What a California driving record contains and where to request it

Your California driving record is a document kept by the Department of Motor Vehicles that shows your driving history for the past three to seven years. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, and points assigned to your license. The record does not include parking tickets, citations dismissed in traffic court, or accidents where you were not cited.

You can request your record in person at any DMV office, by mail, online through the DMV website, or by phone. The fastest method is online if you have your driver's license number and date of birth. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person, you receive it the same day.

California offers two versions of your record: the official driving record (used for insurance, court cases, or employment) and the personal record (for your own information). Insurance companies and employers typically request the official version. You can order either one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your California driving record shows violations, accidents, and license actions from the past three to seven years, but not parking tickets or dismissed citations.
  • You can order your record online, by mail, in person, or by phone, with online being the fastest option.
  • An official record costs money and is certified for use with insurance, courts, or employers; a personal record costs less and is for your own reference.
  • The DMV mails records within one to two weeks; in-person pickup takes the same day.
  • You can request someone else's record only if you have their written permission or a court order.

How to order your record online

The DMV's online system is the quickest way to get your record. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Order Your Driving Record," and choose whether you want an official or personal copy. You will need your California driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

You can pay by credit card or debit card. The official record costs $7 and the personal record costs $2. Once you complete payment, you can print your record when ready or have it mailed to you. If you print it right away, you have a certified copy you can use for insurance claims or employment verification.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to order online, the DMV also offers phone ordering at 1-888-215-4374. You will need the same information and can pay by credit or debit card. The record will be mailed to you.

Ordering by mail or in person

To order by mail, fill out Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) or Form INF 1125 (Request for Driving Record). You can read both forms from dmv.ca.gov. Include a check or money order for $7 (official record) or $2 (personal record), made payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Mail your request to the DMV address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks. If you need your record faster, go to any DMV office in person with your driver's license and payment. You will receive your record the same day. No appointment is needed, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

What violations and actions appear on your record

Your driving record shows traffic violations you were cited for, including speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and driving under the influence. It also shows at-fault accidents you reported to the DMV, license suspensions or revocations, and points assigned to your license. Points stay on your record for three years from the violation date.

Violations dismissed in traffic court, parking tickets, and accidents where you were not cited do not appear. If you were found not guilty or the case was dismissed, you can request that the DMV remove the violation from your record, but you must provide proof of the court's decision.

A single violation typically adds one point to your license. Serious violations like DUI add two points. If you accumulate four points in 12 months, six points in 24 months, or eight points in 36 months, the DMV may suspend your license.

Requesting someone else's record

You cannot order another person's driving record without their permission. If you need someone else's record, that person must request it themselves or provide you with written authorization. Written permission must include their name, driver's license number, date of birth, and signature.

Employers, insurance companies, and courts can request records directly from the DMV if they have a legitimate reason. If you are involved in an accident and need the other driver's record for an insurance claim, your insurance company can request it on your behalf.

Correcting errors on your record

If your record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, an accident you did not report, or a suspension that was lifted — you can request a correction. Contact the DMV office that issued the record or the office that handled the violation. Bring documentation that supports your claim, such as a court dismissal letter, proof of payment, or a letter from the court.

The DMV will investigate your request and respond within 30 days. If the error is confirmed, the DMV will issue a corrected record. Keep a copy of the corrected record for your files, especially if you use it for insurance or employment purposes.

Using your record for insurance and employment

Insurance companies request your official driving record to set your rates and determine whether to cover you. A record with violations or at-fault accidents typically results in higher premiums. Some insurers will not cover drivers with certain violations like DUI or multiple speeding tickets within a set time period.

Employers in certain fields — commercial driving, rideshare, delivery, or positions requiring a clean background — will request your official record as part of the hiring process. You should order your own record before explore for these jobs so you know what employers will see. If your record contains errors, correct them before submitting it to a potential employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do violations stay on my California driving record?

Most violations stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. However, DUI convictions remain for 10 years. Accidents stay on your record for three to seven years depending on whether you were at fault and whether anyone was injured.

Can I remove a violation from my record if I completed traffic school?

Completing traffic school does not remove a violation from your DMV record, but it may prevent the violation from being reported to your insurance company. You must be under 18 or have been cited for a non-commercial vehicle violation to be may be able to access for traffic school. Ask the court or the officer who cited you whether you can attend.

What is the difference between points and violations on my record?

A violation is the traffic citation itself. Points are a separate system the DMV uses to track your driving safety. One violation typically equals one point, but serious violations like DUI equal two points. Points affect your license status; violations appear on your record for insurance and employment purposes.

How do I know if my license is suspended or revoked?

You can check your license status on dmv.ca.gov or by calling the DMV at 1-888-215-4374. Your official driving record will also show any suspensions or revocations. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive legally until the suspension is lifted and you pay any required fees.

Can I order my record if I do not have a California driver's license?

You can order a record for a California license you previously held or a license you are explore for. You will need your driver's license number or identification number. If you do not have this information, contact the DMV office in the county where you lived when you held the license.