A pull notice is a record the DMV keeps when someone requests your driving history without your permission

When you request your own driving record from the DMV, that request is logged. A pull notice is the DMV's way of documenting who has looked at your record and when. If an insurance company, employer, or court pulls your record, that pull shows up on a list the DMV maintains. You can request to see this list yourself — it tells you exactly who has accessed your driving information and on what date.

The purpose of a pull notice is transparency. It protects you by creating a record of access. If someone pulls your record without a legitimate reason, you can see it happened. Different states call this by different names — some call it a "pull history," others call it an "inquiry history" — but the concept is the same across the country.

Key Takeaways

  • A pull notice documents every time someone requests your driving record from the DMV, including the date and the organization that pulled it.
  • You can request your own pull notice history from your state DMV to see who has accessed your driving record.
  • Insurance companies, employers, courts, and law enforcement can pull your record for legitimate reasons, and these pulls will appear on your history.
  • Unauthorized pulls of your driving record are possible and should be reported to your DMV if you see unfamiliar organizations accessing your information.

Who can pull your driving record and why

Your driving record is not private information in the way your medical records are. Insurance companies pull records to set your rates. Employers pull records if the job involves driving. Courts pull records during legal proceedings. Law enforcement pulls records during traffic stops or investigations. Landlords sometimes pull records as part of a background check. Each of these pulls creates an entry on your pull notice history.

Not every pull is visible to you in the same way. Some states show all pulls on your history. Other states separate "permissible" pulls (those with a legitimate reason) from "non-permissible" pulls (those without). The rules vary by state, so the detail you see depends on where you hold your license.

How to request your pull notice from the DMV

You request a pull notice the same way you request any other DMV record — through your state's DMV office. Most states let you do this online through their website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. Some states charge a small fee, usually between $2 and $10. A few states provide it free.

When you request it, specify that you want your "pull notice history" or "inquiry history" — the exact term matters because different states use different language. Include your driver's license number and date of birth. The DMV will send you a list showing the date each pull occurred, the organization that pulled it, and sometimes the reason code for the pull. Processing usually takes one to two weeks by mail, though online requests may return results when ready.

What to do if you see unauthorized pulls on your history

If you see a pull from an organization you do not recognize or did not authorize, that is a red flag. Start by contacting that organization directly — sometimes a pull happens because of a form you filled out months ago and forgot about, or because of a data broker you never knowingly hired. Ask them why they pulled your record and under what authority.

If the organization cannot give you a legitimate reason, or if you believe the pull was fraudulent, report it to your state DMV. Provide the date of the pull, the organization's name, and an explanation of why you believe it was unauthorized. The DMV can investigate and may take action against the organization if they violated state law. You can also file a complaint with your state's Attorney General office if you suspect identity theft or fraud.

The difference between a pull notice and your driving record

Your driving record contains information about you: your license status, violations, accidents, suspensions, and points. Your pull notice is a record of who looked at that driving record. They are two separate documents. When you request "your record" from the DMV, you usually get your driving record. When you request your "pull notice," you get the access history.

Some people confuse the two because they both come from the DMV and both relate to your driving. But they answer different questions. Your driving record answers "What is on my record?" Your pull notice answers "Who has looked at my record?"

Scams involving pull notices and driving records

Scammers sometimes pose as the DMV and claim you need to "verify" your driving record or pay a fee to see your pull notice. The DMV does not contact you unsolicited by email or phone to ask you to verify information or pay fees. If someone contacts you claiming to be the DMV and asking for payment or personal information, hang up or delete the message and contact your state DMV directly using the phone number on your license.

Another scam involves fake websites that look like the DMV but are actually data brokers selling access to your information. If you are searching for your pull notice online, go directly to your state's official DMV website — not a third-party site that promises faster results or easier access. The official site is always free or charges only a small state fee.

Why your pull notice matters

Your pull notice is a security tool. It shows you who is interested in your driving history and when. If someone is pulling your record repeatedly without your knowledge, that can be a sign of identity theft or stalking. If a company you never contacted pulls your record, you know they obtained your information from somewhere and may be building a profile on you.

Checking your pull notice occasionally — perhaps once a year — is a straightforward way to monitor your information. It takes a few minutes and costs little or nothing. If you are explore for a job that involves driving, or if you are concerned about your privacy, pulling your own notice first lets you see what others will see about you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my pull notice online?

Many states offer online pull notice requests through their DMV website. You log in with your license number and date of birth, and the results appear when ready or within a few days. Some states still require you to request it by mail or in person. Check your state DMV's website to see what options are available.

Does pulling my own record count as a pull on my history?

When you request your own driving record, that pull is usually logged separately and marked as a personal inquiry. It shows up on your pull notice, but most states flag it differently so insurance companies and employers know you pulled it yourself, not that someone else did.

How long does the DMV keep pull notice records?

Most states keep pull notice records for three to five years. After that time, older pulls drop off the history. The exact retention period varies by state, so contact your DMV to find out how far back your history goes.

Will my insurance company know if I check my own pull notice?

Your insurance company will not know you checked your pull notice unless you tell them. Your pull notice is your own record of who accessed your driving information. Checking it does not trigger any notification to insurers or other organizations.

What if my state does not offer pull notices?

A small number of states do not maintain formal pull notice records. If your state is one of them, contact your DMV to ask what records of access they do keep. Some states may offer an alternative way to see who has requested your record, even if they do not call it a "pull notice."