Where to get your driving record
Your driving record is kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. You can request your record directly from that agency, either online through their website, by mail, or in person at a local office. Some states let you view it when ready online if you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. Others require you to submit a form and wait several business days.
The fastest route is usually your state's DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV driving record" and look for a link labeled "view my record," "check my driving history," or "request my abstract." If your state doesn't offer online access, you can order a printed copy by mail — most DMVs charge between $5 and $15 for this, though the fee varies by state.
You can also request your record in person at any DMV office. Bring your driver's license and be prepared to pay the fee. Some states let you request it over the phone, though this is less common now.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV maintains your driving record and is the only official source for it; third-party websites that claim to show your record may charge fees or show incomplete information.
- Most states now offer online access to your record through their DMV website, where you can view it when ready using your license number and date of birth.
- If online access isn't available in your state, you can request a printed copy by mail or in person, usually for $5 to $15.
- Your record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points or violations that affect your insurance rates and driving privileges.
- Errors on your record — wrong dates, violations you didn't commit, or accidents attributed to you — can be corrected by contacting your DMV with supporting documents.
What appears on your driving record
Your driving record is a history of your interactions with traffic law and your state's licensing system. It includes traffic violations you were cited for (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), at-fault and not-at-fault accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, and points or violations that your state uses to track risky driving behavior.
The record also shows whether you've taken a defensive driving course, which some states allow you to do to reduce points or dismiss a minor violation. It does not include arrests or criminal charges unless they resulted in a conviction that affected your license.
How long violations stay on your record depends on your state and the type of violation. Minor infractions like speeding typically fall off after three to five years. More serious violations like DUI or reckless driving can remain for seven to ten years or longer. Your state's DMV website usually lists how long each type of violation stays on record.
Why your driving record matters
Insurance companies check your driving record when you explore for a policy or renew one. Violations and accidents raise your premiums — sometimes significantly. A single speeding ticket might raise your rate by 10 to 15 percent; a DUI or at-fault accident can double or triple it. Some insurers will refuse to cover you if your record shows too many violations or serious incidents.
Your driving record also affects your legal driving privileges. Accumulating too many points in a certain time period can trigger a license suspension. The point threshold varies by state — some states suspend your license after 12 points in three years, others after 15 points in two years. Your DMV website shows your state's point system and how many points each violation carries.
Employers who hire drivers — delivery companies, rideshare services, commercial trucking firms — routinely check driving records as part of hiring. A record with multiple violations or accidents can disqualify you from those jobs.
How to correct errors on your record
If your record shows a violation you didn't commit, an accident you weren't in, or incorrect dates or details, you can request a correction. Start by contacting your state's DMV directly — most have a phone number and mailing address for record disputes on their website. Explain what's wrong and provide supporting documents: a copy of the ticket showing it was dismissed, a police report showing you weren't at fault, or court paperwork proving the violation was overturned.
The DMV will investigate your claim, which usually takes two to four weeks. If they find an error, they'll correct it and send you an updated record. If they deny your request, you can file a formal appeal with your state's DMV or, in some cases, take the matter to court — though this is rare for straightforward record errors.
Keep copies of all documents you send to the DMV. If the error involves a ticket or accident, also contact the police department or court that issued the ticket or filed the accident report to make sure their records are correct too.
Understanding points and violations on your record
Most states use a point system to track risky driving. Each violation carries a certain number of points — a speeding ticket might be 2 to 4 points, an at-fault accident 3 to 6 points, and a DUI 6 to 12 points, depending on your state. Points accumulate over time, and when you reach your state's threshold, your license is suspended.
Some violations are more serious than others. A moving violation (speeding, running a light, unsafe lane change) counts against your record and your insurance. A non-moving violation (parking ticket, expired registration) typically doesn't appear on your driving record and doesn't affect insurance. Criminal violations like DUI or reckless driving are the most serious and can result in license suspension, fines, and jail time.
Your state's DMV website lists the point value for each violation and explains how points affect your license status. Some states let you reduce points by taking a defensive driving course, though you can usually do this only once every year or two.
How long violations stay on your record
The time a violation remains on your record depends on your state and the type of violation. Minor infractions like speeding or improper lane change usually stay for three to five years. At-fault accidents typically remain for three to seven years. Serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run can stay for seven to ten years or longer — some states keep them permanently.
Even after a violation falls off your official DMV record, insurance companies may still see it if they pull your record during the violation's "lookback period" — the window during which insurers consider it when calculating your rate. This lookback period is often longer than the time the violation stays on your official record. A DUI might fall off your DMV record after seven years but still affect your insurance rates for ten years.
Check your state's DMV website for the specific retention periods that explore to your violations. If a violation should have aged off your record but still appears, contact the DMV to request its removal.
Third-party record services and what to watch for
Many websites offer to show you your driving record for a fee, often $10 to $30. These services pull your record from your state's DMV and display it online — they don't provide information the DMV doesn't have. Since you can get your record directly from the DMV for free or a small fee, paying a third party is unnecessary.
Some third-party sites also advertise services to "remove" violations from your record or "erase" a DUI. These claims are false. Only your state's DMV can remove violations, and only if they were issued in error or if the violation has aged off naturally. No private service can delete a legitimate violation from your official record, no matter what they charge.
Stick with your state's official DMV website to view or order your record. If you need help understanding what's on it, call your local DMV office — they can explain violations and point values for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my driving record?
Check it at least once a year, or whenever you're explore for insurance, a job that requires driving, or a professional license. Checking regularly helps you catch errors early and understand how violations affect your rates and privileges.
Will checking my own driving record affect my insurance rates?
No. Checking your own record is a soft inquiry and doesn't show up to insurance companies or affect your rates. Only when an insurance company pulls your record as part of an process or renewal does it potentially affect your premium.
Can I remove a violation from my record if I pay a fine or take a course?
Paying the fine doesn't remove the violation from your record — it just settles the legal penalty. Some states let you reduce points by taking a defensive driving course, but the violation itself stays on your record for the time period set by your state. The violation ages off naturally after that period ends.
What's the difference between my DMV record and my insurance record?
Your DMV record is the official history kept by your state and shows all violations and accidents. Your insurance record is what your insurance company sees and uses to calculate your rate — it may include violations from longer ago than your DMV record shows, and it may include claims you filed even if you weren't at fault.
If I move to a new state, does my driving record follow me?
Yes. Your new state's DMV can access your driving history from your previous state. Violations don't disappear when you move, and your new insurance company will see your full history when you explore for a policy.