What a Maryland driving record contains and who can see it

Your Maryland driving record is a document maintained by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) that lists your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and any convictions related to driving. The record also shows when you obtained your current license and whether you have any restrictions (like corrective lenses required).

Maryland keeps two versions of your record. The public record shows violations, accidents, and convictions — this is what employers, insurance companies, and landlords typically request. The complete record includes additional administrative details and is available only to you, law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies. Both versions are maintained by the MVA's Records and Identification Services Division.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request your Maryland driving record online through the MVA website, by mail, in person at an MVA office, or by phone, with online being the fastest option.
  • A public record costs $4.50 and takes one to two business days online; a certified copy costs $6.50 and takes longer because it requires a signature.
  • Points stay on your record for three years from the conviction date, and suspensions or revocations appear until they are lifted.
  • You can dispute errors on your record by submitting a written request with supporting documents to the MVA within 30 days of receiving the record.

How to request your record online

The fastest way to get your Maryland driving record is through the MVA's online system at mva.maryland.gov. Go to the "Records" section and select "Order Your Driving Record." You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

After you submit your request and payment, the MVA sends the record to your email address within one to two business days. You receive a PDF file that you can print, save, or forward to employers or insurance companies. This method works for both public records ($4.50) and certified copies ($6.50), though certified copies take longer because the MVA must print and mail them to you with an official signature and seal.

Requesting your record by mail, phone, or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail by sending a written request to the MVA's Records and Identification Services Division, P.O. Box 717, Glen Burnie, MD 21060. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, the type of record you want (public or certified), and your payment. Mail requests typically take five to seven business days after the MVA receives them.

You can also call the MVA's customer service line at 410-768-7000 (or 1-800-950-1682 from outside the Baltimore area) and request a record over the phone. They will take your information and process the request, though you will still need to pay by mail or arrange payment separately. In-person requests are available at any MVA office during business hours — bring your driver's license or state ID and payment, and you can receive a public record when ready or order a certified copy to be mailed.

Understanding points, violations, and how long they stay on your record

Maryland uses a point system to track driving violations. Each violation carries a specific point value — for example, speeding 1 to 10 miles over the limit is 1 point, while reckless driving is 8 points. Points accumulate, and if you reach 12 points within a two-year period, the MVA will suspend your license. Points remain on your record for three years from the date of conviction, not from the date of the violation.

Traffic violations appear on your record indefinitely, but their impact on your insurance rates typically decreases after three to five years depending on your insurer. Accidents (whether at-fault or not) stay on your record for three years. Suspensions and revocations remain until they are lifted — a suspension is temporary and automatically ends on a set date, while a revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply for a license after a waiting period.

Disputing errors on your driving record

If your record contains an error — such as a violation you did not commit, an accident you were not involved in, or incorrect point totals — you can dispute it. Send a written request to the MVA's Records and Identification Services Division at the address listed above. Include your name, driver's license number, a description of the error, and copies of any supporting documents (such as a court dismissal, insurance report, or police report).

The MVA must receive your dispute within 30 days of the date you received the record. They will investigate and contact you within 15 business days with their findings. If the error is confirmed, they will correct your record and send you an updated copy. If you disagree with their decision, you can request a hearing before the MVA's Administrative Law Judge.

What employers and insurance companies see

When an employer or insurance company requests your driving record, they receive the public version, which shows violations, at-fault accidents, and convictions. They do not see warnings, non-moving violations (like parking tickets), or accidents where you were not at fault — unless you were cited for a violation at the scene. Insurance companies use this information to calculate your rates; a serious violation or multiple violations can result in higher premiums or non-renewal of your policy.

Employers in certain fields — such as commercial driving, delivery, or transportation — routinely request driving records as part of hiring or retention decisions. Some employers also request records for positions that do not involve driving, depending on their hiring policies. You have the right to know when someone requests your record, though the MVA does not automatically notify you of every request.

How to improve your record after violations

Once a violation is on your record, you cannot remove it, but you can prevent future violations from accumulating. Maryland offers a Driver Improvement Program that allows you to reduce points on your record by completing an approved defensive driving course. The course removes up to 3 points from your record if you have not taken it in the past three years. You must take the course before your license is suspended, and you pay a fee (typically $50 to $100 depending on the provider) directly to the course provider, not the MVA.

If you receive a traffic citation, you have the option to contest it in traffic court. If the officer does not appear or you win your case, the violation is dismissed and does not appear on your record. If you are found guilty, the violation stays on your record, but you can still take the Driver Improvement Program to reduce points if you have not done so recently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Maryland driving record cost?

A public record costs $4.50 and a certified copy costs $6.50. Prices are the same whether you order online, by mail, by phone, or in person. Some MVA offices may charge a small additional fee for in-person requests, so confirm when you visit.

Can I see someone else's driving record?

No, you can only request your own record unless you have legal authority (such as being a parent of a minor or a court-appointed guardian). Employers and insurance companies can request records only with the driver's written consent, and law enforcement can access records as part of an investigation.

How long does it take to get a certified copy?

Online certified copies are mailed to your address and typically arrive within five to seven business days. In-person requests at an MVA office take longer because the MVA must print and sign the document; ask the office for an estimated timeline when you visit.

Will a dismissed traffic ticket still show on my record?

No, if a ticket is dismissed in court, it does not appear on your driving record. The MVA receives notification from the court and removes it from your file. If you were found guilty, the conviction stays on your record for three years.

Can I request my record if my license is suspended?

Yes, you can request your record at any time, whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked. The record will show the current status of your license and the reason for any suspension or revocation.