What a North Carolina driving record shows and who can see it
Your North Carolina driving record is a document kept by the NC Division of Motor Vehicles that lists your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, and points assigned to your license. The record does not include parking tickets or violations that happened outside North Carolina.
North Carolina keeps two versions of your record. The public record shows violations and accidents but hides your address and some personal details. The complete record includes everything and is available only to you, your insurance company, employers you authorize, and law enforcement. Insurance companies and employers cannot see your record without your written permission.
You may need your record for insurance purposes, job applications, court cases, or to check for errors. Errors on your record can raise your insurance rates or cause a job offer to fall through, so it is worth reviewing periodically.
Key Takeaways
- You can order your North Carolina driving record online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, and the online method takes about 10 minutes.
- The DMV charges a fee for each record copy, which varies depending on whether you want the public version or the complete version with all details.
- Points stay on your record for three years from the violation date, and some violations like DWI remain visible much longer.
- If you find an error on your record, you can dispute it by contacting the DMV with proof of the correction, such as a court document showing the charge was dismissed.
How to order your driving record online
The fastest way to get your record is through the NC DMV website at ncdmv.org. Go to the "Driver Records" section and select "Order Your Driving Record." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask whether you want the public record or the complete record; choose based on what you need it for.
You can pay by credit card or debit card. The DMV will email your record to you within one business day, though it often arrives within a few hours. Keep the confirmation email they send you — it proves you ordered the record if you need to show proof later.
If you do not have a North Carolina driver's license or cannot remember your license number, you can still order online by providing your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will search for your record in the DMV database.
Ordering by mail or in person
You can request your record by mail by filling out form DL-43, which you can read from ncdmv.org or pick up at any DMV office. Include a check or money order for the fee, your driver's license number, and your signature. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after the DMV receives it.
To get your record in person, visit any NC DMV office with your driver's license and payment. You will receive a printed copy on the spot. Bring a second form of ID if your driver's license is expired. DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have Saturday hours; check ncdmv.org for your nearest office and its hours.
What the fees are and what they cover
The DMV charges different fees depending on which record you order. The public record costs less than the complete record because it leaves out your address and some personal information. Fees change periodically, so check ncdmv.org or call the DMV at 919-715-7000 before you order to confirm the current price.
Each copy you order is a separate charge. If you need multiple copies — for example, one for your insurance company and one for an employer — you will pay the fee for each one. Some employers or insurance companies will accept a single copy you share with them, so ask before ordering multiple versions.
Understanding points and how long violations stay on your record
North Carolina assigns points to your license for traffic violations. Minor violations like speeding carry fewer points; major violations like reckless driving carry more. When you accumulate 12 points within three years, the DMV suspends your license. Points drop off your record three years after the violation date, not three years after you paid the fine.
Some violations stay on your record much longer than three years. A DWI (driving while impaired) conviction remains visible for seven years. A conviction for driving with a suspended or revoked license stays for seven years. Hit-and-run and habitual traffic offender convictions can stay on your record indefinitely. These longer-lasting violations affect insurance rates and job prospects for years.
Your record also shows accidents you reported to police or your insurance company, even if you were not at fault. Accidents typically appear for three to five years depending on the severity and whether they resulted in a citation.
How to dispute errors on your record
If your record contains an error — for example, a violation you were not convicted of, or a violation attributed to the wrong date — you can ask the DMV to correct it. Start by ordering a copy of your record so you have proof of what is wrong. Then contact the DMV at 919-715-7000 or visit an office in person with documentation of the error.
Common corrections include violations that were dismissed in court, violations that were paid and should have been removed, or violations that belong to someone else. Bring court documents, receipts, or other proof. The DMV will investigate and update your record if the error is confirmed. This process can take several weeks.
If the DMV denies your dispute, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. The DMV will explain how to request a hearing in their response to your dispute.
Scam alerts and safety information
Do not use third-party websites that claim to retrieve your driving record faster or cheaper than the official DMV. These sites charge extra fees and often send you to the same DMV system you could access directly. Some collect your personal information and sell it to data brokers. Always go directly to ncdmv.org or call 919-715-7000.
Be cautious if someone contacts you claiming they need your driving record for a job or insurance purpose. Legitimate employers and insurance companies will ask you to authorize them to request your record directly from the DMV, not ask you to retrieve it and send it to them. If you are unsure whether a request is real, call the company back using a phone number from their official website, not a number provided in the email or letter.
Your driving record contains sensitive information. Do not share it with anyone who does not have a legitimate need. If you must send it by email, use a find method and confirm the recipient's email address is correct before sending.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get my driving record?
The fee varies depending on whether you order the public record or the complete record. Check ncdmv.org or call 919-715-7000 for current pricing. Online orders are usually the same price as in-person orders, and mail orders may cost slightly more.
Can I see my driving record for free?
No, the DMV charges a fee for each copy. However, some employers and insurance companies will request your record directly from the DMV on your behalf, so you may not need to order it yourself.
How long does it take to get my record if I order online?
The DMV typically emails your record within one business day, though many arrive within a few hours. If you need it urgently, ordering online is faster than mail or in-person visits.
Will a speeding ticket show up on my driving record?
Yes, if you were convicted of speeding, it will appear on your record and points will be added to your license. If the charge was dismissed or you were found not guilty, it should not appear. Check your record to confirm.
Can I remove violations from my driving record?
No, you cannot remove violations, but they do drop off after three years for most violations. DWI and other serious convictions stay longer. If a violation is on your record in error, you can dispute it and ask the DMV to remove it.