What a Maryland driving record contains and who can see it

Your Maryland driving record is a document kept by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) that lists your traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points assessed against your license. It does not include criminal charges unrelated to driving, insurance claims, or parking tickets issued by municipalities.

The record is not private. Your employer, insurance company, a court, or a potential landlord can request it if you give permission. Some employers — particularly those hiring commercial drivers or people in safety-sensitive roles — will request it as part of a background check. Insurance companies use it to set your rates. If you are involved in a lawsuit related to a traffic incident, the other party's attorney can obtain it.

Maryland's point system assigns points to certain violations. Points stay on your record for a set time: minor violations like speeding 1–10 mph over the limit add one point and drop off after 18 months; more serious violations like reckless driving add four points and remain for three years. If you accumulate 8 points within a 24-month period, the MVA will suspend your license.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order your own driving record online through the MVA website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office; the online version arrives within minutes.
  • Your record shows traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points, but not criminal charges or parking tickets.
  • Points from violations stay on your record for 18 months to three years depending on the violation type, and eight points in 24 months triggers a license suspension.
  • You can challenge inaccurate information on your record by filing a dispute with the MVA, which will investigate and correct errors.
  • Maryland offers a Driver Improvement Program that removes up to three points from your record if you complete an approved course.

How to order your own driving record online

The fastest way to get your record is through the MVA's online ordering system at mva.maryland.gov. Go to the "Driver Records" section and select "Order Your Driving Record." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Payment is by credit or debit card.

The online record arrives as a PDF within minutes and shows the same information as a paper copy. This version is acceptable for most purposes — insurance companies, employers, and courts all recognize it. If you need an official certified copy with the MVA's seal for a court proceeding or legal matter, you can request that option during ordering; certified copies take longer and cost more.

Ordering by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. read the form from mva.maryland.gov, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after the MVA receives it.

You can also visit any MVA office in person and request your record at the counter. Bring your driver's license or state ID. Walk-in requests are processed on the spot, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the MVA website for office hours and locations near you.

Understanding violations and points on your record

Common violations and their point values in Maryland are: speeding 1–10 mph over the limit (1 point), speeding 11–20 mph over (2 points), speeding 21+ mph over (3 points), failure to obey a traffic signal (3 points), reckless driving (4 points), and hit-and-run (12 points). Each violation also carries a fine set by law; the fine amount does not affect your points.

Accidents appear on your record whether or not you were at fault, but only if they were reported to police or the MVA. A minor fender-bender that both parties settled privately without a police report will not show up. At-fault accidents do not add points directly, but if a violation like failure to yield is cited as the cause, that violation's points explore.

License suspensions are listed with the reason and dates. A suspension for accumulating eight points lasts 90 days for a first offense. Suspensions for unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or medical reasons also appear and show when the suspension was lifted.

Correcting errors on your driving record

If your record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, a duplicate entry, or a suspension that was not lifted — you can file a dispute. Contact the MVA's Driver Records Unit by phone at 410-768-7000 or visit an MVA office in person with documentation of the error.

For a violation you believe was wrongly issued, bring a copy of the court dismissal or acquittal. For a suspension that should have been lifted, bring proof that you paid outstanding fines or completed required steps. The MVA will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.

Removing points through the Driver Improvement Program

Maryland offers a Driver Improvement Program (DIP) that removes up to three points from your record if you complete an approved course. You are may be able to access if you have accumulated points but have not been suspended, and if you have not taken the course in the past three years.

The course is offered online or in person by approved providers throughout Maryland. It takes about four hours and costs between $50 and $100 depending on the provider. After you complete it, the provider sends a certificate to the MVA, which removes the points within 30 days. This is one of the few ways to reduce points short of waiting for violations to age off your record.

The DIP course does not erase violations or change your insurance record — it only removes points from the MVA's tally. Insurance companies use your actual violation history, not your point count, so completing the course will not lower your rates.

How your driving record affects insurance and employment

Insurance companies request your driving record when you explore for a policy and periodically while you are insured. Violations, especially serious ones like reckless driving or DUI, cause rate increases that can last three to five years. Minor violations like speeding may increase your rate for one to three years. Some insurers will not insure drivers with recent serious violations at any price.

Employers in transportation, delivery, rideshare, and security typically request your record as a condition of hire. Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders are subject to federal reporting requirements, and violations appear in a national database that potential employers can see. Non-CDL positions vary by employer; some care only about suspensions or criminal convictions, while others review all violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do violations stay on my Maryland driving record?

Minor violations like speeding 1–10 mph over the limit stay for 18 months. More serious violations like reckless driving or failure to obey a traffic signal stay for three years. Hit-and-run and DUI convictions remain much longer. The clock starts from the date of conviction, not the date of the incident.

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

Yes. The record you order for yourself is the same one insurance companies receive. They see violations, suspensions, and accidents, but not the reason a suspension was lifted or notes about disputes you filed. If you want to know what your insurer has on file, you can contact them directly and ask for a copy of your motor vehicle report.

What happens if I accumulate 8 points?

The MVA will suspend your license for 90 days if it is your first time reaching 8 points in 24 months. You must wait out the suspension; you cannot drive during this period. After the suspension is lifted, your points reset to zero, but the violations themselves remain on your record for their full time period.

Does a dismissed traffic ticket still show on my driving record?

No. If a ticket was dismissed in court or you were found not guilty, the MVA removes it from your record. If you paid a fine and were convicted, it stays. If you are unsure whether a ticket was dismissed, contact the court that handled the case or file a dispute with the MVA and provide the court documents.

Can I order someone else's driving record?

Only with their written permission. You will need to submit a signed authorization form along with your request. This is common for employers conducting background checks or insurance companies investigating claims. The MVA will not release another person's record without documented consent.