What a Missouri driving record shows and who can see it
Your Missouri driving record is a document kept by the Missouri Department of Revenue that lists your traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and other driving-related events. It does not include your insurance claims or medical information — only what the state has recorded about your driving activity.
Missouri maintains two versions of your record. The public record can be viewed by insurance companies, employers, courts, and anyone else who requests it and pays the fee. The personal record is what you see when you request your own file, and it contains the same information but is meant for your own review.
Your record stays active as long as you hold a Missouri license. Points from violations typically remain on your record for three to five years, though some serious violations like DWI convictions stay longer. Accidents appear for three years from the date they were reported to the state.
Key Takeaways
- You can order your Missouri driving record online through the Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at a license office, and it arrives within one to two weeks by mail.
- Your record shows traffic violations, at-fault accidents, license suspensions, and points, but not insurance claims or medical records.
- Points from most violations stay on your record for three to five years; DWI convictions and serious violations remain longer.
- Insurance companies and employers can request your record, so checking it yourself before they do helps you spot errors or outdated information.
How to order your own Missouri driving record
The fastest way to get your record is through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Go to dor.mo.gov, find the Driver Services section, and select "Order Your Driving Record." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The fee is typically $3 to $5 for a copy, though prices can change. You can have it sent to your email as a PDF or request a printed copy by mail, which takes five to seven business days.
If you prefer not to order online, you can visit any Missouri license office in person with your ID and pay the same fee. Staff will print your record on the spot. You can also mail a request to the Missouri Department of Revenue with a check or money order, your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the address where you want it sent. Mail requests take longer — usually one to two weeks — so this option works best if you are not in a hurry.
Some employers and insurance companies will order your record directly from the state on your behalf, but you should always request your own copy so you can review it for errors before anyone else sees it.
What violations and points appear on your record
Every traffic citation you receive in Missouri goes on your record, including speeding, running a red light, improper lane change, and equipment violations. Each violation carries a point value — minor infractions like speeding 1 to 5 miles over the limit are 2 points, while more serious violations like reckless driving are 4 points. Accumulating 12 or more points in a 12-month period triggers a license suspension.
At-fault accidents also appear on your record and typically add 4 points. If you were found not at fault, the accident may still show up but without points attached. Hit-and-run incidents, DWI convictions, and license suspensions are recorded separately and carry more weight when insurers or employers review your file.
Parking tickets and violations that happen off a public roadway do not appear on your driving record — they are handled by the city or county where they occurred. Traffic school completion can sometimes reduce points, but only if the court allows it for your specific violation.
How long violations stay on your Missouri record
Most traffic violations remain on your Missouri record for three years from the date of conviction. This means a speeding ticket you received today will show up on your record until three years from now. After that period, the violation is no longer visible to insurers or employers, though the state may keep it in an archived file.
Some violations stay longer. DWI convictions remain on your record for five years, and serious violations like reckless driving or driving with a suspended license also stay for five years. If you receive multiple violations within a short time, each one has its own three- or five-year clock.
Accidents stay on your record for three years from the date they were reported to the state, not from the date they happened. If you were in an accident but it was never reported to the Department of Revenue, it will not appear on your driving record.
Checking your record for errors and getting them corrected
Mistakes on your driving record do happen — a violation might be listed under the wrong date, a violation you fought and won might still appear, or an accident might be marked as your fault when it was not. Review your record carefully when you receive it, and compare it to any court documents or accident reports you have.
If you find an error, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue in writing with a copy of the correct documentation — a court order showing you were found not guilty, an accident report showing you were not at fault, or a citation that was dismissed. Include your driver's license number, the specific error, and what the correct information should be. The state will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed.
Corrections can take several weeks. If your record is being reviewed by an insurance company or employer while you are disputing an error, notify them in writing that you have filed a correction request and provide them with the documentation supporting your claim.
Why your driving record matters for insurance and employment
Insurance companies pull your driving record before issuing a policy or renewing your coverage. Violations and accidents directly affect your rates — a DWI conviction or multiple speeding tickets can double or triple your premium. Some insurers will not cover drivers with recent serious violations at all, forcing you to seek coverage through a high-risk pool.
Employers also request driving records for jobs that involve driving — delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking, or any position where you operate a vehicle on company business. A suspension, DWI, or pattern of violations can disqualify you from the job or result in higher insurance costs for the employer.
This is why checking your own record before an insurer or employer does is important. If you spot an error, you have time to correct it. If you see violations that are still within the reporting period, you know what to expect when they pull your file.
License suspensions and how they appear on your record
A license suspension is recorded on your driving record and remains visible even after the suspension ends. The record will show the date the suspension began, the reason (too many points, DWI conviction, failure to pay a fine, etc.), and the date it was lifted.
If you accumulate 12 or more points in 12 months, the state will suspend your license for 30 days. A second suspension within five years lasts 60 days, and a third suspension lasts one year. You must complete a driver improvement course before your license is reinstated, and you will need to pay a reinstatement fee of around $100 to $200.
A DWI conviction results in an automatic suspension — typically 30 days for a first offense, 60 days for a second, and one year for a third. These suspensions are separate from any criminal penalties and appear prominently on your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove violations from my Missouri driving record?
No, you cannot remove violations once they are recorded. However, they automatically fall off your record after three to five years depending on the violation type. If a violation was dismissed in court or you were found not guilty, it should not appear on your record at all — if it does, you can request a correction from the Department of Revenue.
Do traffic school or defensive driving courses remove points from my record?
Traffic school can reduce points only if the court allows it for your specific violation. You must complete an approved course and provide proof to the court. Not all violations are may be able to access, and you can typically only use this option once every 12 months. Check with the court that issued your citation to see if it is available for your case.
How much does it cost to order my driving record?
The fee is typically $3 to $5 per copy, whether you order online, by mail, or in person at a license office. Prices may vary slightly, so check the Department of Revenue website for the current fee before ordering.
Will my driving record show up if I search for myself online?
Your driving record is not publicly searchable on the internet. Only you, insurers, employers, courts, and others with a legitimate reason can request it from the Missouri Department of Revenue. Third-party background check websites may include some driving information if it was part of a public court record, but your full driving record is not available through a general search.
What happens if I move out of Missouri — does my record follow me?
Your Missouri driving record stays with Missouri. If you move to another state and get a new license there, that state will create a new record for you. However, your new state can request your Missouri record, and insurance companies often pull records from all states where you have held a license in the past five to seven years.