What a driver history report shows and who can request it
A driver history report is a record of your driving activity maintained by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and in some states, safety inspection failures. The report does not include your personal information like address or Social Security number — it focuses on your driving record only.
You can request your own driver history report, or someone else can request it if they have your written permission. Insurance companies, employers, courts, and law enforcement can also obtain reports under specific circumstances. Most states allow you to view your report online for free or for a small fee, or you can request a printed copy by mail.
The information on your report affects your insurance rates, your ability to hold certain jobs, and whether you can renew your license. It is worth checking periodically to catch errors — mistakes on your record can take months to correct, so finding them early matters.
Key Takeaways
- Your driver history report contains violations, accidents, suspensions, and points, but not your personal identifying information.
- Most states let you view your report online through the DMV website, often for free or a small fee.
- You can request a printed copy by mail, in person, or through a third-party vendor, depending on your state.
- Check your report for errors before they affect your insurance or employment, since corrections can take weeks.
- Someone else can request your report only with your written permission in most states.
How to request your report online
Most states offer online access to your driver history report through their DMV website. Go to your state's DMV homepage and look for a link labeled "Check Your Driving Record," "View Your Record," or "Driver History." You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes the last four digits of your Social Security number or your license plate number.
Some states let you view the report when ready on screen at no cost. Others charge a fee of $2 to $10 and email or mail the report to you within a few days. A few states require you to create an account before you can access your record. If you cannot find the online option on your state's DMV website, call the DMV directly — they can tell you whether online access is available and walk you through the process.
Keep in mind that online reports are usually current as of the previous business day. If you need a report for a specific date or for a legal proceeding, a certified printed copy may be required instead.
Requesting a printed copy by mail or in person
If you need an official printed copy of your driver history report, you can request one by mail or by visiting a DMV office in person. To request by mail, contact your state DMV for the correct mailing address and any required form. Most states ask you to include your driver's license number, full name, date of birth, and a check or money order for the fee, which typically ranges from $5 to $15.
Processing time for mail requests is usually 5 to 10 business days, though some states take longer. If you need the report faster, visiting a DMV office in person is usually quicker — you can often receive a printed copy the same day or within one business day. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay the fee in cash or by card, depending on what the office accepts.
Some states also allow you to request a report through a third-party vendor, which you can find listed on the state DMV website. These vendors charge a higher fee but may offer faster delivery or the ability to order at any time without visiting an office.
What to do if you find an error on your report
If your driver history report contains a violation, accident, or suspension you believe is wrong, contact your state DMV in writing as soon as you notice it. Include a copy of your report, a description of the error, and any supporting documents — for example, a court document showing a ticket was dismissed, or proof that you paid a violation.
The DMV will investigate your claim, which usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. During this time, the incorrect information remains on your record. If the DMV confirms the error, they will issue a corrected report. If you disagree with their decision, you may be able to request a hearing or appeal through your state's administrative process — the DMV can tell you what steps to take.
While your correction is being processed, keep copies of all correspondence with the DMV. If the error affects your insurance rates or a job opportunity, you can provide the DMV's letter or your corrected report as proof that the mistake is being addressed.
Understanding what violations and points mean on your record
Your driver history report lists each traffic violation with the date it occurred, the violation type (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and so on), and the fine or penalty. Most states also assign points to violations — more serious violations earn more points. Accumulating too many points within a set time period (usually 3 to 5 years) can result in a license suspension or revocation.
The point value for the same violation varies by state. A speeding ticket might be worth 2 points in one state and 4 in another. Some states remove points after a certain time has passed if you have no new violations — this is called a "point reduction" or "point forgiveness" period. Check your state's DMV website to see how many points each violation on your record is worth and when points expire.
Accidents also appear on your record, but they do not always add points unless you were found at fault. Insurance companies can see accidents on your record and may raise your rates even if no violation was issued.
When you need a certified or abstract copy
Some situations require a certified copy or abstract of your driver history — a formal document with an official seal or signature that proves it came directly from the DMV. Courts, employers, and insurance companies sometimes ask for this version instead of a regular printout. A certified copy costs more than a standard report, usually $10 to $20, and takes longer to process.
Request a certified copy through the same channels as a regular printed report — by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an authorized third-party vendor. When you submit your request, specify that you need a certified or abstract copy and explain why if asked. The DMV will issue the document with an official seal or certification statement that confirms it is a true record from the state.
If you are unsure whether you need a certified copy, ask the organization requesting the report. They will tell you whether a standard printout is acceptable or whether they need the certified version.
How long violations stay on your driving record
Traffic violations do not stay on your record forever. Most states keep violations for 3 to 5 years from the date of the violation, though serious violations like DUI or reckless driving may remain for 7 to 10 years. After the retention period ends, the violation is removed from your record and will not appear on future reports.
The exact time frame depends on your state and the type of violation. Some states remove violations sooner if you complete a defensive driving course or if you have no new violations during a certain period. Check your state DMV website or call the DMV to find out how long a specific violation will remain on your record.
Even after a violation is removed from your DMV record, your insurance company may still have a record of it in their own system. Insurance companies keep records longer than the DMV does, so an old violation can still affect your rates for several years after it disappears from your official driving record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see someone else's driver history report?
No, not without their written permission. Your state DMV will not release someone else's record to you unless they have signed a form authorizing the release. If you need the report for a legal reason, the court or attorney can request it directly from the DMV.
How much does a driver history report cost?
The cost varies by state. Online reports are often free or cost $2 to $5. Printed copies requested by mail or in person usually cost $5 to $15. Certified copies cost more, typically $10 to $20. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee.
Will checking my own driver history report affect my record?
No. Checking your own record does not add anything to it or change it in any way. You can view your report as often as you want without any penalty.
What if my violation was dismissed or I paid a ticket — will it still show on my report?
It depends on your state and how the case was resolved. Some states remove dismissed violations from your record when ready. Others keep them for a set time even after dismissal. If you paid a ticket, it usually remains on your record for the full retention period. Contact your state DMV or the court that handled the case to find out what will appear on your record.
How do I know if my license is suspended or revoked?
Your driver history report will show any active suspension or revocation. You can also call your state DMV directly or check their website for a license status lookup tool. If your license is suspended or revoked, the report will show the reason and the date it will be reinstated, if applicable.