Your driving record is a history of your traffic violations, accidents, and license status kept by your state's DMV
Your driving record is a file the DMV maintains about you as a driver. It includes traffic tickets you've received, at-fault accidents you've been in, license suspensions or revocations, and some moving violations that resulted in convictions. It does not include parking tickets, tickets you paid without a conviction, or accidents where you were not at fault.
Your record follows you across state lines for serious violations, though each state keeps its own copy. Insurance companies, employers, courts, and landlords can request your record — and often do. Checking your own record regularly helps you catch errors, understand what others see about you, and know whether old violations are still showing up.
The record you see may differ slightly from what an insurance company or employer sees, because different requesters get different versions. A potential employer might see a summary; your insurance company might see every ticket. You have the right to see the full version yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Your driving record includes traffic convictions, at-fault accidents, and license actions, but not parking tickets or accidents where you were not at fault.
- You can request your record directly from your state DMV in person, by mail, or online — the method and cost vary by state.
- Errors on your record can affect insurance rates and employment, so you should check it at least once every few years.
- Traffic violations typically stay on your record for three to seven years, though serious violations like DUI may remain longer.
- If you find an error, you can dispute it with the DMV by providing documentation of the correct information.
How to request your driving record from the DMV
The fastest way to get your record is usually online through your state DMV's website. Most states now offer an when ready or same-day digital version you can read. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes the last four digits of your Social Security number. A few states charge a small fee — typically $3 to $10 — though some offer one free copy per year.
If your state doesn't offer online access, you can request your record by mail or in person at a DMV office. By mail, send a signed request with your license number and date of birth to the address listed on your state's DMV website; processing takes one to two weeks. In person, bring your ID and the same information to any DMV location and ask for a certified copy of your driving record.
Some states also allow you to request your record by phone, though this is less common. The DMV will mail it to you within a week or two. Check your state's DMV website for the exact method available where you live — the process differs enough that calling the wrong state's DMV wastes time.
What violations and incidents show up on your record
Traffic convictions appear on your record — that is, tickets you paid or pleaded guilty to, not tickets you fought in court and won. Speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license all show up. The record includes the date of the violation, the location, the fine amount, and whether you paid it.
At-fault accidents appear on your record for insurance purposes, though the DMV's record of an accident is separate from a police report. If you were found at fault in a collision, it will show on your driving record. Accidents where you were not at fault typically do not appear, though this varies by state.
License actions also appear: suspensions, revocations, and reinstatements. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines, too many points, or a DUI conviction, that suspension date and the reason will be on your record. Administrative actions like failing to pay child support or failing a drug test also trigger suspensions that show up.
Parking tickets, warnings, and tickets you were not convicted of do not appear on your driving record. If you paid a ticket without admitting guilt — sometimes called a "civil settlement" — it may not count as a conviction and might not show up, depending on your state's rules.
How long violations stay on your driving record
Most traffic violations stay on your record for three to seven years from the date of conviction. A speeding ticket typically remains for three to five years. Reckless driving usually stays for five to seven years. The exact timeline depends on your state and the severity of the violation.
Serious violations like DUI, driving with a suspended license, or hit-and-run can remain on your record for ten years or longer. Some states keep DUI convictions permanently, though they may stop counting toward your insurance rates after seven to ten years. A few states allow you to petition for removal of old violations after a certain period, but this is not automatic.
At-fault accidents typically stay on your record for three to five years for insurance purposes, though the DMV may keep a record of them longer. After the violation or accident ages off your driving record, it should no longer affect your insurance rates or show up when an employer runs a background check.
Errors on your driving record and how to dispute them
Errors happen — a ticket might be listed under the wrong date, a violation might be attributed to you that was actually someone else's, or an accident might be marked as at-fault when it wasn't. Check your record carefully against any tickets or court documents you have. If something doesn't match, you have the right to dispute it.
To dispute an error, contact your state DMV and ask for the dispute process. You'll typically need to provide documentation showing the correct information — a court document proving you were acquitted, a police report showing you were not at fault, or a letter from the court stating the conviction was dismissed. Mail this documentation to the DMV along with a written request to correct the error, or submit it through your state's online portal if available.
The DMV will investigate your dispute, which usually takes two to four weeks. If they find the error, they'll correct your record and send you an updated copy. If they don't find an error or need more information, they'll contact you. Keep copies of everything you submit, and follow up if you don't hear back within a month.
Who can see your driving record and what they see
Your state DMV can release your driving record to anyone with a legitimate reason — insurance companies, employers, courts, and law enforcement. However, not everyone sees the same information. An insurance company typically sees violations and accidents; an employer might see only serious violations like DUI; a court sees everything.
You can always see your own complete record. Your spouse or when ready family cannot see it without your permission unless they have a court order. If you're concerned about who has requested your record, some states allow you to place a privacy restriction on it, though this may limit your ability to share it when you need to — for example, when buying insurance.
Insurance companies use your driving record to set rates. A single speeding ticket might raise your premium slightly; a DUI conviction can double or triple it. Employers in certain fields — commercial driving, transportation, security — routinely check driving records. A poor record can cost you a job or a promotion in these fields.
Scam alerts and safety information
Do not pay anyone to get your driving record for you. The DMV provides it directly at a low cost or free, and there is no reason to use a third-party service. Websites that claim to "unlock" your record or charge high fees are taking advantage of confusion about the process.
Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the DMV asking you to verify your information or click a link. The DMV does not contact you by email or text to request personal information. If you receive such a message, do not click the link or provide any information. Go directly to your state's official DMV website instead.
If you discover that someone else's violations are on your record — a case of identity theft or data entry error — contact the DMV when ready and file a dispute. Ask the DMV to place a fraud alert on your record. You may also want to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a copy of my driving record?
Most states charge $3 to $10 for a certified copy of your driving record. Some states offer one free copy per year or per license renewal. A few states provide it free to anyone. Check your state DMV's website for the exact fee and whether you may have access to for a free copy.
Can I remove a traffic ticket from my record?
Not directly — once you're convicted, the violation stays on your record for the time period set by your state. However, if the ticket was issued in error or the conviction was later dismissed or overturned, you can dispute it and have it removed. Some states also allow you to petition for removal after a certain number of years have passed, but this is not automatic.
Will a ticket I paid without going to court show up on my record?
It depends on your state and how you paid it. If you paid a fine and admitted guilt, it counts as a conviction and will show up. If you paid a civil settlement without admitting guilt, it may not appear as a conviction. Check your state's rules or ask the court that issued the ticket.
How long does it take to get my driving record?
Online requests usually give you a copy when ready or within a few hours. By mail, expect one to two weeks. In person at a DMV office, you can usually get a copy the same day, though wait times vary. Check your state's website for the specific timeframe.
Does my driving record affect my insurance rates?
Yes. Insurance companies use your driving record to calculate your premium. Violations and at-fault accidents typically increase your rates for three to five years. A DUI or serious violation can affect your rates for seven to ten years or longer. Shop around after a violation, as different insurers weight your record differently.