What an Indiana driving record contains and who can see it

Your Indiana driving record is a document maintained by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) that shows your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and any convictions related to driving. The record covers violations that occurred while you held an Indiana license, even if you no longer live in the state.

Your record is not automatically public. The BMV releases it only to you, to law enforcement, to courts, to your insurance company if you authorize it, and to employers or other entities you give written permission to access it. Some information—like certain minor violations after a set period—may be removed from your record, but serious violations like DUI convictions stay much longer.

You can request your own record at any time. Employers, insurance companies, and others cannot pull your record without your knowledge, though they may ask you to authorize the release as a condition of hiring or coverage.

Key Takeaways

  • You can obtain your Indiana driving record in person at any BMV branch, by mail, online through the BMV website, or by phone, and each method takes different amounts of time.
  • Your record shows traffic violations, accidents, license actions, and points, and stays on file for varying lengths of time depending on the violation type.
  • You will need to provide your driver's license number or full legal name and date of birth to request your record.
  • Employers and insurance companies cannot access your record without your written permission, though they may require authorization as a condition of employment or coverage.
  • Points from violations can affect your insurance rates and may lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many in a short period.

How to request your record from the Indiana BMV

The fastest way to get your record is online through the Indiana BMV website. You can order a certified or non-certified copy, pay the fee (which varies), and have it mailed to you within a few business days. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to order online.

If you need the record when ready, visit any Indiana BMV branch in person. Bring your driver's license or state ID and request a copy at the counter. You can usually receive a printed copy the same day, though wait times vary by location. Call ahead to confirm your local branch has copies available.

You can also request your record by mail. Send a written request to the Indiana BMV with your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the type of record you need (certified or non-certified). Include a check or money order for the fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail it to the address listed on the BMV website. Processing takes one to two weeks after the BMV receives your request.

Phone requests are also available. Call the Indiana BMV at the number on their website, provide your identification information, and they can tell you what is on your record over the phone, though you will still need to request a written copy by mail or online if you need an official document.

What violations stay on your record and for how long

Traffic violations in Indiana remain on your driving record for different lengths of time depending on severity. Minor violations like speeding or failure to obey a traffic signal typically stay for three to five years. More serious violations like reckless driving or driving with a suspended license remain longer—often seven years or more.

DUI (driving under the influence) convictions stay on your record for life in Indiana. Even if you later have the conviction expunged from your criminal record, it will remain on your driving record. This is because the BMV maintains driving records separately from criminal records, and DUI convictions directly affect your driving privileges.

Accidents you report to the BMV appear on your record but do not add points to your license. However, if you were found at fault in an accident and received a traffic citation, that citation will remain on your record according to the violation timeline above.

Points from violations stay on your record for two years from the date of the violation. However, the violation itself may remain longer. This distinction matters because points determine whether you face license suspension, but the violation history affects insurance rates and background checks.

How points work and what happens if you accumulate too many

Indiana assigns points to your license for certain traffic violations. A minor violation like speeding might be worth two to four points, while more serious violations like reckless driving or driving with a suspended license carry six points or more. Points accumulate over time and can trigger automatic license suspension.

If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 24-month period, your license will be suspended. The suspension is automatic—you do not have to be convicted in court for the suspension to take effect. The BMV sends you a notice before the suspension becomes active, giving you time to request a hearing if you believe the points were assessed in error.

Points also affect your insurance rates. Insurance companies can see your driving record and use violations and points to calculate your premiums. A single violation can raise your rates by 10 to 30 percent depending on the violation type and your insurer, and the increase can last three to five years.

You can request a hearing to contest points if you believe they were assessed incorrectly or if you want to explain the circumstances. Contact the BMV to request a hearing within a set timeframe after receiving the notice of suspension.

Removing violations from your record

Indiana does not allow you to remove violations from your driving record straightforward by requesting it. However, violations do fall off your record after a certain period. Minor violations typically disappear after three to five years, while serious violations remain longer.

If you received a traffic citation and were found not guilty in court, you can request that the BMV remove the violation from your record. You will need to provide a copy of the court order showing the not-guilty verdict. Send this to the BMV along with a written request to have the violation removed.

If you were convicted but later had the conviction overturned on appeal, you can also request removal. Again, provide the court order and a written request to the BMV. Processing takes several weeks.

Expungement of a criminal record does not automatically remove a DUI or other driving-related conviction from your driving record. The BMV maintains its own records separately. You would need to contact the BMV specifically to request removal, and they may deny the request if the conviction is still valid under driving law.

Using your record for insurance or employment purposes

Insurance companies regularly check driving records to set rates and decide whether to cover you. When you explore for auto insurance, the company will ask permission to pull your record. If you refuse, they may deny coverage or charge a higher rate. Most insurers check your record annually or when you renew your policy.

Employers in certain fields—particularly those involving commercial driving, transportation, or positions requiring a clean record—will ask to see your driving record. You can request a copy for yourself and provide it to them, or you can authorize them to request it directly from the BMV. You have the right to see what they receive before they make a hiring decision.

Some employers use third-party background check companies that pull driving records as part of a larger background investigation. These companies must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which means you have the right to dispute inaccurate information and to know what was reported about you.

If your record contains errors—a violation you did not commit, a point assessed twice, or a suspension that was already lifted—contact the BMV when ready with documentation. Errors on your record can cost you jobs and higher insurance rates, so correcting them quickly is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The fee varies depending on whether you request a certified or non-certified copy and the method you use. Certified copies cost more than non-certified ones. Check the Indiana BMV website for current fees, as they may change. Online and in-person requests are usually faster than mail requests.

Can I see what my insurance company sees when they check my record?

You can request your own copy of your driving record at any time. Insurance companies see the same violations and points that appear on your official record. If you want to know exactly what your insurer is using to set your rates, you can request a copy and compare it to what they tell you.

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

Violations from other states do not automatically appear on your Indiana record. However, if you were driving an Indiana-registered vehicle or held an Indiana license at the time, the other state may report the violation to Indiana through the Interstate Compact. Serious violations like DUI are more likely to be reported across state lines.

What happens if I move out of Indiana—does my record follow me?

Your Indiana driving record stays with Indiana. If you move to another state and get a license there, your new state can request your Indiana record if needed. Insurance companies and employers can still access your Indiana record even if you no longer live there, so violations remain relevant to your driving history.

Can I request someone else's driving record?

No. The BMV releases driving records only to the person whose record it is, to law enforcement and courts, and to others with written permission from the driver. You cannot obtain someone else's record without their authorization, even if you are a family member or employer.