How to Check Your Driving Record
How to get a copy of your own driving record
You can get your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. Most states now let you order online through their official website, by mail, or in person at a local office. A few still require you to visit in person or call.
The fastest method is usually the state DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV driving record" and look for a link labeled "order your record," "view your record," or "request a copy." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. Online orders typically cost between $5 and $15 and arrive by email or mail within a few days.
If you cannot find the online option or prefer not to use it, call your state DMV directly or visit a local office in person. Bring your driver's license and be ready to pay a small fee. In-person requests are usually processed the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV website is the fastest way to order your driving record, usually taking a few days and costing $5 to $15.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and possibly your Social Security number to place an order.
- Mail and in-person requests are available if you do not want to order online, though they take longer.
- Your record shows traffic violations, points, suspensions, and accidents — everything an insurance company or employer might see.
- Check your record before a job interview, insurance renewal, or court date to know what information is being reported about you.
What appears on your driving record
Your driving record contains every traffic violation, point assessment, license suspension, and accident report filed with your state. This includes speeding tickets, red light violations, DUIs, reckless driving charges, and at-fault accidents. It also shows the date of each incident, the fine or points you received, and whether you paid the ticket or it went to court.
Insurance companies and employers routinely check driving records before setting rates or making hiring decisions. A record with multiple violations or a recent suspension will raise your insurance costs and may disqualify you from jobs that require driving. Knowing what is on your record before these checks happen gives you time to correct errors or prepare an explanation.
How long violations stay on your record
The time a violation remains on your driving record depends on the type of offense and your state's rules. Minor violations like speeding typically stay for three to five years. More serious offenses like DUI, reckless driving, or at-fault accidents often remain for seven to ten years or longer. A few states keep records indefinitely, though they may stop counting points after a certain period.
Even after a violation ages off your driving record, it may still appear in background checks run by insurance companies or employers, because those checks pull from different databases. Your state DMV record is what matters for license status and points, but insurance and employment checks may see older information. If you are concerned about a specific incident, ask the organization doing the check what their retention period is.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If your record contains an error — a ticket you did not receive, a violation attributed to someone else, or an accident you were not in — you can request a correction from your state DMV. Start by getting a copy of your record so you have the exact information to dispute. Then contact your state DMV in writing with the error, the correct information, and any supporting documents (court records, police reports, insurance paperwork).
The DMV will investigate your claim, which usually takes several weeks. If they confirm the error, they will issue a corrected record. Keep a copy of the correction letter for your records, because you may need to show it to insurance companies or employers who have already seen the incorrect version. If the DMV denies your request, you can appeal or contact the court that issued the ticket for help.
Checking someone else's record (with permission)
You cannot view another person's driving record without their permission. However, if you have their written consent, most states allow you to order their record on their behalf. This is common in situations where an employer needs to verify a job candidate's record, or a parent wants to check a teen driver's history.
The person whose record you are requesting must sign a form authorizing the release. Your state DMV website will have a form for this, or you can call to ask what documentation they need. Some states allow you to order another person's record online if you have their consent; others require a signed form by mail. Always check your state's specific process before attempting to order.
Using your record for insurance or employment
Before an insurance renewal or job interview, order your record and review it carefully. If you see violations you were not aware of, or if the dates or details are wrong, contact your state DMV to correct them before the insurance company or employer pulls their own copy. A clean record or an explanation of old violations can make a difference in rates or hiring decisions.
If your record shows recent violations, be honest about them in job interviews or insurance applications. Lying about your driving history is fraud and can result in policy cancellation or job termination. Insurance companies and employers expect to see violations; what matters is whether you disclose them accurately and show that you have taken steps to improve (defensive driving course, traffic school, or simply time without new violations).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get my driving record?
Most states charge between $5 and $15 for a copy of your driving record. Online orders are usually at the lower end of that range. Mail and in-person requests may cost slightly more. Some states offer one free copy per year; check your state DMV website for details.
Can I see my record online without ordering a copy?
Some states allow you to view your record instantly on their DMV website if you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. Others require you to order a formal copy. Check your state DMV website to see if instant viewing is available in your state.
How long does it take to get my record by mail?
Mail requests typically take one to two weeks, depending on how busy your state DMV is. Online orders are faster, usually arriving within a few days. If you need your record urgently, visit a DMV office in person or call to ask about expedited mail service.
Will checking my own record affect my insurance rates?
No. Checking your own record is a soft inquiry and does not affect your insurance rates or credit score. Insurance companies only see your record if you give them permission or if they pull it during a rate review or claim investigation.
What should I do if my record shows a ticket I paid but it still appears as unpaid?
Contact the court that issued the ticket with proof of payment (receipt, cancelled check, or credit card statement). Ask them to send a confirmation to your state DMV. The DMV will update your record once they receive the court's notice. This usually takes a few weeks.