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 convictions. The record does not include parking tickets, traffic school completion, or arrests that did not result in a conviction.
You can request your record in person at any DMV office, by mail, online through the DMV website, or through a third-party vendor. The fastest method is online if you have a valid California driver's license or ID card — you can view and print your record when ready. By mail, the DMV typically processes requests within two to three weeks.
There are two versions of your record: the one you see (which shows everything) and the one employers, insurance companies, and courts see (which may exclude certain violations depending on the requester's purpose). When you request your own record, you receive the complete version.
Key Takeaways
- California keeps three years of minor violations and seven years of major violations like DUIs on your driving record.
- You can view your record online when ready through the DMV website if you have a valid California license or ID.
- Requesting by mail costs less but takes two to three weeks; in-person requests are processed the same day at most DMV offices.
- Your record shows traffic violations and accidents but not parking tickets or traffic school completion.
- Insurance companies and employers see a filtered version of your record, not the complete one you receive.
How to request your record online
The DMV's online system is the fastest way to get your record. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Driving Records," and choose "Order a Driving Record." You will need your California driver's license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and display your record on screen within seconds.
You can print the record directly or save it as a PDF. There is no fee for viewing your own record online. If you need an official certified copy with the DMV seal, you can order it through the same system for a fee (currently $5 for one copy, though this may change). The certified copy arrives by mail in about one week.
If you do not have a California license or ID, or if you cannot verify your identity online, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Requesting your record by mail or in person
To request 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 these forms from dmv.ca.gov or pick them up at any DMV office. Include a check or money order for the current fee, your signature, and any identifying information the form requests. Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form — typically your local DMV office or the Records Bureau in Sacramento.
In-person requests are processed at any DMV office. Bring a valid ID, fill out the same form, pay the fee in cash or card, and you will receive your record the same day. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or outside peak hours (typically mid-morning or early afternoon) usually means shorter lines.
The current fee for a certified driving record is $5 for one copy and $2 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Fees may vary, so check dmv.ca.gov before you go or mail your request.
What violations stay on your record and for how long
California keeps most traffic violations on your record for three years from the date of conviction. This includes speeding, running a red light, unsafe lane changes, and other moving violations. After three years, the violation no longer appears on your record, though it may still be visible to insurance companies or courts for a longer period depending on their own policies.
More serious violations remain longer. DUI (driving under the influence) convictions stay on your record for ten years. Reckless driving, hit-and-run, and driving with a suspended or revoked license also remain for seven to ten years depending on the specific offense. Accidents you reported stay on your record for three years from the date of the accident.
Violations dismissed or reduced through traffic school do not disappear from your record, but they may be marked differently and do not count toward a license suspension. Your record will show that you completed traffic school, which can matter to insurance companies.
How your record affects insurance and employment
Insurance companies request a version of your driving record that shows violations and accidents. They use this to set your premium or decide whether to insure you at all. A single violation can raise your rate by 10 to 40 percent depending on the company and the violation type; a DUI can double or triple your rate. Violations drop off your insurance record after three to five years, though the insurer may still see them on the official DMV record.
Employers who hire drivers — for delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking, or other roles — request your record as part of a background check. They see violations, suspensions, and accidents. A DUI, reckless driving conviction, or multiple violations in a short time can disqualify you from driving jobs. Non-driving employers rarely request your full record, though some may ask about license status.
You have the right to know what information an employer or insurer has about you. If you believe your record contains errors, you can dispute them with the DMV by submitting a correction request with supporting documents (court records, photos, or other evidence).
Correcting errors on your driving record
If your record shows a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, or an accident you did not report, you can file a correction request. Contact the DMV Records Bureau by phone at 916-657-6525 or visit dmv.ca.gov to find the mailing address for record corrections. You will need to provide your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and a detailed explanation of the error.
Include supporting documents: a copy of the court disposition showing the violation was dismissed, a letter from the court, photos, or other evidence that proves the error. The DMV will investigate and respond within 30 to 60 days. If the error is confirmed, your record will be corrected at no charge.
If the DMV denies your correction request, you can appeal through the DMV's administrative review process or file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Third-party vendors and specialty records
Several companies offer to retrieve your driving record for you, including LexisNexis, Experian, and others. These vendors charge a fee (usually $10 to $25) and take several business days to deliver the record. They are useful if you need the record sent to a specific address or if you cannot access the DMV website, but they are slower and more expensive than requesting directly from the DMV.
Some employers and courts request records through these vendors as part of their standard process. If you are explore for a job or involved in a legal matter, ask whether you should order the record yourself or whether the employer or court will request it on your behalf.
The DMV also issues abstract of driving record — a shorter version that shows only convictions and suspensions, used mainly by courts and law enforcement. You cannot order this version yourself; only courts and law enforcement can request it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my record if I request it by mail?
The DMV typically processes mail requests within two to three weeks. Processing time can be longer during peak periods or if your request is incomplete. If you need the record urgently, request it in person at a DMV office for same-day service, or order a certified copy online if you have a California license.
Will traffic school remove a violation from my record?
No. Traffic school completion does not remove the violation from your record, but it prevents the violation from counting toward a license suspension and may reduce your insurance rate. Your record will show both the violation and that you completed traffic school.
Can I see what record an insurance company or employer sees about me?
Yes. Under California law, you have the right to request a copy of any consumer report an employer or insurer has obtained about you. Contact the company directly and ask for a copy of your driving record or background report. They must provide it within a reasonable time.
What if my record shows an accident I did not report to the DMV?
An accident appears on your record only if you reported it to the DMV or if law enforcement filed a report. If an accident you did not cause or report appears on your record, file a correction request with the DMV Records Bureau and include a police report or other evidence that you were not involved or that the report was filed in error.
How far back does a California driving record go?
California keeps three years of minor violations and seven to ten years of major violations like DUI. Accidents stay for three years. After the retention period ends, the violation no longer appears on your official DMV record, though insurance companies and courts may retain their own records longer.