DMV Form 227 is a request for driving record information
Form 227, officially called the "Request for Driving Record," is the document you use to ask the Department of Motor Vehicles for a copy of your own driving history. It shows accidents, traffic violations, license suspensions, points on your record, and other events the DMV has recorded about you as a driver. You submit this form to the DMV office in your state, and they send you an official record that you can use for insurance claims, employment background checks, court proceedings, or your own reference.
The form itself is straightforward — you fill in your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason you need the record. Different states call this form by different names and may have slightly different versions, but the purpose is the same across all states: you are requesting an official copy of what the DMV has on file about your driving.
Key Takeaways
- Form 227 is a written request for your own driving record from the DMV, showing violations, accidents, and license actions.
- You can usually request your record in person at an DMV office, by mail, or through your state's online portal if one exists.
- The DMV will charge a fee for this record, which varies by state but typically ranges from $5 to $20.
- You will need your driver's license number, full legal name, and date of birth to complete the request.
- Processing time is usually one to two weeks by mail, though some states offer same-day service at the office.
Why you might need your driving record
Insurance companies often ask for your driving record when you explore for a new policy or after an accident, because they use it to calculate your rates. Employers in certain fields — particularly those involving commercial driving, transportation, or positions requiring a clean record — will request your record as part of a background check. If you are involved in a legal dispute, a court may require an official copy of your record as evidence.
You may also want a copy straightforward to verify what the DMV has recorded about you. Errors do happen — a ticket may be recorded under your name when it belonged to someone else, or a suspension may not have been cleared from the system after you completed the requirements to restore your license. Requesting your record lets you catch these mistakes and file a correction if needed.
How to request Form 227 or your driving record
The method depends on your state. Most states allow you to request your record in person at any DMV office by filling out Form 227 and paying the fee — you will usually receive it the same day or within a few days. Some states have moved to online portals where you can request your record through their website, pay by credit card, and have it mailed or emailed to you.
If you request by mail, you will need to print Form 227 (or request it from your state's DMV website), fill it out completely, include payment, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. Some states also allow you to request your record by phone, though this is less common and may have additional verification steps.
Before you submit, check your state's DMV website to confirm the current fee, the correct mailing address if you are sending it by mail, and whether an online option is available. State procedures change, and using the most current method will get you your record faster.
What information you will need
Have your driver's license number ready — this is the fastest way to identify your record. You will also need your full legal name exactly as it appears on your license, your date of birth, and your current address. If you are requesting the record for a specific reason — such as an insurance claim or court case — you may want to note that reason on the form, though it is not always required.
If you no longer have your driver's license or it has expired, you can still request your record using your name and date of birth, but the process may take longer because the DMV will have to search manually. Some states require additional identification in this case, such as a Social Security number or passport number.
Fees and processing time
Every state charges a fee for an official driving record, though the amount varies. Most states charge between $5 and $20 for a single copy. Some states offer a discount if you request multiple copies at once, or a rush fee if you need it faster than standard processing. A few states include the first copy free with certain transactions, such as license renewal.
Standard processing time is usually one to two weeks if you request by mail. In-person requests at an DMV office are often completed the same day or within a few business days. If your state offers expedited or rush processing, you will pay an additional fee — typically $5 to $10 more — and receive your record within a few days instead of weeks.
Scam alert: Fake driving record services
Do not use third-party websites that claim to retrieve your driving record for you. These services charge inflated fees — sometimes $30 to $50 or more — for something you can get directly from the DMV for a fraction of the cost. Some of these sites are legitimate brokers that straightforward mark up the DMV fee, but others are scams designed to collect your personal information or payment without sending anything.
Always go directly to your state's official DMV website or visit an DMV office in person. If you search online for "driving record request," make sure the website URL ends in .gov or is clearly your state's official DMV site. Avoid sites with aggressive advertising, promises of when ready results, or pressure to pay by wire transfer or gift card.
What to do if your record contains errors
If you receive your driving record and find incorrect information — a ticket you did not receive, a violation under your name that was actually someone else's, or a suspension that should have been lifted — contact your state's DMV when ready. Most states have a process to dispute or correct errors on your record, though it may require submitting documents as proof (such as court records showing a ticket was dismissed).
Start by calling the DMV customer service line or visiting an office in person with your record and any supporting documents. Ask what steps are needed to file a correction. Some states have a formal dispute process that takes a few weeks; others can correct straightforward errors on the spot. Do not ignore errors, because they can affect your insurance rates and may cause problems if you need the record for employment or legal purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else request my driving record?
Generally, no — the DMV will only release your record to you or to someone with a court order or legal authority. If an insurance company or employer needs your record, they will ask you to request it and provide it to them, or they will ask you to sign a release form authorizing them to request it directly from the DMV.
How long does a driving record stay on file?
This varies by state and by the type of violation. Most minor traffic violations stay on your record for three to five years, while serious violations like DUI or reckless driving may stay for seven to ten years or longer. Your state's DMV website will list how long each type of violation is kept.
What if I lost my driver's license number?
You can still request your record using your full legal name and date of birth, though processing may take longer because the DMV will have to search manually. Some states require additional information like your Social Security number or address to verify your identity when you do not have your license number.
Is my driving record the same as my driving abstract?
Yes — "driving record," "driving abstract," and "motor vehicle record" are different names for the same document. Your state's DMV may use any of these terms, but they all refer to the official history of your driving activity that the DMV maintains.
Can I get my record online instead of by mail?
Many states now offer online portals where you can request your record, pay the fee, and receive it by email or mail within a few days. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available. If it is, it is usually faster and more convenient than mailing a paper form.