How to Find Your Driving Record
Your state's motor vehicle agency keeps your driving record, and most offer a way to request a copy online.
Request it from your state's motor vehicle agency
Your driving record is maintained by the motor vehicle agency in the state where you're licensed, sometimes called the DMV, the BMV, or the Department of Transportation depending on where you live. That agency is the only source for the official version, not your insurer and not a national database.
Most states let you request your own record online through their website, and many return it right away for a small fee. Some still require a mailed form or an in-person visit, especially if you want a certified copy. Which option you have depends entirely on your state, so the agency's website is where to start.
What you need the record for changes how to get it
If you want it for your own reference, an uncertified version you can view or print online is usually enough, and most states offer this as the fastest option.
If an insurer, employer, or court asked for it, they likely specified whether they need a certified copy. A certified record comes with an official seal or signature from the agency and often has to be mailed or picked up in person rather than printed at home.
Some states also have different levels of detail, like a basic record versus a complete one that goes back further or includes more violation history. If you're not sure which one you need, check with whoever asked for it before you request a copy, since getting the wrong version can mean starting over.
The agency's website usually lists these options side by side, along with the fee and turnaround time for each.
What to have ready before you request it
Most states ask for your driver's license number, full legal name, and date of birth to match you to the right record. Having your license in hand when you start the request saves time.
If you're requesting it online, you'll likely need to pay a fee by card and may need to answer identity verification questions, similar to what you'd see logging into a bank account.
If your name has changed since you were first licensed, through marriage or otherwise, bring documentation of that change if you're applying in person or by mail. A mismatch between your current name and the one on file can delay the request.
If you're helping a parent get their record, most states require the record holder to request it themselves or to sign a form authorizing someone else to do it, so check what your state requires before you start on their behalf.
Questions people ask about this
How long does it take to get a copy of your driving record?
Online requests are often returned within minutes, while mailed requests can take a few weeks. Processing time depends on your state and on whether you're asking for a certified copy, so check your state agency's site for its typical turnaround.
Can I see someone else's driving record?
Generally, no, unless you have their written authorization or a legitimate business reason recognized by the state, such as being their employer. Rules on who can request another person's record vary by state, so check with your state's motor vehicle agency directly.
Does my driving record show accidents I wasn't at fault for?
It depends on your state. Some records list all reported accidents regardless of fault, while others only note violations and convictions. Your state's motor vehicle agency can tell you exactly what categories of information appear on your record.
How far back does a driving record go?
This varies by state and by what the record is being used for. Some requests pull a recent window, while others can include a longer history. If you need a specific timeframe, ask for that when you request the record rather than assuming what you'll get.
Why would my insurer ask to see my driving record instead of just checking it themselves?
Insurers often pull their own version of your record, but some ask you to provide a copy, especially if you're disputing an error or requesting a discount tied to your record. If your insurer asked you directly, it's worth asking them why, since the reason can affect which version they need.
A clean driving record is one of the things insurers look at when they set your price, so it's worth knowing what's on yours before you compare quotes.
Find your state's motor vehicle agency website and look for a page about requesting your own driving record. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready, since most states use these to verify your identity. If someone else asked you for the record, like an insurer or employer, ask them first whether they need a certified copy, since that often changes how you have to request it. If you're requesting it online, set aside a few minutes to answer identity verification questions and pay the fee by card. If your state only offers mail or in-person requests, plan for a longer wait and bring a form of photo identification with you.
