What a Virginia driving record contains and who can see it

Your Virginia driving record is a document kept by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that lists your driving history in the state. It shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and convictions for moving violations. The record does not include parking tickets, civil infractions, or accidents where no violation occurred.

Virginia uses a point system: minor violations add points to your record, and accumulating too many points in a set time period can result in a license suspension. A reckless driving conviction, for example, adds six points. A speeding ticket adds three to six points depending on how far over the limit you were driving.

Your record is not private. Insurance companies, employers, courts, and law enforcement can request it. You can also request your own record at any time. Some information on your record is public; some is restricted to specific purposes like insurance or employment screening.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's DMV keeps records of traffic violations, accidents, license actions, and points on your driving record for at least three to five years depending on the violation type.
  • You can order your own driving record online through the Virginia DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office for a small fee.
  • Points stay on your record and affect your insurance rates and license status; Virginia suspends licenses when drivers accumulate 18 or more points in 12 months, 24 points in 24 months, or 36 points in 36 months.
  • Traffic violations in Virginia remain on your record for three years from the conviction date, though some serious violations like reckless driving stay longer.
  • You can dispute inaccurate information on your record by contacting the Virginia DMV with documentation of the error.

How to order your Virginia driving record online

The fastest way to get your record is through the Virginia DMV website. Go to dmvnow.com, select "Order Driving Records," and choose whether you want a three-year record or a complete record. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity.

You can pay by credit card or debit card. The fee for a three-year record is typically lower than for a complete record. Once you complete the transaction, you can print your record when ready or have it mailed to you. If you print it right away, you have an official copy you can use for insurance or employment purposes.

The online system is available 24 hours a day. Processing is when ready for when ready printing, or mailed records arrive within five to seven business days.

Ordering by mail or in person

If you do not have internet access or prefer a physical copy, you can request your record by mail. read the form from the Virginia DMV website or call 804-367-0538 to request one be sent to you. Fill out the form with your driver's license number, date of birth, and the type of record you want. Include a check or money order for the fee and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes 10 to 15 business days from the date the DMV receives your request. Mail your request to the Virginia DMV, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269.

You can also visit a DMV office in person. Bring your driver's license and request a copy of your record. You will pay the fee and receive a printed copy on the spot or within a few days depending on the office's workload. Find your nearest office on dmvnow.com.

Understanding points and suspension thresholds

Virginia assigns points to moving violations. A single speeding ticket can add three to six points depending on how much over the speed limit you were going. Reckless driving adds six points. Improper passing adds four points. Failure to obey a traffic signal adds three points.

The DMV tracks points over rolling 12-month, 24-month, and 36-month periods. If you reach 18 points in 12 months, 24 points in 24 months, or 36 points in 36 months, your license is suspended. Once suspended, you must complete a driver improvement clinic and pay a reinstatement fee before you can drive again.

Points do not disappear from your record after a set time, but they stop counting toward suspension once they are more than three years old. Insurance companies, however, may look at your full driving history.

How long violations stay on your record

Most traffic violations in Virginia remain on your driving record for three years from the date of conviction. This includes speeding tickets, failure to obey traffic signals, and improper lane changes. After three years, the violation no longer counts toward license suspension, but it may still appear on your record if someone requests it.

Serious violations like reckless driving, driving under the influence (DUI), and hit-and-run stay on your record for longer — typically five to 11 years depending on the offense. A DUI conviction remains on your record for 11 years. A reckless driving conviction stays for five years.

Accidents you reported to the DMV appear on your record for three to five years. At-fault accidents stay longer than not-at-fault accidents.

Correcting errors on your driving record

If your record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, or a conviction that was dismissed — you can request a correction. Contact the Virginia DMV in writing with documentation of the error. Include a copy of court records, a dismissal letter, or other proof that the information is wrong.

Send your request to the Virginia DMV, Records Section, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269, or email it if the DMV provides an email address on their website. Include your driver's license number, date of birth, and a clear explanation of what is incorrect.

The DMV will investigate your claim. If they confirm the error, they will update your record and send you a corrected copy. This process can take several weeks. If you disagree with the DMV's decision, you have the right to request a hearing.

Using your record for insurance or employment

Insurance companies and employers often request your driving record as part of underwriting or background screening. When you order your record for these purposes, make sure you are getting the version that shows what they need to see. Some employers want a complete record; some want only the past three years.

Your record is used to set insurance rates. Violations and accidents increase your premiums. A clean record with no violations in the past three years usually qualifies you for better rates. If you have violations on your record, some insurance companies offer defensive driving discounts if you complete an approved course.

For employment, certain violations may disqualify you from jobs that require driving, such as commercial driving positions or roles with a company vehicle. A DUI conviction, for example, is often a barrier to employment in these fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a copy of my Virginia driving record?

The fee varies depending on whether you want a three-year record or a complete record, and whether you order online, by mail, or in person. Online orders are usually the cheapest option. Contact the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 or check dmvnow.com for current fees.

Can I remove violations from my driving record?

No, you cannot remove violations from your record. However, violations stop counting toward license suspension after three years. If a violation was dismissed in court, you can request the DMV correct your record to show the dismissal. Some serious convictions may be may be able to access for expungement under Virginia law, but this is a separate legal process handled by the courts, not the DMV.

Will a violation from another state show up on my Virginia record?

No. Your Virginia driving record shows only violations that occurred in Virginia or were reported to Virginia by another state's DMV. However, insurance companies and employers may request your driving history from all states where you have held a license.

How do I check my points balance?

Your points are listed on your driving record. When you order a copy, it will show the points currently on your record and how many more points you can accumulate before suspension. You can also call the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 to ask about your points balance.

What happens if I get a violation while my license is suspended?

Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Virginia. You will face additional charges, fines, and possible jail time. Your suspension period may be extended, and reinstatement will become more difficult.