What a Florida driving record contains and who can see it

Your Florida driving record is a document maintained by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) that lists your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, at-fault accidents, license suspensions, points assessed against your license, and any administrative actions taken by DHSMV. The record covers violations and incidents that occurred while you held a Florida license, as well as some out-of-state violations that Florida has recorded.

Not everyone can view your record. You can always request your own. Insurance companies, employers, courts, and law enforcement can access it under specific circumstances. Some employers—particularly those hiring for positions involving driving or public safety—routinely request records as part of background checks. Your insurance company may pull your record when you explore for a policy or renew coverage. If you are involved in a lawsuit or criminal case, attorneys and courts may request it.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida driving records show traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points, and you can request your own record online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office.
  • The cost varies by method: online requests are typically $7.50, while mail and in-person requests may cost more depending on how many copies you need.
  • Points stay on your record for three to five years depending on the violation type, and accumulating 12 points in 12 months triggers a suspension.
  • You can dispute inaccurate information on your record by submitting a written request to DHSMV with supporting documentation.
  • Insurance companies and employers can see your record, but you have the right to know what they see and can request the same record they do.

How to request your own Florida driving record online

The fastest way to get your record is through the DHSMV website. Go to the official DHSMV portal and select the option to order your driving record. You will need your Florida driver's license number or your Social Security number to start the request. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your personal history.

Once you complete the identity verification, you can choose between an when ready digital copy (which you can view and print when ready) or a certified paper copy mailed to your address. The when ready digital version typically costs $7.50 and arrives within seconds. A certified copy mailed to you costs more and takes five to seven business days. Payment is made by credit or debit card during the online process.

Requesting your record by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. Send a written request to the DHSMV address listed on their website, including your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason for your request. Include a check or money order for the fee (amounts vary by county and copy type). Mail requests typically take two to three weeks to process.

You can also visit a DHSMV office in person to request your record. Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to pay the fee in cash or card. In-person requests are usually processed the same day, though wait times at busy offices can be long. Call ahead to confirm your local office's hours and current processing times.

Understanding points, violations, and how long they stay on your record

Florida uses a points system to track driving violations. Each type of violation carries a specific point value—for example, speeding carries 3 points, reckless driving carries 4 points, and a DUI carries 6 points. Points accumulate on your record, and if you reach 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. Reaching 18 points within 18 months results in a 3-month suspension, and 24 points within 36 months results in a 12-month suspension.

How long violations remain on your record depends on the type. Most traffic violations stay for three years from the date of conviction. More serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or habitual traffic offender designations remain for five to seven years or longer. Once a violation ages off your record, it no longer counts toward point accumulation, but it may still appear on background checks depending on the organization's policies.

What to do if your record contains errors

If you find incorrect information on your driving record—such as a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, or a suspension that was already resolved—you can request a correction. Send a written request to DHSMV explaining the error and include supporting documentation, such as a court disposition showing the charge was dismissed, proof of payment if a fine was incorrectly listed as unpaid, or a letter from law enforcement if the violation was recorded in error.

DHSMV will investigate your claim and contact you with the outcome. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days. If DHSMV determines the error is valid, they will issue a corrected record. Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation you submit, as you may need to provide the same information to insurance companies or employers if they pull an outdated version of your record.

How employers and insurance companies use your driving record

Employers in transportation, delivery, rideshare, and commercial driving roles routinely request driving records as part of hiring. They are looking for patterns of violations, suspensions, or DUI convictions that suggest risk. Some employers have specific thresholds—for example, they may not hire anyone with a suspension in the past three years or more than two violations in five years. You have the right to know what your record shows before an employer sees it, which is why requesting your own copy before explore for driving-related jobs is useful.

Insurance companies pull your record when you explore for coverage and periodically during your policy term. Violations and accidents increase your premium or can result in denial of coverage. A single speeding ticket might raise your rate by 10 to 15 percent, while a DUI can increase it by 50 percent or more. If your record improves—violations age off or you go several years without incidents—you can ask your insurer to re-rate your policy, which may lower your premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a copy of my Florida driving record?

Online when ready copies typically cost $7.50. Certified copies mailed to you cost more, usually between $10 and $20 depending on the number of copies and your county. In-person requests at a DHSMV office vary by location. Check the DHSMV website or call your local office for exact pricing.

Can I see what violations are on my record before an employer does?

Yes. You can order your own record using the same process an employer would use. Ordering online gives you an when ready view of what will appear on any record pulled by a third party. This lets you address errors or understand what an employer will see before they request it.

Do out-of-state violations show up on my Florida record?

Some do. Florida participates in the Driver License Compact, which shares violation data between states. If you received a traffic violation in another state and held a Florida license at the time, it may appear on your Florida record and count toward your point total. Serious violations like DUI are almost always reported to Florida.

How long does a DUI stay on my Florida driving record?

A DUI conviction remains on your driving record for 75 years in Florida. Even after points age off and suspension periods end, the conviction itself does not disappear from your record. This affects insurance rates and employment decisions for many years.

What happens if I accumulate too many points?

Reaching 12 points in 12 months results in a 30-day suspension. At 18 points in 18 months, you face a 3-month suspension. At 24 points in 36 months, your license is suspended for 12 months. You must complete a driver improvement course and pay a reinstatement fee to restore your license after suspension.