A pull notice is a record the California DMV creates when someone requests your driving history
A pull notice is a document the California DMV generates whenever a third party — an employer, insurance company, court, or other authorized body — requests your driving record. The DMV sends you a copy to let you know who looked at your record and when. It is not a ticket, a violation, or a penalty. It is straightforward a notification that your record was accessed.
California law requires the DMV to notify you within a certain timeframe after your record is pulled. This protects you by making sure you know who has seen information about your driving history. If you see a pull notice from someone you did not authorize, that is a warning sign that you should investigate further.
Key Takeaways
- A pull notice tells you that someone requested your California driving record from the DMV, and it includes the name of the person or organization that made the request.
- Employers, insurance companies, courts, and government agencies can request your record, but only if they have a legal reason to do so.
- You should receive a pull notice in the mail within a few weeks of the request, though timing varies depending on the DMV's processing speed.
- If you do not recognize the person or organization listed on a pull notice, contact the DMV and the requesting party to find out why your record was accessed.
Who can request your driving record and why
California law allows certain organizations to request your driving record without your permission. These include your current or prospective employer (especially if the job involves driving), your insurance company (to set rates or investigate a claim), a court or law enforcement agency (as part of a legal proceeding), and the Department of Child Support Services (if you owe child support). Some employers in transportation, rideshare, or delivery also pull records as part of hiring or ongoing employment checks.
Not every request requires your consent, but every request must have a legitimate business or legal purpose. If someone pulls your record without authorization, that is a violation of California law. The DMV is required to track these requests and notify you, which is why you receive a pull notice.
What information appears on a pull notice
A pull notice includes the date your record was requested, the name of the person or organization that requested it, and the reason code for the request. The reason code tells you the category of the request — for example, whether it was for employment, insurance, or a court order. You will also see your name, driver's license number, and the date range of driving history that was accessed.
The pull notice does not show you the actual contents of your driving record — only that it was viewed. If you want to see what information was released, you can request a copy of your own driving record from the DMV. This is different from a pull notice and shows you exactly what data was shared.
How long it takes to receive a pull notice
The DMV typically mails pull notices within two to four weeks of the request, though this can vary depending on how busy the DMV is and whether the request was processed electronically or by mail. Some requests are processed faster than others. If you are expecting a pull notice and have not received one after a month, contact the DMV to confirm the request was made.
Keep in mind that not all record requests generate a pull notice. Some authorized users, such as law enforcement agencies, may have different notification procedures. If you believe your record was accessed and you did not receive notice, you can contact the DMV directly to ask about recent requests on your file.
What to do if you do not recognize the requesting party
If a pull notice shows a request from someone or an organization you do not recognize, do not ignore it. Start by contacting the organization listed on the notice and asking why they requested your record. Sometimes requests come from third-party vendors acting on behalf of a company — for example, a background check firm hired by an employer. The organization should be able to explain the reason.
If the organization cannot explain the request or denies making it, contact the California DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or through their website to report the unauthorized access. You can also file a complaint with the California Attorney General's office if you believe your privacy has been violated. Keep the pull notice as evidence of the unauthorized request.
Scam alert: Fake pull notices and phishing
Scammers sometimes send fake pull notices by email or text message to trick you into clicking a link or providing personal information. A real pull notice comes in the mail from the California DMV, not by email or text. If you receive an electronic message claiming to be a pull notice, do not click any links or read any attachments.
The DMV will never ask you to verify your identity, provide your Social Security number, or pay a fee in response to a pull notice. If you receive a message asking for this information, it is a scam. Delete it and report it to the DMV. You can also report phishing attempts to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
How to request your own driving record
If you want to see your complete driving record — not just who has pulled it — you can request it directly from the California DMV. You can do this online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. There is a fee for this service, which varies depending on the type of record you request. You will receive your record within one to two weeks if you request it by mail, or when ready if you request it online.
Reviewing your own record regularly is a good practice. It helps you catch errors, spot unauthorized access, and stay aware of what employers and insurance companies are seeing about your driving history. If you find errors on your record, you can file a correction request with the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a pull notice mean I am in trouble?
No. A pull notice straightforward means someone looked at your driving record. It does not indicate a problem or violation. However, you should know who is accessing your information and why. If the request is from an employer or insurance company, it is routine. If it is from someone you do not recognize, investigate.
Can I stop someone from pulling my driving record?
You cannot stop authorized organizations like employers or insurance companies from accessing your record if they have a legal reason to do so. However, you can ask them why they are pulling it and what they plan to do with the information. If someone pulls your record without authorization, you can report it to the DMV and the California Attorney General.
How long does the DMV keep pull notice records?
The DMV maintains records of pull requests for a set period, though the exact retention time varies. You can contact the DMV to ask about the history of requests on your file. If you need documentation of a pull notice for legal reasons, keep the original notice you received in the mail.
What if my pull notice shows a request from a company I applied to but never heard back from?
This is common. Many employers pull records for all candidates they interview, even those they do not hire. The pull notice straightforward confirms they accessed your record as part of their hiring process. If you have questions about why they pulled it, you can contact the company's human resources department.
Is there a fee to receive a pull notice?
No. The DMV sends pull notices to you at no charge. The organization that requested your record may pay a fee to the DMV for accessing it, but you do not. If anyone claims you owe money for a pull notice, that is a scam.