What a Virginia driving record shows and where to request it

Your Virginia driving record is a document maintained by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that lists your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and any convictions related to moving violations. The record does not include parking tickets or violations that occurred outside Virginia.

You can request your own driving record in person at any DMV office, by mail, online through the Virginia DMV website, or by phone. The fastest method is usually online through the DMV's official portal, which takes a few minutes and costs a small fee. If you need the record urgently for a job or insurance purpose, online ordering lets you print it when ready or have it mailed to you.

A third party—such as an employer, insurance company, or court—can also request your record if you give written permission. Some employers and insurers pull your record automatically during hiring or policy review, which is why knowing what appears on yours matters before those checks happen.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia driving records show traffic violations, accidents, license actions, and points, but not parking tickets or out-of-state violations.
  • You can order your record online through the Virginia DMV website in minutes, or request it by mail, phone, or in person at a DMV office.
  • Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation—minor infractions fall off faster than serious ones.
  • Employers and insurance companies often request your record as part of hiring or underwriting, so reviewing it yourself first can prevent surprises.
  • You can dispute errors on your record by contacting the Virginia DMV with documentation of the correction needed.

How points are assigned and how long they stay on your record

Virginia assigns points to your license for moving violations. The number of points depends on the severity of the violation. For example, speeding 1 to 9 miles per hour over the limit is 3 points, while reckless driving can be 6 points. Accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months triggers a license suspension.

Points do not disappear when ready after you pay a fine. Instead, they remain on your record for a set period. Most violations stay on your driving record for 3 to 5 years, though serious violations like DUI or reckless driving may remain longer. Even after points drop off your record, the violation itself may still appear on a background check for insurance or employment purposes, depending on how far back the requester searches.

If you complete a driver improvement course approved by Virginia, you may be able to remove up to 5 points from your record. This option is available only once every 12 months and only if you have not had a prior conviction for a moving violation in the past 12 months.

Ordering your record online through the Virginia DMV

The Virginia DMV website allows you to order a copy of your driving record without visiting an office. Go to the DMV's official website, select "Order Driving Records," and follow the prompts. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

You can choose to have the record mailed to you or printed when ready as a PDF. The mailed version typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The online fee is lower than ordering by mail and comparable to ordering in person. If you need the record the same day, printing the PDF is your only option through this method.

Keep in mind that online ordering shows your record as of the date you request it. If a recent violation or court action has not yet been processed into the DMV system, it may not appear on the record you receive. Processing times vary, but most violations are added to your record within 30 days of conviction.

Ordering by mail or phone

You can request your driving record by mail by sending a written request to the Virginia DMV along with a check or money order for the fee. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the address where you want the record sent. Mail your request to the DMV address listed on their website.

Ordering by mail takes longer—typically 2 to 3 weeks—because your request must be processed manually. This method works if you do not need the record urgently, but it is slower than online ordering or visiting an office in person.

Phone ordering is also available through the DMV's customer service line. You will provide the same information as you would in a written request, and the record will be mailed to you. The fee is charged to a credit card you provide over the phone. Phone ordering has the same timeline as mail ordering.

Getting your record in person at a DMV office

You can walk into any Virginia DMV office and request a copy of your driving record on the spot. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay the fee in cash, check, or card. The staff will print your record when ready, so you leave with it in hand.

In-person ordering is useful if you need the record the same day and do not want to deal with mail or online systems. However, wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter lines than visiting during lunch or on Saturdays.

Some DMV offices allow you to check wait times online before you go, so you can plan your visit accordingly. If your local office is consistently busy, ordering online may save you time overall.

Understanding what employers and insurers see

When an employer or insurance company requests your driving record, they typically receive the same information you do—violations, points, and license actions. However, the scope of what they see can vary. Some employers request only the last 3 years of your record, while others may request 5 or 7 years. Insurance companies often look at the full record available.

Certain violations affect your insurability more than others. A single speeding ticket may have little impact on your insurance rates, while a DUI conviction or multiple violations within a short period can cause your rates to rise significantly or lead an insurer to decline coverage altogether. Some employers, particularly those hiring for positions that involve driving, may disqualify candidates based on specific violations or too many points.

You have the right to know what information was used to make a decision about you. If you are denied a job or quoted a high insurance rate, you can ask the employer or insurer what appeared on your record and dispute any errors directly with the Virginia DMV.

Correcting errors on your Virginia driving record

If your driving record contains an error—such as a violation you did not commit, a conviction that was dismissed, or incorrect point totals—you can request a correction from the Virginia DMV. Start by obtaining a copy of your record so you know exactly what needs to be fixed.

Contact the Virginia DMV in writing or visit an office in person with documentation supporting your correction. For example, if a conviction was dismissed, bring a copy of the court order showing the dismissal. If a violation was assigned to you in error, bring any documentation proving the mistake. The DMV will investigate and update your record if the error is confirmed.

Corrections can take several weeks to process. Once corrected, the updated record will reflect the change, and future requests will show the accurate information. If the error affected your insurance rates or employment, you may want to notify those parties once the correction is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to order a Virginia driving record?

The fee varies slightly depending on how you order. Online ordering through the DMV website is typically the least expensive option. Ordering by mail, phone, or in person costs slightly more. Check the Virginia DMV website for current fees, as they may change.

Can I see someone else's driving record?

No, unless you have written permission from that person. The DMV will not release another person's record without their authorization. If you need someone's record for a legitimate reason—such as hiring or insurance underwriting—you must obtain their signed consent first.

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

A DUI conviction remains on your Virginia driving record indefinitely. However, it may fall off background checks used by some employers or insurers after 7 to 10 years, depending on their policy. The conviction itself does not disappear from the DMV record.

Will a violation from another state show up on my Virginia record?

No. Your Virginia driving record shows only violations that occurred in Virginia. However, if you were convicted in another state and that conviction affects your Virginia license status, it may be noted. States share certain serious violations through the National Driver Register, which can trigger license actions in Virginia.

Can I remove a violation from my record before it expires naturally?

You cannot remove a violation before its time expires, but you may be able to reduce points by completing an approved driver improvement course. This removes up to 5 points and is available once per 12 months if you meet the may be able to access requirements. The violation itself remains on your record, but the points associated with it are reduced.