What records the California DMV keeps and who can see them
The California DMV holds several types of records about you: your driver's license or ID card history, vehicle registration details, driving record (also called a motor vehicle report or MVR), and accident reports you've filed. Not all of these are public. Your driving record and accident history are restricted — the DMV releases them only to you, your insurance company, employers you authorize, courts, and law enforcement. Vehicle registration information is also limited; the DMV does not sell full registration lists to the public, though some details are available under specific conditions.
Your own records are the easiest to get. You can request your driving record, vehicle registration information, or a copy of documents you submitted to the DMV (like your original process or proof of residency). The DMV keeps these records for the life of your license or registration, plus several years after expiration or cancellation.
Key Takeaways
- You can request your own driving record, vehicle registration details, and copies of documents you submitted to the DMV by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office.
- Driving records and accident reports are not public; the DMV releases them only to you, your insurance company, employers you authorize, law enforcement, and courts.
- A certified driving record costs $7 and takes about two weeks by mail; an uncertified version costs $2 and is available when ready online through your DMV account.
- Vehicle registration records show the registered owner and lienholder but not full personal details; you can request a registration history for your own vehicle or a vehicle you own.
- Accident reports filed with the DMV are kept separate from your driving record and require a separate request; they are not released to third parties without a court order or your written consent.
How to get your own driving record
Your driving record (motor vehicle report) shows violations, accidents, suspensions, and convictions on your license. California offers three ways to get it: online through your DMV account, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
The fastest route is online. If you have a California driver's license or ID card, you can create a DMV online account at dmv.ca.gov, log in, and view or print your driving record when ready at no cost. This uncertified version works for most personal uses — insurance companies, employers, and lenders often accept it. If you need an official certified driving record (with the DMV's seal and signature), you must request it by mail or in person. A certified record costs $7 and takes about two weeks by mail.
To request by mail, fill out Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) or send a letter with your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason you need the record. Mail it to the DMV address for your county. You can find your county's mailing address on the DMV website. To request in person, visit any DMV office with your ID and ask for a certified driving record; you'll receive it the same day.
Requesting vehicle registration records
Vehicle registration records show the registered owner, lienholder (if any), vehicle identification number (VIN), and registration status. You can request a registration history for a vehicle you own or have owned. The DMV does not release registration information for vehicles you do not own, even if you have a legitimate reason — you would need a court order or the owner's written consent.
Request a registration record by mail using Form REG 5 (process for Certified Copy of Registration) or by visiting a DMV office in person. Include your vehicle's license plate number or VIN, your name, and your signature. The certified copy costs $7 and takes about two weeks by mail. If you need it faster, visit a DMV office; you can usually get a copy the same day for the same fee.
You can also view your own vehicle registration online through your DMV account if you have one. This shows current registration status but not the full history. To see a complete history of registrations for a vehicle you own, request the certified copy by mail or in person.
Accident reports and how to request them
If you filed an accident report with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or a local police department, that report is kept by the agency that took it, not by the DMV. However, the DMV maintains a separate record of accidents reported to it directly. These DMV accident records are not public and are not released to third parties without a court order or your written consent.
To get a copy of an accident report you filed, contact the agency that took the report — usually the CHP for freeway accidents or your local police department for city streets. You can request it by mail, phone, or in person. Provide the date, location, and case or report number if you have it. There may be a fee (typically $10 to $25) and a wait of one to three weeks.
If you need the report for an insurance claim, contact your insurance company first; they often have a copy or can request it on your behalf. If you need it for a legal case, your attorney can request it through the court system, which may speed up the process.
Who can request your records and what they can see
Your driving record is not public. The DMV releases it only to you, your current or former insurance company, employers you authorize in writing, law enforcement, courts, and the California Department of Insurance. An employer cannot see your driving record without your written consent, and you have the right to know what they requested and when.
Vehicle registration information is also restricted. The DMV does not sell lists of registered owners to marketers or data brokers. However, some registration details are available to law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies. If someone claims to have obtained your registration information from the DMV without your consent, you can file a complaint with the California Attorney General's office.
Insurance companies and employers may request your record, but they must tell you they are doing so. If you believe someone has accessed your records without permission, contact the DMV's Privacy Office or file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Fees and processing times for different record types
| Record Type | Uncertified (if available) | Certified | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving record | Free online | $7 by mail or in person | when ready online; 2 weeks by mail; same day in person |
| Vehicle registration record | Free online (current only) | $7 by mail or in person | when ready online (current); 2 weeks by mail; same day in person |
| Accident report (DMV) | Not available | $7 by mail or in person | 2 weeks by mail; same day in person |
| Accident report (CHP/police) | Not available | $10–$25 | 1–3 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my driving record online without creating a DMV account?
No. You must create a DMV online account and log in to view your driving record through the DMV website. The account is free and takes a few minutes to set up. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
What's the difference between a certified and uncertified driving record?
A certified record has the DMV's official seal and signature and is accepted by courts, government agencies, and some employers. An uncertified record is a printout of your record without the seal. Most insurance companies and private employers accept uncertified records. Certified records cost $7; uncertified records are free online.
Can I request someone else's driving record?
No, unless you have a court order or written consent from that person. The DMV does not release driving records to third parties. If you need someone's record for a legal case, your attorney can request it through the court system.
How long does the DMV keep records after my license expires?
The DMV keeps driving records for at least three years after your license expires or is suspended. Vehicle registration records are kept for the life of the registration plus several years. If you need older records, contact the DMV directly; they may still have them.
What if I lost my accident report number?
Contact the agency that took the report (CHP or local police) with the date and location of the accident. They can search their records by those details and provide you with the report number and a copy of the report. You may need to provide your name and driver's license number.