What a Kansas driving record contains and where to request it
Your Kansas driving record is a document maintained by the Kansas Department of Revenue that lists your traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points assessed against your license. It does not include your personal information like address or Social Security number — only your driving history. You can request your own record or, with your written consent, someone else can request it on your behalf.
The Kansas Department of Revenue's Driver Control Bureau handles all driving record requests. You have three ways to get your record: in person at a Driver Examination Station, by mail, or online through the department's website. Each method takes different amounts of time and costs different amounts.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas driving records show traffic violations, accidents, suspensions, and point assessments, but not personal information like your address.
- You can request your record in person at any Driver Examination Station, by mail to the Driver Control Bureau, or online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
- Online requests typically arrive within one business day; mail requests take five to seven business days.
- Points stay on your record for three years from the violation date, and violations remain visible for varying lengths of time depending on the offense type.
- If you find errors on your record, you can dispute them by submitting a written request with supporting documents to the Driver Control Bureau.
Requesting your record in person or by mail
If you visit a Driver Examination Station in person, you can walk out with your record the same day. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay a fee — the cost varies depending on whether you want a certified copy or a standard copy. A certified copy has an official seal and is required for legal proceedings; a standard copy is for personal reference.
To request by mail, send a letter to the Driver Control Bureau at the Kansas Department of Revenue. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the type of record you want (certified or standard). Include a check or money order for the fee. Mail your request to: Driver Control Bureau, Kansas Department of Revenue, 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66626. Expect your record to arrive in five to seven business days.
Ordering online through the Kansas Department of Revenue
The fastest way to get your record is through the Kansas Department of Revenue's online portal. Go to the department's website and navigate to the Driver Control Bureau section. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid credit card or debit card to pay the fee. The system will ask whether you want a certified or standard copy.
Once you submit your request, the system generates your record when ready. You can view it on screen right away and print it yourself, or you can have a certified copy mailed to you. If you choose to have it mailed, it typically arrives within one business day. This method is the most convenient if you need your record quickly for a job process, insurance inquiry, or court matter.
Understanding points and how long violations stay on your record
Kansas assigns points to moving violations. The number of points depends on the violation type — a speeding ticket might be three points, while reckless driving could be six points. Points accumulate, and if you reach 12 points within a 12-month period, your license is suspended. If you reach 18 points within a 24-month period, your license is revoked.
Points remain on your record for three years from the date of the violation. After three years, the points drop off and no longer count toward suspension or revocation. However, the violation itself may remain visible on your record for longer — some violations stay for five years or more, depending on the offense. Accidents typically appear on your record for three to five years. Suspensions and revocations stay on your record for the duration of the penalty plus additional years depending on the reason.
What to do if your record contains errors
If you find incorrect information on your driving record — a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, or a suspension that was lifted — you can dispute it. Send a written request to the Driver Control Bureau explaining the error and include supporting documents. These might include a court document showing the charge was dismissed, a letter from the court stating the violation was removed, or any other official paperwork that proves the error.
Mail your dispute to the same address as record requests: Driver Control Bureau, Kansas Department of Revenue, 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66626. Include your driver's license number and date of birth so the bureau can locate your file. The bureau will investigate your claim and contact you with the outcome. This process typically takes two to four weeks.
How insurance companies and employers use your driving record
Insurance companies request your driving record when you explore for auto insurance or when your policy renews. They use it to assess your risk — more violations and accidents mean higher premiums. Some violations, like DUI or reckless driving, can cause an insurer to deny coverage entirely or require you to use a high-risk insurance pool.
Employers in certain fields — commercial driving, rideshare, delivery, or any job involving a company vehicle — will request your driving record as part of the hiring process. They want to know whether you have suspensions, revocations, or serious violations that would make you a liability. A clean record strengthens your process; a record with recent violations may disqualify you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Kansas driving record cost?
The fee varies depending on whether you request a certified or standard copy and the method you use. In-person requests at a Driver Examination Station, mail requests, and online requests each have different fees. Contact the Driver Control Bureau or check the Kansas Department of Revenue website for current pricing, as fees change periodically.
Can someone else request my driving record?
Yes, but only with your written consent. The person requesting must include a signed letter from you authorizing the request, along with your driver's license number and date of birth. Some requests — like those from insurance companies or employers — may not require your written consent if they have a legitimate business reason to access your record.
How long does it take to get my record if I order online?
You can view your record on screen when ready after submitting your request. If you want a certified copy mailed to you, it typically arrives within one business day. If you print it yourself from the online system, you have it when ready.
Will a dismissed traffic charge still show on my record?
A dismissed charge may still appear on your record, but it should be marked as dismissed. If it is not marked correctly, you can dispute it by sending a written request with the court document showing the dismissal to the Driver Control Bureau.
What happens if I have too many points on my record?
If you accumulate 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended. If you reach 18 points within 24 months, your license is revoked. You can request a hearing to contest the suspension or revocation, and you may be able to reduce points by completing a defensive driving course, depending on the circumstances.