Where to get your driving record
Your driving record is kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. You can request it directly from that agency, either in person at a local office, by mail, or online through their website. Most states now offer online ordering, which is the fastest route if you know your license number and date of birth.
Some states let you view a summary of your record when ready online without ordering a formal copy. Others require you to order a certified or non-certified version and wait for it to arrive by mail. A few states charge a small fee (typically $5 to $15) for a copy; some offer the first copy free each year. Check your state DMV's website to see what options are available and what the current fee is.
You can also order your record through a third-party service, but this adds a middleman fee on top of the state's charge. The state DMV is always the source, so going directly is cheaper and faster.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV or motor vehicle agency keeps your driving record and is the only official source for it.
- Most states now let you order your record online, and many offer when ready digital viewing of a summary at no cost.
- A certified copy (needed for some legal or employment purposes) costs more and takes longer than a non-certified version.
- Check your record for errors before you need it — correcting mistakes takes weeks, so catching them early matters.
- Your record shows violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points; what appears and how long it stays depends on your state's rules.
What appears on your driving record
Your record includes traffic violations you were convicted of (not just cited for), at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed by the state, and sometimes insurance claims. It does not include tickets you were acquitted of, citations that were dismissed, or accidents where you were not at fault — though some states keep a separate record of those for insurance purposes.
How long violations stay on your record varies by state and by the type of violation. A minor speeding ticket might drop off after three to five years; a DUI or reckless driving conviction can stay for seven to ten years or longer. Some states never remove certain serious violations. When you pull your record, you will see the conviction date and the date it will be removed (if applicable).
Certified versus non-certified copies
A non-certified copy is a printout of your record as it appears in the DMV database. It is suitable for your own review, for insurance companies, and for most employers. It costs less and arrives faster — often when ready if you order online.
A certified copy is an official document with a seal or signature from the DMV, stating that it is a true and complete record as of a specific date. Courts, law firms, and some government agencies require a certified copy. If you are unsure which you need, ask the organization requesting it. Most of the time, a non-certified copy is sufficient.
How to correct errors on your record
If your record shows a violation you did not commit, or if a conviction was dismissed or overturned, you can request a correction. Contact your state DMV and explain the error, then provide documentation — a court order showing the conviction was overturned, a letter from the court showing the case was dismissed, or a copy of the acquittal. The DMV will investigate and update your record if the error is confirmed.
This process typically takes four to eight weeks. If the error affects your insurance rates or a job offer, contact the relevant company and let them know you have submitted a correction request. Some will hold off on a decision while the DMV investigates.
Why employers and insurers request your record
Employers in certain fields — commercial driving, transportation, security, or roles involving company vehicles — routinely request driving records as part of a background check. Insurance companies pull your record to set your rates and determine whether to insure you at all. Some violations (especially DUI, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents) can make you uninsurable or force you into a high-risk pool with much higher premiums.
If you know your record contains violations, you can be upfront about them when explore for a job or shopping for insurance. Some employers and insurers will overlook older violations; others will not. Knowing what is on your record before they pull it gives you the chance to explain context or show that you have a clean record since.
How to find your state DMV website
Search "[your state] DMV driving record" or "[your state] motor vehicle record" to find the official agency and its online ordering system. The URL will be a state government domain (typically ending in .gov). Avoid third-party sites that offer to retrieve your record for you — they charge extra and are not faster than going to the state directly.
If you do not have internet access, you can visit a local DMV office in person with your driver's license and request a copy. Bring cash or a check, as not all offices accept cards. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my driving record?
Check it once a year, or before explore for a job or insurance that requires it. This gives you time to spot and correct errors before they affect a decision. If you have had recent violations or accidents, check it sooner to see how the state has recorded them.
Can I see my record online when ready, or do I have to wait for it in the mail?
Most states offer both. Many let you view a summary online when ready at no cost. If you need a certified copy or a detailed printout, you may have to order it and wait three to seven business days for delivery. Check your state DMV's website to see what when ready options are available.
Will my record show accidents where I was not at fault?
Not on your official driving record. However, insurance companies keep their own records of all claims, at-fault or not. If you file a claim, your insurer will know about it even if the state DMV does not list it as a violation.
How long does a speeding ticket stay on my record?
This varies by state and sometimes by how fast you were going. Minor speeding violations typically stay for three to five years; excessive speeding or speeding in a school zone may stay longer. Your record will show the removal date when you pull it.
Can I remove violations from my record early?
In some states, you can petition the court to have a conviction expunged or sealed, which removes it from public view. This is not automatic and requires a court order. Contact the court that handled your case or a traffic attorney to learn whether your violation is may be able to access.