What a Florida driving record contains and who can see it

Your Florida driving record is a document kept by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) that shows your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, crashes you were involved in, license suspensions or revocations, points accumulated, and any administrative actions taken against your license. The record covers violations and incidents from the past three to five years, though some serious violations stay longer.

Not everyone can see your full record. Your complete driving history is available to you, law enforcement, insurance companies, employers who have your permission, and courts. A limited version — called an abstract — is available to the general public and shows only violations and crashes, without personal details like your address or Social Security number. Insurance companies and employers typically request the full record with your consent.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order your Florida driving record online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office.
  • An official record costs between $2 and $5 depending on how you order it, and processing takes one to five business days by mail.
  • Traffic violations add points to your record; accumulating 12 points in 12 months triggers a suspension.
  • You can dispute errors on your record by contacting the DHSMV with documentation of the correction.

How to order your record online

The fastest way to get your Florida driving record is through the DHSMV website. Go to the official DHSMV portal and select the option to order your driving record. You will need your Florida driver license number or your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The fee is $2 for an electronic copy delivered to your email.

After you submit your order and payment, the record typically arrives in your email within one to two business days. This electronic version is official and can be printed and used for employment background checks, insurance inquiries, or personal records. Keep in mind that some employers or agencies may require a certified paper copy instead of a digital one — if that is the case, you will need to order through the mail or in person.

Ordering by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. Send a written request to the DHSMV Records Bureau with your full name, date of birth, driver license number, and the reason you need the record. Include a check or money order for $5 (the mail-order fee) and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail your request to the address listed on the DHSMV website under "Records Requests."

Processing by mail takes five to seven business days after the DHSMV receives your request, plus mailing time in both directions. If you need the record urgently, visit a driver license office in person. Bring your valid ID and payment ($5 for a certified paper copy). Many offices can print your record on the spot, though some may require you to wait a few hours or return the next day. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office offers same-day printing.

Understanding points and violations on your record

Florida uses a points system to track driving violations. Each type of violation carries a set number of points — for example, speeding 15 miles per hour over the limit is 4 points, while reckless driving is 4 points. If you accumulate 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. A second suspension within five years lasts 60 days, and a third suspension lasts 12 months.

Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. Some violations, like driving under the influence (DUI), remain on your record for longer and cannot be removed by straightforward waiting. You can reduce points by completing a defensive driving course, which removes up to 4 points from your record. You are allowed to take this course once every 12 months.

Correcting errors on your driving record

If your record contains an error — such as a violation you did not commit, a crash you were not involved in, or incorrect personal information — you can request a correction. Contact the DHSMV Records Bureau in writing with your name, driver license number, and a detailed explanation of the error. Include copies of any supporting documents, such as a court dismissal, a police report showing you were not at fault, or proof that the violation was dismissed.

The DHSMV will investigate your claim and respond within 30 days. If the error is confirmed, they will issue a corrected record. Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation you send. If the DHSMV denies your correction request, you have the right to request an administrative hearing to challenge the decision.

What happens if your record shows a suspension or revocation

A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid and you cannot legally drive. Suspensions are usually triggered by accumulating too many points, failing to pay traffic fines, or missing a court date. A revocation is more serious — it means your license has been permanently cancelled and you must reapply for a new one after a waiting period.

Your driving record will show the reason for the suspension or revocation, the date it took effect, and the date it will be lifted (if applicable). If you are suspended, you must wait out the suspension period and then visit a driver license office to reinstate your license. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance. If your license was revoked, the waiting period is longer, and you will need to pass the written and driving tests again before you can get a new license.

Using your record for insurance and employment

Insurance companies request your driving record to calculate your premium and determine whether to cover you. A record with recent violations or crashes typically results in higher rates or denial of coverage. Some insurers focus only on violations from the past three years, while others look further back. If you are shopping for insurance, ask each company what they consider when reviewing your record.

Employers also request driving records for positions that involve driving — delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking, or jobs requiring a commercial driver license. They use the record to assess your safety and liability risk. You have the right to know what information an employer sees; they must disclose this to you before or after they pull your record. If you dispute information on the record that an employer used to make a hiring decision, you can request a correction through the DHSMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do violations stay on my Florida driving record?

Most violations stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. However, serious violations like DUI, habitual traffic offender status, and license suspensions or revocations remain longer — sometimes permanently. Points from violations drop off after three years, but the violation itself may still appear on your record.

Can I remove a violation from my record?

You cannot remove a violation that you were convicted of, but you can reduce points by taking a defensive driving course once per 12 months. If the violation was dismissed or you were found not guilty in court, you can request that it be removed from your record by submitting a copy of the court order to the DHSMV Records Bureau.

What is the difference between an abstract and a full driving record?

An abstract is a limited version available to the public and shows violations and crashes without your personal information. A full record includes your address, Social Security number, and all administrative actions. Employers and insurance companies typically request the full record with your permission.

How much does it cost to get my driving record?

An electronic copy ordered online costs $2 and arrives via email within one to two business days. A certified paper copy ordered by mail costs $5 and takes five to seven business days to process. In-person orders at a driver license office also cost $5, and some offices can print it when ready.

Will a defensive driving course remove points from my record?

Yes, completing an approved defensive driving course removes up to 4 points from your record. You can take the course once every 12 months. The course does not remove violations themselves, only the points associated with them, and it does not affect violations that resulted in a suspension or revocation.