What a New York DMV Abstract Is and How to Get One

A New York DMV abstract is an official record of your driving history that shows accidents, violations, and license suspensions

The New York State DMV Abstract of Driving Record (also called a driving abstract or record) is a document that lists your traffic violations, accidents, license status, and other driving-related incidents for the past three to five years. It comes directly from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and is the official version of your driving history that employers, insurance companies, courts, and other organizations accept.

You can order an abstract for yourself, or someone else can order one about you if they have a valid reason — such as an employer checking your record before hiring you as a driver. The abstract shows your name, license number, date of birth, and a chronological list of incidents. It does not include parking tickets or violations that happened outside New York State.

The DMV sends the abstract by mail within 5 to 10 business days of your order, or you can pick one up in person at a DMV office the same day if you order before 4 p.m. You can also view your record online through the DMV website without ordering a printed copy.

Key Takeaways

A New York DMV abstract shows your traffic violations, accidents, and license status for the past three to five years and is the official record employers and insurance companies use.
You can order an abstract by mail, online, in person at a DMV office, or by phone, and the cost is $10 for a five-year record or $12.50 for a ten-year record.
The DMV mails abstracts within 5 to 10 business days, but you can pick one up same-day at a DMV office if you order before 4 p.m.
You can view your driving record online for free through the DMV's website without ordering a printed copy.
Only you, your employer, your insurance company, or someone with a court order can order an abstract about you — the DMV will not release it to random third parties.

How to order an abstract by mail or online

To order by mail, fill out the MV-44 form (process for Driving Record Abstract) and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $10 (five-year record) or $12.50 (ten-year record). Include a copy of your driver's license or ID. The DMV will mail the abstract to the address you provide within 5 to 10 business days.

To order online, visit the New York State DMV website and use the "Order Your Driving Record" tool. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card. The cost is the same as mail order. The DMV will mail the abstract to your address within 5 to 10 business days.

If you need the abstract faster, you can order in person at any DMV office and pick it up the same day if you arrive before 4 p.m. Bring your driver's license or ID and payment. Some DMV offices also offer rush mail service for an additional fee — call ahead to confirm your local office offers this option.

Ordering by phone or in person

To order by phone, call the DMV at 518-486-4444 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). You will need your driver's license number and a credit or debit card. The DMV will mail the abstract within 5 to 10 business days.

To order in person, visit a DMV office with your driver's license or ID and payment. You can pick up the abstract the same day if you arrive before 4 p.m. Walk-in service is available at all DMV offices, but wait times vary. Check the DMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

Viewing your record online without ordering a copy

You can view your driving record for free through the New York State DMV website without ordering a printed abstract. Go to the DMV's "Check Your Driving Record" tool, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and your record will appear on screen. This is useful if you just need to check your own record quickly or verify that information is correct before an employer or insurance company sees it.

The online record shows the same information as a printed abstract — violations, accidents, and license status — but it is not an official document you can print and submit to an employer or court. If you need an official copy to show someone else, you must order a formal abstract through one of the methods above.

What appears on your abstract and what does not

Your abstract includes traffic violations (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), at-fault and not-at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, DWI or DUI convictions, and points on your license. It covers incidents from the past three to five years for a standard abstract, or up to ten years if you order a ten-year record.

Your abstract does not include parking tickets, violations that happened in other states, or incidents that were dismissed or sealed by a court. If you were found not guilty of a charge or the charge was dropped, it may still appear on your record but will be marked as dismissed. Violations that are more than five years old do not appear on a standard abstract unless you order the ten-year version.

Who can order an abstract about you

You can order an abstract about yourself at any time. An employer can order one about you if you have given them permission or if they have a legitimate business reason — such as hiring you for a job that involves driving. Insurance companies can order one to set your rates. A court can order one as part of a legal proceeding. A parent or guardian can order one for a minor in their care.

The DMV will not release an abstract to someone without a valid reason. If someone tries to order your record without permission, the DMV will deny the request. If you believe someone has ordered your abstract without permission, contact the DMV to report it.

Scam alert: Fake abstract websites

Several websites claim to offer "fast" or "when ready" New York driving records but are not affiliated with the DMV. These sites charge $20 to $50 for a record you can get from the official DMV for $10 to $12.50. Some may also collect your personal information for identity theft.

Always order directly from the New York State DMV website (dmv.ny.gov), by phone at 518-486-4444, by mail using the MV-44 form, or in person at a DMV office. If a website promises results in minutes or charges more than the official DMV fee, it is not the real DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an abstract stay on my record?

Most violations appear for three to five years on a standard abstract. Some serious violations like DWI convictions may stay longer. If you order a ten-year abstract, older violations will show. Once an incident falls outside the time window, it no longer appears on new abstracts.

Can I remove something from my abstract?

You cannot remove a violation or accident from your record if it actually happened. However, if the information is wrong — for example, you were found not guilty but it still shows as a conviction — you can contact the DMV with proof and ask them to correct it. Bring court documents or other evidence to a DMV office.

Why does my employer need my driving abstract?

Employers who hire drivers — for delivery, transportation, or jobs that require a commercial license — order abstracts to confirm you have a valid license and no serious violations. Insurance companies also order them to set rates. Some employers check abstracts even for non-driving jobs as part of a background check.

What if I have points on my license?

Points appear on your abstract and are used by the DMV to track your driving safety. If you accumulate too many points in a short time, your license may be suspended. You can take a defensive driving course to reduce points, but this must be done through an approved course, not by contacting the DMV directly.

Is there a difference between an abstract and a printout of my online record?

Yes. An official abstract ordered through the DMV is a certified document with the DMV seal and is accepted by employers, courts, and insurance companies. A printout of your online record is not official and may not be accepted. If you need to show your record to someone else, order a formal abstract.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.