Where to find your driving record
Your driving record lives with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent — some states call it the Secretary of State's office). You can request it in three ways: online through your state's DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. The fastest route is almost always online, which takes minutes and costs $5 to $15 depending on your state.
Some states let you check a basic version free through their online portal — usually showing only violations and suspensions, not insurance claims. A full record, which includes accidents and insurance-related incidents, typically costs more and may require you to request it by mail or in person.
You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number or the last four digits of it. Have these ready before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Most states let you order your driving record online through their DMV website for $5 to $15, with results arriving by email or mail within days.
- A basic record shows violations and suspensions; a full record also includes accidents and insurance claims, and costs more.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and possibly your Social Security number to request your record.
- If you find errors on your record, contact your state DMV with documentation (court records, police reports, insurance paperwork) to request a correction.
- Insurance companies and employers may see a different version of your record than you do, depending on what they pay to access.
How to order your record online
Go to your state's official DMV website and look for a link labeled "driving record," "motor vehicle record," or "request your record." This is usually in a section for drivers or records. Click it and you will be asked to enter your license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number or state ID number.
You will then choose whether you want a basic record (violations and suspensions only) or a full record (including accidents and insurance claims). The full record costs more — often $10 to $20 versus $5 to $10 for basic. Select which one you need, pay by credit or debit card, and submit.
Most states email your record as a PDF within 24 hours. Some mail it instead, which takes 5 to 10 business days. A few states let you view it when ready on screen after payment, though you usually cannot read or print it without paying extra.
Ordering by mail or in person
If your state does not offer online ordering, or if you prefer a certified copy (which some employers and insurance companies require), you can request your record by mail. read the form from your state DMV website, fill it out with your license number and date of birth, include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes 5 to 15 business days depending on your state. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the record mailed back to you; otherwise, some states will email it.
You can also walk into any DMV office with your license and request a record in person. Bring cash or a card for the fee. You will usually get a printout on the spot or within a few minutes, though some offices require you to order it and pick it up later.
What your record actually shows
A basic driving record lists traffic violations (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), suspensions, revocations, and points on your license. It does not include accidents unless they resulted in a citation or suspension.
A full record adds accidents you reported to your insurance company or that were reported by police, even if no citation was issued. It may also show insurance claims, though this varies by state — some states do not include insurance data on the official DMV record at all.
Your record typically shows the past 3 to 7 years of violations and accidents, depending on your state. Older incidents drop off automatically. Suspensions and revocations stay on your record longer, sometimes 10 years or more.
Correcting errors on your record
If your record shows a violation you did not commit, an accident you were not in, or a suspension that was lifted, contact your state DMV's records department. You will need to provide documentation: a court record showing the ticket was dismissed, a police report, an insurance letter, or a court order lifting the suspension.
Mail or bring these documents to your state DMV along with a written request to correct the record. Include your license number, date of birth, and a clear explanation of what is wrong. Processing takes 2 to 8 weeks. Ask for written confirmation once the correction is made, because insurance companies and employers may still see the old information until their databases update.
If a violation was dismissed in court, the court should have notified the DMV automatically, but this does not always happen. If your record still shows a dismissed ticket, bring the court's dismissal order to the DMV and ask them to update it.
Why insurance companies see different information
Insurance companies do not see your official DMV record. Instead, they use a separate database called the Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) that is maintained by LexisNexis, Experian, or similar companies. These databases pull from state DMV records but may lag behind by weeks or months, and they sometimes contain errors.
An insurance company may see an accident or violation on your MVR that does not appear on your official DMV record yet, or vice versa. If an insurer tells you something is on your record and you cannot find it on your official DMV record, ask the insurer which database they used and request a copy of what they saw.
You can order your own MVR from LexisNexis or Experian for $10 to $20 to see what insurers are seeing. This is useful if you are shopping for insurance and want to know what information companies will find about you.
What employers and other organizations see
Employers, rental car companies, and rideshare platforms (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash) all request driving records, but they do not all see the same thing. Most request a basic record showing violations and suspensions. Some request a full record including accidents. A few request only violations within the past 3 years.
Rideshare and delivery companies typically run their own background checks using third-party databases, which may show information that does not appear on your official DMV record. If you are denied work because of your driving record, ask the company what they found and request a copy of the report they used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my driving record?
Check it once a year, or before you explore for a job, insurance, or a rental car. This lets you catch errors early and correct them before they affect your insurance rates or employment prospects. If you have had violations or accidents recently, check it after 30 days to make sure everything was recorded correctly.
Does checking my own record affect my insurance rates?
No. Checking your own record is a soft inquiry and does not show up to insurance companies or affect your rates. Only when an insurance company or employer requests your record does it potentially matter.
Can I remove violations from my record?
No, you cannot remove a violation that actually occurred. However, in some states you can take a defensive driving course to reduce points or have a violation dismissed if you were not at fault. Some states also allow violations to drop off your record after 3 to 7 years automatically. Contact your state DMV to learn what options explore to you.
What if my record shows an accident I was not in?
Contact your state DMV with a police report or insurance letter showing the accident was not your fault or did not involve you. Provide documentation and a written request to remove it. This usually takes 2 to 8 weeks to process.
Do I need a certified copy of my record?
Some employers and insurance companies ask for a certified copy, which has an official seal or signature from the DMV. Most online records are not certified. If you need a certified copy, order it by mail or request it in person at a DMV office — the form or staff will tell you which option applies in your state.