DMV Form 227 is a request to correct or amend your driving record
Form 227, officially called the "process to Correct or Amend Driving Record," is the document you file with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles when information on your record is wrong. This includes errors in your name, address, date of birth, license number, or details about violations, accidents, or suspensions that should not be there.
You do not file this form to dispute a ticket or conviction in court — that is a separate legal process. Form 227 is specifically for factual errors: a ticket recorded under the wrong date, a violation attributed to you that was actually someone else's, or a suspension that was already lifted but still shows as active.
The form itself is usually short — typically one or two pages — and asks you to describe what is wrong and provide evidence of the correction. The DMV then investigates and either corrects the record or denies the request with an explanation.
Key Takeaways
- Form 227 corrects factual errors on your driving record, not legal disputes over tickets or convictions.
- You will need to describe the error clearly and attach documents that prove what the correct information should be.
- Processing time varies by state but typically takes four to eight weeks after the DMV receives your completed form.
- If the DMV denies your request, you can usually request a hearing or appeal through your state's administrative process.
What errors Form 227 can fix
Form 227 is meant for clerical and administrative mistakes — things that are factually wrong but not the result of a legal judgment. Common examples include a misspelled name, an incorrect date of birth, a wrong address, or a violation recorded on your record that belongs to someone else entirely.
The form can also correct records that show a suspension or revocation that has already ended. If your license was suspended for 90 days and that period has passed, but the DMV system still shows it as active, Form 227 is the right tool to clear it.
Form 227 cannot be used to challenge the validity of a ticket, conviction, or suspension itself. If you believe a ticket was issued in error or a conviction was wrongful, you must go through the court system — usually by filing a motion to vacate or requesting a hearing with the judge who handled the case. Once a court changes that decision, you can then use Form 227 to update your DMV record to reflect it.
How to fill out and submit Form 227
Start by obtaining the form from your state DMV website or by visiting a DMV office in person. Some states allow you to request it by mail. The form will ask for your name, license number, date of birth, and current address.
In the section describing the error, be specific. Do not write "my record is wrong." Instead, write something like: "My record shows a speeding violation on March 15, 2022, in County Court, but I was not the driver. The ticket was issued to John Smith, license number [number]." The more detail you provide, the easier it is for the DMV to investigate.
Attach copies of documents that support your claim. These might include a corrected court order, a letter from the court stating the violation was dismissed, a police report showing the ticket was issued to someone else, or a certified copy of your birth certificate if the error is your date of birth. Do not send originals — always send copies.
Submit the form by mail to the address listed on the form itself, or check whether your state allows online submission through the DMV portal. Keep a copy for your records and consider sending it by certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
Processing time and what to expect
After you submit Form 227, the DMV will send you a confirmation that they received it. This confirmation usually arrives within one to two weeks and includes a case number or reference number. Write this number down — you will need it if you need to follow up.
The actual investigation and correction process typically takes four to eight weeks, though this varies significantly by state and by how busy the DMV is. Some states are faster; others may take three months or longer. During this time, the DMV will review your documents and may contact the court or law enforcement agency involved to verify the information.
Once the DMV makes a decision, they will send you a letter. If they approve the correction, they will explain what was changed and when the change will appear on your record. If they deny the request, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal or request a hearing.
What to do if the DMV denies your request
If the DMV says no, you have options. Most states allow you to request an administrative hearing, where you can present your evidence to a hearing officer who is not part of the original decision. This hearing is usually free or costs a small fee, and you can represent yourself — you do not need a lawyer, though you can bring one if you choose.
To request a hearing, follow the instructions in the denial letter. You will typically have 30 to 60 days to file, depending on your state. Submit any additional documents you have that support your case, and be prepared to explain why you believe the record is wrong.
If you still disagree after the hearing, some states allow further appeal to a court, but this is rare for straightforward record corrections. If the error involves a suspension or revocation that is affecting your ability to drive, it is worth consulting with a lawyer who handles DMV matters in your state, as the stakes are higher.
Errors that require a different form or process
If you need to change your address on your license, use your state's address change form — usually not Form 227. If you need to correct your name because of marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you will typically need to provide a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate and may use a different form or process.
If you are trying to restore a suspended or revoked license, check whether you need to pay a reinstatement fee or complete a separate reinstatement process before using Form 227. Some suspensions require you to complete a course, pay a fine, or wait out a period before the DMV will lift them, and Form 227 cannot bypass those requirements.
If the error involves a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a medical certification issue, your state may have a separate form or process. Check your state DMV website for CDL-specific instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Form 227 to remove a ticket or violation from my record?
No. Form 227 corrects factual errors only. To remove a ticket or violation, you must first challenge it in court and have the court dismiss it or vacate the conviction. Once the court changes the decision, you can then use Form 227 to update your DMV record to reflect that change.
How much does it cost to file Form 227?
Most states do not charge a fee to file Form 227, but a few do — typically between $5 and $20. Check your state DMV website or call your local DMV office to confirm whether there is a fee and whether you can pay by mail or must pay in person.
What if I do not have the exact court case number or date?
Provide as much information as you can — the approximate date, the county, the type of violation, and any other details you remember. The DMV can often search their records and the court records using this information. If you are stuck, call the DMV and ask whether they can help you locate the case number before you submit the form.
Will correcting my record affect my insurance rates?
If the error was a violation or accident that should not have been on your record, removing it may lower your rates over time. Contact your insurance company after the DMV confirms the correction and ask them to review your record. Some companies update automatically; others require you to request a review.
How long does a correction stay on my record once it is made?
Once corrected, the record is corrected permanently. However, if the original error was a violation or accident, it may still appear on your driving history for a set period (usually three to five years) before it ages off naturally. The correction itself does not expire.