What's on your Minnesota driving record and how to get it

Your Minnesota driving record is a file kept by the Department of Public Safety that shows every traffic violation, crash, license suspension, and conviction tied to your driver's license number. It includes speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, DWI charges, license points, and the dates they occurred. When you request your record, you get either a certified copy (which courts and employers accept) or an unofficial copy (which you can use to check for errors).

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains these records and makes them available to you, your insurance company, employers, and law enforcement. You can order a copy online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The record shows violations going back several years, though how far back depends on the type of violation and whether it resulted in a conviction.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order your Minnesota driving record online through the Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
  • A certified record costs more but is accepted by courts and employers; an unofficial record is cheaper and lets you check for mistakes.
  • Traffic violations stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the offense—minor violations typically fall off after three to five years, while serious convictions remain longer.
  • Points accumulate on your record for moving violations, and reaching certain thresholds triggers automatic license suspension or revocation by Minnesota.
  • You can dispute errors on your record by contacting the Department of Public Safety with documentation of the mistake.

How to order your driving record online

The fastest way to get your record is through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's online ordering system. Go to the Driver and Vehicle Services section of their website and select "Order Your Driving Record." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The system accepts credit and debit cards.

You choose between an unofficial copy (cheaper, delivered by email within minutes) and a certified copy (more expensive, mailed to you within five to seven business days). The unofficial copy shows the same violations and points but does not carry the state seal that employers and courts require. If you are checking your record for personal reasons or to spot errors, the unofficial copy is sufficient and costs less.

Ordering by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can mail a request to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1500, St. Paul, MN 55101. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail requests take longer—typically two to three weeks—because they must be processed by hand.

You can also visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office in person and request your record at the counter. Bring your driver's license or state ID. In-person requests are processed the same day if you arrive before closing time, and you can choose certified or unofficial copies on the spot. Office locations and hours are listed on the Department of Public Safety website.

Understanding points and violations on your record

Minnesota assigns points to moving violations based on severity. A speeding ticket might be worth two to four points, depending on how far over the limit you were driving. Reckless driving, failure to stop for a school bus, or driving with a suspended license carries higher point values. Points accumulate on your record, and reaching certain thresholds triggers automatic action by the state.

If you reach 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. Reaching 18 points within 24 months results in a 90-day suspension. A third suspension within five years leads to license revocation, which is more serious—you must reapply for a license and may face additional requirements. Points drop off your record after three years from the violation date, so a clean driving period helps your record recover.

How long violations stay on your record

Minor traffic violations like speeding or improper lane change typically remain on your record for three years from the date of conviction. More serious violations—such as reckless driving, hit-and-run, or driving with a suspended license—stay for five years or longer. DWI convictions remain on your record for ten years in Minnesota, and some convictions may never be removed.

Even after a violation falls off your driving record, it may still appear on your criminal history if it resulted in a criminal conviction. Insurance companies sometimes access records beyond what the Department of Public Safety shows publicly, so an old violation might still affect your rates. If you are unsure how long a specific violation will remain on your record, contact the Department of Public Safety directly.

Checking for errors and disputing inaccuracies

Mistakes on driving records do happen—a violation might be recorded under the wrong date, a ticket might be listed twice, or a conviction might appear when charges were dismissed. If you spot an error, contact the Department of Public Safety in writing with documentation of the mistake. Include your driver's license number, the violation in question, and proof that the record is wrong (such as a court dismissal letter or a corrected ticket).

The Department of Public Safety will investigate your dispute and contact you with the outcome. If the error is confirmed, they will correct your record. This process typically takes four to six weeks. If the violation was recorded by a court, you may also need to contact that court directly to may support the correction flows back to the Department of Public Safety.

Why your driving record matters

Your driving record affects your insurance rates directly. Insurance companies pull your record when you explore for coverage and when you renew your policy. A clean record keeps your premiums lower; violations and at-fault accidents raise them. Some insurers will not cover drivers with recent DWI convictions or multiple violations within a short period.

Employers also check driving records for jobs that involve driving—delivery, rideshare, commercial driving, or positions requiring a commercial driver's license. A record with suspensions, revocations, or serious violations can disqualify you from these positions. Courts may also review your record during legal proceedings, and landlords sometimes check records as part of background screening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a copy of my driving record?

An unofficial copy ordered online costs less than a certified copy. Fees vary slightly, so check the Department of Public Safety website for current pricing. Certified copies cost more because they include the state seal and are accepted by courts and employers. Mail and in-person requests may have different fees than online orders.

Can I see my driving record if someone else has my license number?

No. The Department of Public Safety requires your driver's license number and date of birth to release your record. This protects your privacy. If you believe someone has obtained your record without permission, contact the Department of Public Safety to report it.

Will a ticket I paid show up on my record?

Yes. Paying a ticket is a conviction in Minnesota, and it will appear on your record with points assigned. Paying the fine does not remove the violation. If you want to avoid points, you must contest the ticket in court or request a deferred prosecution agreement before paying.

How do I remove old violations from my record?

Violations fall off automatically after the time period set by Minnesota law—typically three to five years for minor violations, longer for serious ones. You cannot request early removal. If a violation has aged off and still appears on your record, dispute it with the Department of Public Safety as an error.

Does my record show accidents where I was not at fault?

Yes, all accidents appear on your record regardless of fault. However, the record notes whether you were cited for a violation. An accident where you were not cited may not affect your insurance rates or point total, but it will still show in your record history.