Where to get your driving record
Your driving record is kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever your state calls it—some states use the Department of Transportation or a similar name. You can request your record directly from that agency, either online, by mail, or in person at a local office. Most states now offer online lookup, which is the fastest option.
Start by visiting your state DMV's official website and looking for a link labeled "driving record," "motor vehicle record," or "MVR." Some states let you view it free; others charge a small fee, usually between $5 and $15. A few states offer one free copy per year and charge for additional requests.
If your state doesn't offer online access, you can request a copy by mail or visit an office in person. You'll need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes a signature. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV maintains your driving record and is the only official source—do not use third-party websites that claim to retrieve it for you.
- Most states offer online lookup on their official DMV website, which is faster and cheaper than requesting by mail or in person.
- Your record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points or violations that affect your insurance rates.
- Check your record before renewing your license, shopping for insurance, or if you suspect errors, because mistakes can cost you money or driving privileges.
- If you find an error, contact your state DMV directly with documentation to request a correction.
What appears on your driving record
Your driving record contains a history of traffic violations, accidents, license status changes, and points or violations assigned by your state. A traffic violation is any infraction you received—speeding, running a red light, expired registration, or driving without a license. An at-fault accident is one where you were found responsible, though not all accidents appear on your record; some states only include those reported to police or your insurance company.
Your record also shows license suspensions or revocations—periods when you were not legally allowed to drive—and the reason. This might be unpaid fines, too many points, a DUI conviction, or failure to pay child support. Some states use a point system, where each violation adds points; accumulate too many and your license is suspended.
What does not appear on your driving record: parking tickets (those go to a separate parking violation record), arrests that didn't result in a conviction, or accidents where you were not at fault. Insurance companies may see some of this information through their own reports, but your official DMV record is separate from your insurance history.
Why you should check your record regularly
Insurance companies use your driving record to set your rates. A single violation can raise your premium by 10 to 30 percent or more, depending on the violation and your state. If your record contains an error—a violation you didn't commit, an accident you weren't at fault for, or a suspension that was lifted—you could be paying higher rates than you should.
Checking your record before you shop for insurance lets you know what insurers will see and gives you a chance to correct errors first. It also protects you if someone else has used your identity; if violations appear that you didn't commit, you can report identity theft to the police and ask your DMV to correct the record.
Some employers, especially those hiring drivers or people in positions of trust, request your driving record as part of a background check. Knowing what's on it before they ask means no surprises. You should also check your record before renewing your license to catch any problems early.
How to correct errors on your driving record
If you find an error—a violation you didn't receive, an accident listed incorrectly, or a suspension that should have been lifted—contact your state DMV directly. Do not rely on a third-party service to fix it for you. You will need documentation to support your claim: a court document showing the violation was dismissed, a police report, insurance paperwork, or a letter from the court.
The process varies by state, but typically you submit a written request with your documentation to your DMV's records department. Some states have a formal dispute process; others handle it case by case. Processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, so start early if you need the correction before a specific date.
If the error involves a conviction or court decision, you may need to contact the court that handled the case first. The court can issue a corrected document, which you then send to your DMV. Keep copies of everything you submit and note the date you sent it.
Understanding points and violations on your record
Many states assign points to violations based on severity. A minor infraction like an expired registration might be 1 or 2 points; reckless driving or a DUI might be 4 to 6 points or more. Your state has a threshold—often 12 points in a 12-month period—at which your license is suspended. Points usually drop off your record after a set time, typically 3 to 5 years, though serious violations like DUI may stay longer.
Some violations are moving violations (committed while driving), which affect your record and insurance. Others are non-moving violations (like expired registration or parking illegally), which may not affect insurance but can still result in fines or license suspension if unpaid. A criminal violation like DUI or reckless driving appears on both your driving record and your criminal record.
Your state DMV website usually explains its point system and which violations carry how many points. If you're close to suspension, you may be able to take a defensive driving course to reduce points, though this varies by state and violation type.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your record shows a suspension or revocation, you need to understand why and what you must do to restore your driving privileges. Common reasons include accumulating too many points, unpaid traffic fines, failure to maintain insurance, DUI conviction, or unpaid child support. Your DMV notice should explain the reason and the steps to reinstate your license.
Reinstatement requirements depend on the reason for suspension. You might need to pay outstanding fines, complete a defensive driving course, provide proof of insurance, pass a written or driving test, or wait out a suspension period. Some suspensions are automatic once you meet the requirements; others require you to formally request reinstatement.
Contact your state DMV directly to confirm what you owe and what steps you need to take. Do not drive while suspended—the penalties include fines, extended suspension, and possible criminal charges. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, some states offer a hardship license or restricted license, though may be able to access is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do violations stay on my driving record?
Most violations stay on your record for 3 to 5 years, though this varies by state and violation type. Minor infractions may drop off sooner; serious violations like DUI can remain for 7 to 10 years or longer. Check your state DMV website for the specific timeline.
Can I see my record if someone else has my driver's license number?
Most states require you to provide your driver's license number and date of birth to view your record online, or your signature if requesting by mail. This is a basic security measure. If you're concerned someone else accessed your record, contact your DMV and consider reporting identity theft to the police.
Will checking my own driving record affect my insurance rates?
No. Checking your own record is a soft inquiry and does not affect your rates or show up on your insurance. Insurance companies only see your record when you shop for a quote or renew your policy.
What's the difference between my driving record and my insurance record?
Your driving record is maintained by your state DMV and shows violations and accidents reported to police or your insurance company. Your insurance record is maintained by your insurer and may include additional information like claims history and how you reported accidents. They are separate documents.
Do I need to order my record in person, or can I do it online?
Most states offer online ordering, which is the fastest and cheapest option. If your state doesn't, you can request by mail or visit a DMV office in person. Check your state DMV website to see which methods are available.