What's on your North Carolina driving record and how to request it
Your North Carolina driving record is a document maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) that shows your driving history — traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points assessed against your license. You can request your own record, or someone else can request it if they have your written permission. NCDOT keeps records for a set number of years depending on the type of violation.
The record you receive depends on which version you ask for. A certified copy is an official document with the state seal, used for court cases, insurance claims, or employment background checks. An uncertified copy is a printout for your own reference and costs less. Both show the same information but differ in legal weight.
Key Takeaways
- You can request your driving record online through NCDOT's website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, with online being the fastest option.
- A certified copy costs more than an uncertified copy and is required for court, insurance, or employment purposes.
- NCDOT keeps traffic violations on your record for three years, accidents for five years, and suspensions for the duration of the suspension plus additional years depending on the reason.
- You can request someone else's record only if you have their written permission, or if you are a lawyer, insurance company, or employer with a legitimate business reason.
How to request your record online
The fastest way to get your driving record is through the NCDOT website. Go to the North Carolina Department of Transportation's driver license services page and look for the "Driving Record Request" option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system accepts payment by credit or debit card.
Online requests for an uncertified copy typically arrive within one to two business days as a PDF you can print or save. Certified copies take longer — usually five to seven business days — because they must be printed, sealed, and mailed to you. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number so you can track your request.
Requesting by mail or in person
If you prefer not to order online, you can mail a request to the NCDOT Driver License Section. You will need to complete the driving record request form (available on the NCDOT website), include a copy of your driver's license or state ID, and send a check or money order for the fee. Mail requests take two to three weeks to process, plus mailing time in both directions.
You can also visit a local DMV office in person. Bring your driver's license or state ID and payment. Uncertified copies are usually printed while you wait. Certified copies must be mailed to you, so you will still wait several business days even if you request in person.
What violations and incidents stay on your record
Traffic violations remain on your North Carolina driving record for three years from the date of the violation. This includes speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license. After three years, the violation no longer appears on your record for most purposes, though it may still be visible to law enforcement and courts.
Accidents you reported to police or your insurance company stay on your record for five years. At-fault accidents affect your insurance rates and may be considered in future traffic stops. Suspensions and revocations remain on your record for the duration of the suspension plus additional years — a suspension for unpaid fines may stay for seven years, while a suspension for a DWI conviction can remain much longer.
Requesting someone else's record
You cannot request another person's driving record without their permission. If you need someone else's record, you have two options: they can request it themselves and give you a copy, or you can provide NCDOT with a signed, notarized letter from that person giving you permission to request it on their behalf.
Employers, insurance companies, and lawyers can request driving records without written permission if they have a legitimate business reason. They must provide proof of their business relationship to the driver and submit the request on company letterhead. NCDOT verifies these requests before releasing the record.
Understanding points and license suspension
North Carolina uses a points system to track serious violations. Each violation carries a point value — for example, speeding 10 mph over the limit is 2 points, while reckless driving is 4 points. When you accumulate 12 points within three years, your license is suspended for 60 days. A second suspension within three years lasts 90 days, and a third suspension lasts one year.
Your driving record shows your current point total. You can request a points review if you believe points were assessed incorrectly. Some violations, like parking tickets, do not add points to your license. Your record will show which violations are point violations and which are not.
Fees for driving records in North Carolina
An uncertified copy of your driving record costs less than a certified copy. Exact fees vary slightly depending on the method you use to request — online, mail, or in person — and whether you want the record mailed or printed. Check the NCDOT website for current fees before you submit your request, as they may change.
If you request a certified copy, expect to pay a higher fee than for an uncertified copy. Some employers or courts may require a certified copy specifically, so confirm what type you need before ordering. If you order the wrong type, you will need to submit a second request and pay again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my driving record?
Online uncertified copies arrive within one to two business days. Certified copies take five to seven business days by mail. Mail-in requests take two to three weeks to process plus mailing time. In-person requests for uncertified copies are usually printed while you wait, but certified copies must still be mailed.
Can I see my driving record for free?
No, NCDOT charges a fee for both certified and uncertified copies. The fee is small but not waived. Some employers or government agencies may cover the cost if they request the record on your behalf.
Will my driving record show accidents I didn't report to police?
No. Your NCDOT driving record only includes accidents you reported to law enforcement or your insurance company. Accidents that were never reported to either will not appear on your official record.
How do I remove violations from my driving record?
Violations cannot be removed from your record before the retention period ends. Traffic violations stay for three years, accidents for five years. After that time, they no longer appear. You cannot request early removal or expungement of traffic violations.
What if my driving record has an error on it?
Contact the NCDOT Driver License Section with details of the error and supporting documents. You may need to provide a police report, court documents, or other proof that the violation was dismissed or incorrectly recorded. NCDOT will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed.