What's in your North Carolina driving record and how to request it

Your North Carolina driving record is a document kept by the DMV that shows your driving history in the state — traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, points on your license, and any convictions. You can request your own record, or someone else can request it with your permission. The DMV calls this document your "driving history" or "motor vehicle record."

You'll need your driving record for insurance claims, employment background checks, court cases, or to see what violations are actually on file. The record you get depends on who's asking: you get the full version, while employers and insurers get a version with some information removed.

Key Takeaways

  • North Carolina DMV keeps records of traffic violations, accidents, suspensions, and points, and you can request yours online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
  • You'll need your driver's license number or full name and date of birth, and the request takes three to five business days by mail.
  • Online requests through the DMV website are the fastest option and cost $7.50 for a three-year record or $10 for a seven-year record.
  • Third parties like employers or insurance companies can request your record only with your written consent, and they receive a version without certain personal details.

How to request your record online

The North Carolina DMV website lets you order your driving record when ready without visiting an office. Go to the DMV's official website, find the "Driving Records" section, and select "Order Your Driving Record Online." You'll need your driver's license number and date of birth to start.

You can choose a three-year record ($7.50) or a seven-year record ($10). Pay by credit card or debit card. The DMV will email your record to the address on file, usually within one business day. This is the fastest and cheapest way to get your record if you need it soon.

Requesting your record by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. read the "Request for Driving Record" form from the DMV website or call the DMV to have one mailed to you. Fill it out with your driver's license number or full name and date of birth, choose your record length, and include a check or money order for the fee.

Mail the form to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles at the address listed on the form. Processing takes three to five business days after the DMV receives it. You can also visit a DMV office in person with your driver's license or ID and request your record on the spot — you'll receive it when ready or by mail depending on the office.

What information appears on your record

Your North Carolina driving record shows traffic violations from the past three to seven years (depending on which version you order), any at-fault accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and any criminal convictions related to driving. It also lists your current license status and any restrictions on your license.

Points stay on your record for three years from the violation date in North Carolina. Some violations, like reckless driving or DWI, may appear longer. Your record does not include violations from other states unless North Carolina received notice through the Interstate Compact, a system states use to share driving information.

Requesting someone else's record

You cannot order another person's driving record without their written consent. If you're an employer, insurance company, or attorney, you can request a record if the driver signs a consent form. The person whose record you're requesting must provide their driver's license number or full name and date of birth.

Third parties receive a version of the record that excludes the driver's home address and some personal details. Mail the signed consent form with your request to the DMV, or contact the DMV to learn if your organization can order records online through a bulk account.

Understanding points and violations on your record

North Carolina assigns points to moving violations — speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and similar offenses each carry a set number of points. Accumulating 12 points in three years triggers a license suspension. Your record shows exactly how many points each violation added and when they'll drop off.

Not all violations add points. Parking tickets, equipment violations (like a broken taillight), and some minor infractions don't appear on your driving record at all. If you believe a violation on your record is wrong, contact the court that issued the ticket — the DMV can only correct errors in how it recorded information the court provided.

Correcting errors on your driving record

If your record shows a violation you didn't commit, a wrong date, or another error, contact the DMV's Records Section with details about the mistake. You may need to provide a copy of court documents showing the violation was dismissed or the conviction was overturned. The DMV will contact the court to verify the correction.

If the error is in how the DMV recorded information the court sent, the DMV can fix it directly. If the error is in the court's record itself, you'll need to work with the court to correct it first, then ask the DMV to update its files. This process can take several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a violation stay on my North Carolina driving record?

Most violations stay for three years from the date of the violation. Some serious violations like DWI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run may stay longer — up to seven years or more depending on the offense. Your record shows the exact date each violation will drop off.

Can I see my driving record for free?

No. North Carolina charges $7.50 for a three-year record and $10 for a seven-year record. These are the official DMV fees and explore whether you order online, by mail, or in person. Some employers or insurers may cover the cost if they're the ones requesting it.

Will my driving record show accidents I was in?

Only if you reported the accident to the DMV or the police filed a report. Minor accidents where no one filed a report won't appear. At-fault accidents stay on your record and may affect your insurance rates, even if no violation was issued.

How do I check my record before explore for a job?

Order your record online through the DMV website — it's the fastest way and costs $7.50 for three years. This shows you exactly what a potential employer will see when they request your record with your consent. Review it for errors before your job process.

What if I have a suspended license — will that show on my record?

Yes. Your current license status, including any suspension, revocation, or restriction, appears at the top of your driving record. The record also shows why your license was suspended and when the suspension will end.