What a California driving record shows and where to request it

Your California driving record is a document maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles that lists your driving history for the past three to five years. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, and points assigned to your license. The record does not include arrests or criminal charges — only incidents the DMV has a record of.

You can request your driving record in person at a DMV office, by mail, online through the DMV website, or by phone. The fastest method is online if you have a valid California driver's license number and date of birth. Mail requests take one to two weeks. In-person requests are processed when ready.

There are two versions of your record: the one you see (your own record) and the one insurers and employers see (the official record). Your personal copy shows everything. The version sent to third parties may exclude certain minor violations or show different point values depending on who is requesting it.

Key Takeaways

  • California driving records show traffic violations, accidents, and license actions from the past three to five years, but not arrests or criminal charges.
  • You can order your record online through the DMV website, by mail, in person, or by phone, with online being the fastest option.
  • The record you receive for yourself shows all violations; the version sent to insurers or employers may differ in what it includes.
  • Requesting your own record costs between $2 and $7 depending on the method, and you do not need a reason to order it.

How to request your record online

Go to the California DMV website and select "Order Your Driving Record" under the Records section. You will need your California driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you a preview of your record before you pay.

Online orders cost $2 for a copy sent to you by email (usually within one business day) or $7 for a certified copy mailed to your address (three to five business days). You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The DMV will send the record to the email address or mailing address you provide during checkout.

If the online system cannot verify your identity, you will see a message telling you to use another method. This sometimes happens if your address on file does not match your current address or if there is a discrepancy in your personal information. In that case, request by mail or visit a DMV office in person.

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 1070 (Request for Driving Record). You can read both from the DMV website. Include a check or money order for $7 (certified copy) or $2 (uncertified copy), made payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Mail the form and payment to the DMV address listed on the form.

Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the record returned by mail. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives your request. If you need the record faster, visit a DMV office in person with your driver's license and payment. Staff will print your record on the spot, usually within 15 minutes.

Some DMV offices allow you to order online and pick up in person within 24 hours. Check your local office's website to see if this option is available. You will still pay the online fee ($2 or $7) and may need to provide a reference number when you arrive.

Requesting your record by phone

Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to request your record by phone. Have your driver's license number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card ready. The DMV will verify your identity and take your payment information over the phone. A certified copy will be mailed to the address on file with your license.

Phone requests cost $7 for a certified copy. Processing takes three to five business days. This method is slower than online ordering but does not require you to use a computer or visit an office. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Understanding what appears on your record

Your driving record lists every traffic violation the DMV has recorded, including speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and driving under the influence. Each violation shows the date, the code section violated, and the number of points assigned. Most moving violations are worth one point; serious violations like DUI are worth two points.

Accidents appear on your record if you reported them to the DMV or if the other driver reported them. At-fault accidents stay on your record for three years. Not-at-fault accidents may not appear at all, depending on how the claim was resolved. License suspensions, revocations, and restrictions also appear, showing the reason and the dates they were in effect.

Violations drop off your record after three to five years, depending on the type. Most moving violations disappear after three years. DUI convictions stay for ten years. Once a violation is no longer on your record, it will not appear on future copies you request. However, insurers and employers may have their own records of past violations even after they fall off the DMV record.

What to do if your record contains errors

If your driving record shows a violation you did not commit, a conviction that was dismissed, or an accident you were not involved in, you can request a correction. Contact the DMV office that issued the record or the office in the county where the violation occurred. Bring documentation proving the error — a court document showing a dismissal, a police report, or a letter from the other driver's insurance company.

The DMV will investigate your request and may contact the court or law enforcement agency that reported the violation. This process can take several weeks. Once the DMV confirms the error, it will issue a corrected record. Ask for a certified copy so you have proof of the correction if you need to show it to an insurer or employer.

If the DMV denies your correction request, you can file a complaint with the DMV's Consumer Services Bureau or request a hearing. The hearing process is formal and may require you to present evidence in person or by mail. Contact your local DMV office for information about filing a hearing request.

Using your record for insurance, employment, or court

Insurance companies request your driving record to set your rates and determine whether to renew your policy. They see a version that may exclude certain minor violations or show different point values than your personal record. A single violation can raise your rates by 10 to 40 percent depending on the type and your insurer's policies.

Employers in certain fields — commercial driving, transportation, security, and positions involving access to sensitive information — may request your record as part of a background check. They see a version similar to what insurers see. Some employers will not hire you if your record shows a DUI, reckless driving, or multiple violations within a set time period.

If you are contesting a traffic ticket in court, you can request your record to verify what the court has on file. Bring a certified copy to your hearing. If the record shows the violation was dismissed or the case was closed, you can use that as evidence. If the record shows the violation is still active and you believe it should have been dismissed, bring documentation from the court showing the dismissal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a violation stay on my California driving record?

Most moving violations stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. DUI convictions remain for ten years. Once the time period passes, the violation will not appear on future copies of your record, though insurers may still have their own records of it.

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

You can still request a record, but you will need to use mail or phone instead of the online system. Call 1-800-777-0133 or mail form INF 1070 to the DMV. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and driver's license number or identification number from another state.

What is the difference between a certified and uncertified copy?

A certified copy has the DMV's official seal and signature, making it acceptable as legal proof of your record for court, employment, or insurance purposes. An uncertified copy is for your personal reference only. Most employers and courts require a certified copy.

Will a dismissed traffic ticket still appear on my record?

Dismissed tickets should not appear on your DMV record, but sometimes they do due to a delay in the court's report reaching the DMV. If you see a dismissed ticket on your record, contact the DMV with a copy of the court's dismissal order and request a correction.

How much does it cost to get my driving record?

An uncertified copy costs $2 if ordered online by email. A certified copy costs $7 whether ordered online, by mail, or by phone. In-person requests at a DMV office cost $7 for a certified copy and $2 for an uncertified copy.