What a Michigan driving record shows and where to get it
Your Michigan driving record is a document maintained by the Secretary of State that lists your traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points assessed against your license over the past seven years. It does not include parking tickets or violations that occurred before that window. You can order your record online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a branch office.
The record you receive will show your name, license number, date of birth, and a chronological list of incidents. Each entry includes the violation date, the type of violation, the court that handled it (if applicable), and the points added to your record. Insurance companies, employers, and courts can also request your record, though you have the right to know when they do so.
Michigan uses a points system where certain violations add points to your license. Accumulating too many points within a specific timeframe can result in license suspension or revocation. Understanding what is on your record is the first step to knowing whether you are at risk of losing your driving privileges.
Key Takeaways
- Your Michigan driving record covers the past seven years and includes traffic violations, accidents, and license actions, but not parking tickets.
- You can order your record online, by mail, or in person from the Secretary of State, and you should check it before explore for insurance or a job.
- Michigan assigns points for violations, and accumulating 12 or more points within two years can trigger a license suspension.
- You have the right to contest inaccurate information on your record by filing a correction request with the Secretary of State.
How to order your driving record online or by mail
The fastest way to get your record is through the Secretary of State's online portal at michigan.gov/sos. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The online order typically costs between $5 and $10 depending on whether you want a certified copy (required for legal proceedings) or an uncertified copy (sufficient for personal review or insurance purposes). Your record will be available for read within minutes or sent to your email address.
If you prefer to order by mail, send a written request to the Michigan Secretary of State, Driver Records Section, along with a copy of your driver's license and a check or money order. Include your full name, date of birth, and driver's license number. Mail requests take two to three weeks to process. You can also visit a Secretary of State branch office in person with your driver's license and pay the fee on the spot; you will receive your record when ready.
Certified copies cost more than uncertified copies because they include an official seal and signature. Courts, insurance companies, and employers often request certified copies. If you are unsure which type you need, contact the organization requesting the record before you order.
Understanding points and what violations cost you
Michigan's point system assigns points based on the severity of the violation. A speeding ticket 1 to 5 miles per hour over the limit costs 1 point, while speeding 26 miles per hour or more over the limit costs 6 points. Reckless driving costs 6 points, driving with a suspended license costs 6 points, and at-fault accidents cost 3 points each. Violations like improper lane changes, failure to yield, and equipment violations typically cost 2 points.
Points stay on your record for two years from the violation date, meaning a violation from three years ago no longer counts toward your total. However, the violation itself remains on your seven-year record. If you accumulate 12 or more points within two years, the Secretary of State will suspend your license. If you reach 18 points within three years, your license will be revoked for one year.
Some violations do not add points but still appear on your record and can affect insurance rates. These include parking violations, equipment violations that do not create a safety hazard, and certain minor infractions. Your insurance company will see these on your record even if they do not trigger a license suspension.
How violations affect your insurance rates
Insurance companies use your driving record to calculate your premium. A single speeding ticket or minor violation can increase your rate by 10 to 30 percent, depending on your insurer and the severity of the violation. At-fault accidents typically raise rates more than traffic violations. A major violation like reckless driving or driving under the influence can increase your rate by 50 percent or more, or result in your insurer dropping you entirely.
Insurance companies in Michigan can look back three to five years on your driving record, which is longer than the two-year point window. This means a violation that no longer counts toward a license suspension can still affect your insurance cost. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness or safe driver discounts that can offset rate increases if you have a clean record otherwise.
Before you shop for insurance, order your record and review it for accuracy. If you find errors, correct them first so that insurance companies see the accurate information. Some insurers will recalculate your rate once corrections are made.
Correcting errors on your Michigan driving record
If your record contains an error—such as a violation you did not commit, a violation listed twice, or incorrect points—you can file a correction request with the Secretary of State. You will need to provide documentation supporting your claim, such as a court dismissal letter, a police report, or a certified court record showing the violation was overturned or reduced.
Submit your correction request in writing to the Michigan Secretary of State, Driver Records Section, along with copies of supporting documents. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a clear explanation of the error. The Secretary of State will investigate and respond within 30 to 60 days. If the error is confirmed, your record will be updated and you will receive a corrected copy.
If you believe a violation was unjustly issued, you can contest it in court rather than through the Secretary of State. A court dismissal or reduction will automatically update your driving record once the court notifies the Secretary of State. This process takes longer but may be necessary if the Secretary of State denies your correction request.
License suspension and what happens next
When you reach 12 points within two years, the Secretary of State will send you a notice of suspension. Your license will be suspended for 30 days for a first suspension, 60 days for a second suspension within seven years, and 90 days for a third or subsequent suspension. During the suspension, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense that can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
You can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect if you believe the points were assessed incorrectly or if you have circumstances the Secretary of State should consider. You must request the hearing within seven days of receiving the suspension notice. At the hearing, you can present evidence and argue your case, though the burden is on you to prove the points were wrongly assessed.
After your suspension ends, your record does not automatically clear. The violations remain on your record for seven years, and the points remain for two years from the violation date. To restore your license after suspension, you must pay a reinstatement fee (typically $125 to $200) and provide proof of financial responsibility, usually in the form of an SR-22 insurance certificate.
When employers and insurers see your record
Employers in certain industries—particularly transportation, delivery, and jobs involving commercial vehicles—routinely check driving records. They can see your full seven-year history and will typically disqualify you if you have multiple violations, suspensions, or at-fault accidents. Some employers will overlook a single minor violation if it is old, but a recent suspension or reckless driving charge will likely end your candidacy.
Insurance companies see your record when you explore for a policy and periodically throughout your coverage. They can see violations, accidents, and license actions. Some insurers will not insure drivers with recent major violations or multiple violations within a short timeframe. If you are denied coverage, you may need to turn to high-risk insurers, which charge significantly higher premiums.
Courts also access your record when you are charged with a traffic violation. A clean record may result in a lighter sentence or a plea deal, while a record with prior violations can lead to harsher penalties. If you are facing charges, your record will be a factor in the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do violations stay on my Michigan driving record?
Violations remain on your record for seven years from the date they occurred. However, points only count toward a license suspension for two years. This means an old violation will not trigger a suspension but will still appear on your record and may affect insurance rates.
Can I remove a violation from my record early?
No, you cannot remove a violation before seven years have passed. However, if the violation was dismissed in court or overturned, you can file a correction request to have it removed from your record when ready. You will need court documentation proving the dismissal or reversal.
What is an SR-22 and why do I need one?
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurance company with the Secretary of State. You need one after a license suspension, revocation, or certain violations like driving under the influence. It proves you have insurance and must be maintained for the period specified by the Secretary of State, typically three years.
Does a traffic ticket automatically go on my record?
A traffic ticket goes on your record only if you are convicted or plead guilty. If you contest the ticket in court and are found not guilty, or if the charge is dismissed, it will not appear on your record. If you pay the ticket without going to court, that is treated as a guilty plea and will be recorded.
Can I check someone else's driving record?
No, you cannot order another person's driving record without their written consent, except in specific circumstances such as a court order or if you are an authorized representative handling their legal or insurance matters. The Secretary of State will not release records to unauthorized requesters.