request your record directly from the DOL.

Insurance companies use your record to set rates and decide whether to insure you. They typically request your record when you explore for a policy or renew it. If you have recent violations or accidents, your premiums will likely be higher. Some insurers may decline to cover you if you have serious violations like multiple DUIs.

You have the right to know what information an employer or insurer has about you. If you're denied a job or charged a higher rate, ask to see the record they used. If it contains errors, you can dispute it with the DOL using the process described above.

Points and license suspension thresholds in Washington

Washington's point system works on a rolling 12-month basis. If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period, your license will be suspended. The suspension length depends on how many times you've been suspended before. A first suspension is typically 30 days; a second is 60 days; a third or more is 90 days or longer.

You can check your current point total by ordering your driving record or by calling the DOL. Some violations, like DUI, result in automatic suspension regardless of points — the court imposes this as part of the sentence, separate from the points system.

If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Washington or most other states. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that carries fines and potential jail time. If you need to drive during a suspension for work or medical reasons, you may be able to request a occupational driver's license, though this requires a court petition and proof of hardship.

Requesting your record for employment or other purposes

If an employer, insurance company, or government agency asks you to provide your driving record, order it yourself and give them a copy rather than authorizing them to request it directly. This gives you a chance to review it first and dispute any errors before they see it.

Some employers or agencies will require you to sign an authorization form instead, which allows them to request the record from the DOL. Read the form carefully to understand what information they're asking for and how long they can use it. You have the right to refuse, but many employers will not hire you if you do.

Keep in mind that your record is public information once you authorize someone to see it. Employers can share it with other parties, and insurance companies will use it to set your rates. There's no way to hide violations or accidents from people you've authorized to see your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get my Washington driving record?

The fee is typically $7 to $10 for an abstract of your own driving record, though the exact amount can vary. You'll pay the same fee whether you order online, by mail, or in person. Some DOL offices may charge slightly different amounts, so check the DOL website for the current fee in your area.

Can I remove violations or points from my record?

No, you cannot remove violations or points once they're recorded. However, points automatically drop off your record three years after the violation date. Serious violations like DUI stay much longer. Your only option is to dispute the violation if it was recorded in error.

Will a violation from another state show up on my Washington record?

Yes, if you were driving a vehicle registered in Washington or if you held a Washington license at the time. Washington shares violation information with other states through the National Driver Register. Violations from other states may also appear if you've moved to Washington and transferred your license.

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

Online orders typically arrive by email within one business day. In some cases, you can view or print your record when ready after ordering. Mail requests take one to two weeks, and in-person requests are available the same day.

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

If you reach 12 points in a 12-month period, your license will be suspended. The length of suspension depends on how many times you've been suspended before — typically 30 days for a first suspension, 60 days for a second, and 90 days or longer for a third or more. You cannot legally drive during a suspension.