Where to get your driving record

Your driving history is kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency—some states call it the Secretary of State or Department of Transportation). You can request your own record directly from that agency, and most states now let you order it online, by mail, or in person at a local office.

The fastest route is usually your state's DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV driving record" and look for a link labeled "order driving record," "request abstract," or "view my record." Some states offer when ready digital copies; others mail a physical document within 5 to 10 business days. A few still require you to visit an office in person or mail in a form.

You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number to confirm your identity. There is a fee in every state—typically $5 to $15—though a few states waive it for your first request each year.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV website is the official source for your driving record and usually the fastest way to get it.
  • You can order your record online in most states, though some still require mail or in-person requests.
  • Expect to pay $5 to $15 for a copy, and bring your driver's license number and date of birth to identify yourself.
  • Your record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points or violations from the past three to five years, depending on your state.
  • Insurance companies and employers may request your record, so check it before they do to catch errors or outdated information.

What appears on your driving record

A driving record typically includes traffic violations (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), at-fault accidents you reported to police or your insurance company, license suspensions or revocations, and points assessed against your license. The record also shows any DUI or DWI convictions and seat belt violations in most states.

How far back the record goes varies by state and by violation type. Minor violations like speeding usually stay on your record for three to five years. More serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or at-fault accidents may remain for seven to ten years or longer. Some states keep certain violations indefinitely, though they may not count toward your current driving status.

Your record does not include traffic tickets you received but did not pay or violations you are currently contesting in court—those appear only after the case is resolved. It also does not show accidents where you were not at fault, unless you filed a claim with your insurance company.

Why you should check your record before insurers or employers do

Insurance companies pull your driving record when you explore for a policy or renew coverage. Employers in certain fields—commercial drivers, rideshare, delivery, or positions requiring a clean record—also request it. Checking your own record first gives you a chance to spot errors, outdated information, or violations you may have forgotten about.

Errors on your record are not uncommon. A ticket may be listed as unpaid when you actually paid it, a violation may be attributed to the wrong date, or an accident may be marked as your fault when it was not. If you find a mistake, you can contact your state's DMV to request a correction, though the process varies by state and can take several weeks.

Knowing what is on your record also helps you understand what your insurance rate will reflect and whether you need to shop for coverage that accepts drivers with violations. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers; others will not insure you if your record shows recent serious violations.

How to request a record for someone else

You generally cannot order another person's driving record without their permission, even if you are a family member. States treat driving records as private information protected by state law.

The exceptions are narrow: a parent or guardian can usually request a minor's record, an attorney can request a record as part of a legal case, and an employer can request one from a job candidate if the candidate has signed a consent form. Insurance companies can also pull records with your written permission when you explore for coverage.

If you need someone else's record—for example, to check a household member's driving history or to verify information in a legal matter—ask that person to order it themselves and share the document with you, or provide written consent so you can request it on their behalf.

Correcting errors on your driving record

If your record contains a mistake—a violation that was dismissed, a ticket you paid but shows unpaid, or an accident marked as your fault when it was not—contact your state's DMV in writing or through their online portal. You will need to explain the error and provide supporting documents: a court dismissal letter, a receipt showing payment, a police report, or an insurance claim document.

The DMV will investigate your claim, which typically takes four to eight weeks. If they confirm the error, they will issue a corrected record. Keep a copy of the corrected record for your files, because it may take time for the correction to appear in insurance company databases or other systems that pull your record.

If the DMV denies your correction request, you can appeal the decision or file a complaint with your state's attorney general's office. Some states also allow you to add a written statement to your record explaining your side of a disputed violation.

Understanding points and license suspension

Many states use a point system where each violation adds points to your license. Accumulating too many points within a set time period (usually 12 months) can result in a license suspension. For example, a speeding ticket might be worth 2 to 4 points, while a DUI could be worth 6 to 12 points. The threshold for suspension varies—some states suspend at 12 points, others at 15 or higher.

Your driving record will show your current point total and how many points each violation is worth. If you are close to the suspension threshold, you may be able to take a defensive driving course to reduce points in some states. Check your state's DMV website for approved courses and the point reduction they offer.

A license suspension means you cannot legally drive during the suspension period. The length varies based on the violation and whether it is your first suspension. Once the suspension ends, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee and pass a written or driving test to get your license back.

How long violations stay on your record

The time violations remain on your record depends on the type of violation and your state's law. Here is what typically applies:

  • Minor violations (speeding, failure to stop, improper lane change): 3 to 5 years
  • At-fault accidents: 3 to 7 years
  • Reckless driving: 5 to 10 years
  • DUI or DWI: 7 to 10 years, sometimes longer or permanent
  • License suspension or revocation: Remains until the suspension ends; the suspension itself may stay on record longer

Even after a violation falls off your driving record, it may still appear on your criminal record if it resulted in a conviction. Insurance companies also keep their own records of claims and violations, which may extend beyond what your state's DMV shows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my driving record online right now?

Most states offer online ordering through their DMV website, though a few still require mail or in-person requests. Go to your state's DMV site and search for "order driving record" or "view my record." You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. Some states provide when ready digital access; others email or mail the record within a few days.

Will checking my own driving record affect my insurance rates?

No. Checking your own record is a soft inquiry that does not affect your rates or show up on your insurance history. Only when an insurance company pulls your record as part of an process or renewal does it factor into their decision.

How much does it cost to get a copy of my driving record?

Most states charge $5 to $15 per copy. A few states waive the fee for your first request per year or offer free online viewing. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and payment methods accepted.

What should I do if I find an error on my record?

Contact your state's DMV in writing or through their online portal and explain the error. Include supporting documents like a court dismissal letter, payment receipt, or police report. The DMV will investigate, which usually takes four to eight weeks. If they confirm the error, they will issue a corrected record.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on my driving record?

Most states keep minor violations like speeding on your record for 3 to 5 years. The exact time varies by state. Check your state's DMV website or your driving record itself, which usually shows the date each violation will be removed.