What PennDOT driving records show and who can request them

Your PennDOT driving record is a document maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation that shows your driving history within the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points on your license, and conviction details. Insurance companies, employers, courts, and you yourself can request this record.

PennDOT keeps two versions: a three-year record and a ten-year record. The three-year version shows only recent violations and is what most employers and insurance companies see. The ten-year version includes older violations and is typically used in legal proceedings or for commercial driver's license matters.

You can order your own record online, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT office. Other people—employers, insurers, law enforcement—must have your written permission or a court order to see it, with limited exceptions for certain government agencies.

Key Takeaways

  • PennDOT driving records show violations, accidents, suspensions, and points accumulated in Pennsylvania, and come in three-year and ten-year versions.
  • You can order your record online through the PennDOT website, by mail with a form and payment, or in person at a PennDOT office.
  • The online method is fastest and costs less than ordering by mail, and you receive the record when ready as a PDF.
  • Employers and insurance companies typically see only your three-year record unless you are seeking a commercial driver's license.
  • You have the right to dispute errors on your record by contacting PennDOT with documentation of the correction needed.

Ordering your record online through PennDOT

The fastest way to get your driving record is through the PennDOT website. Go to the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services portal and select "Order Driving Record." You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to verify your identity.

You can choose between a three-year record and a ten-year record at the time of ordering. The cost is lower online than by mail—currently $5 for a three-year record and $10 for a ten-year record, though fees can change. Payment is by credit or debit card. Once you complete the order, you receive the record when ready as a PDF file that you can print or save.

This method works if you have internet access and a valid Pennsylvania driver's license. If your license has expired, you may still order the record using your license number and other identifying information.

Ordering by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. read the DL-43 form from the PennDOT website or request one by phone at 717-787-2937. Fill in your name, license number, date of birth, and the type of record you want (three-year or ten-year). Include a check or money order for the fee and mail the form to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days after PennDOT receives your request. You will receive the record in the mail at the address you provide. This method costs slightly more than online ordering due to processing fees.

You can also visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person. Bring your driver's license or other photo ID and request your record at the counter. You can pay by cash, check, or card, and you will receive a printed copy on the spot. Wait times vary by location and time of day.

What information appears on your record

Your PennDOT record lists every traffic violation you received in Pennsylvania, including speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and DUI charges. It shows the date of each violation, the location, the fine amount if applicable, and whether you paid it or contested it in court.

The record also includes any accidents you reported to PennDOT, suspension or revocation of your license, and points assessed against your license. Points accumulate based on the severity of violations—a minor speeding ticket may add two points, while a DUI can add six or more. Once you reach 6 points, PennDOT may send you a warning letter. At 11 points, your license is suspended.

Convictions appear on the record with the conviction date and the offense. If a violation was dismissed or you were found not guilty, that outcome should also appear. Older violations drop off after three years for the three-year record, but remain on the ten-year record.

Disputing errors on your record

If your record contains an error—a violation you did not receive, a conviction that was overturned, or incorrect dates—you have the right to request a correction. Contact PennDOT's Driver Records Section at 717-787-2937 or visit a Driver License Center in person with documentation of the error.

Bring proof of the correction, such as a court document showing a dismissal, a letter from the court, or a receipt showing you paid a violation that appears unpaid on your record. PennDOT will investigate and update your record if the error is confirmed. This process can take several weeks.

If PennDOT denies your correction request, you can request a hearing before a PennDOT hearing officer. The hearing process is outlined in the letter PennDOT sends when it denies your request.

How employers and insurance companies use your record

Most employers who check driving records request the three-year version, especially for jobs that do not involve driving. Jobs that require driving—delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking—may request the ten-year record or require a commercial driver's license check. Employers must have your written permission to order your record.

Insurance companies also request your record when you explore for auto insurance or after an accident. They use it to assess risk and set your premium. A record with multiple violations or an accident typically results in higher rates. Some insurers will not cover drivers with recent DUI convictions or multiple at-fault accidents.

You can see what employers and insurers see by ordering your own three-year record. This allows you to know what information they are reviewing and to dispute any errors before they affect your job prospects or insurance rates.

Understanding points and license suspension

Pennsylvania uses a point system to track driving violations. Each violation carries a point value based on severity. Speeding 1 to 5 mph over the limit is 2 points; speeding 26 mph or more is 5 points. Reckless driving is 6 points. DUI is 6 points. Failure to yield is 3 points.

Points stay on your record for one year from the date of conviction. After one year, they drop off automatically—you do not need to do anything. However, if you accumulate 6 points within 12 months, PennDOT sends you a warning letter. At 11 points within 24 months, your license is suspended for a period determined by PennDOT, typically 30 days to several months depending on your history.

You can reduce points by taking a defensive driving course approved by PennDOT. Completing the course removes up to 3 points from your record. You can take the course once every 12 months, so it is useful if you are close to suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my record if I order online?

You receive your record when ready as a PDF file after you complete the online order. You can print it or save it right away. By mail, it takes 7 to 10 business days after PennDOT receives your request. In person at a Driver License Center, you get it on the spot.

Can I see what my employer or insurance company sees on my record?

Yes. Order your own three-year record, which is what most employers and insurers request. This shows you exactly what information they are reviewing. If you find an error, you can dispute it with PennDOT before it affects your job or insurance rates.

What is the difference between a three-year and ten-year record?

A three-year record shows only recent violations and is used for most employment and insurance checks. A ten-year record includes older violations and is used for commercial driver's license matters, legal proceedings, and some government jobs. Choose three-year unless you have a specific reason to order ten-year.

Do points ever go away from my record?

Points drop off automatically one year after the conviction date. You do not need to do anything. Taking a defensive driving course can remove up to 3 points when ready, and you can take the course once every 12 months.

What happens if my license is suspended because of points?

PennDOT will send you a notice of suspension with the suspension period and the date it begins. You cannot drive during the suspension. After the suspension ends, you can drive again without reapplying, though you may need to pay a reinstatement fee depending on the reason for suspension.