Every state issues its own driver’s licenses through a state licensing agency or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and each agency keeps records of all drivers they have licensed. These records are known as driving records or motor vehicle records. You can request a copy of your personal driving record in several ways, and there are several reasons you may need or want to do so.
What’s Included in a Driving Record
The information you will find on your driving record depends on where you order it from and what type of record you request. Your auto insurance provider, the DMV in your state, or private third-party providers can all provide a driving record for you, but some may omit information or only cover a short period of time. The DMV can usually give you the most accurate and complete copy of your driving record. Driving records typically contain:
License date of issue
Current license status
Current name, address, and other personal information
DUI reports and convictions
Major traffic accidents and violations, including traffic tickets
Points on the license
License suspensions and revocations
Other administrative actions taken against the license holder
Some states also include a vehicle registration history as part of a driving record. Commercial license holders also get a report on the current status of any driver’s license endorsements they hold. Driving records typically do not contain information about non-moving violations or non-vehicle related convictions.
Ways to Request Your Driving Record
You can contact your auto insurance provider and ask for a copy of your driving record, or for a fee you can order it from a third-party provider online. Alternatively, you can contact your local DMV. Most states allow drivers to order a copy of their records from the DMV in the following ways:
Online: If available, this is the fastest way of getting your report. Go to the main website for your state’s DMV and use their online portal for ordering your driving record. If you're in Texas, you can request your driving record here.
In-person: Find a DMV office near you that provides driving records. Not all offices do, so check before you go in. Making an appointment can save you long wait times. Remember to take your driver’s license with you.
Phone: In many places, it is possible to order driving records by phone, by calling the local DMV office.
Mail: Getting driving records by mail usually involves downloading a request form or obtaining a request form from a DMV office. Fill out the form completely and mail it to the correct address. It may take several weeks to get a copy of your records by mail.
Cost of Requesting a Driving Record
There is usually a small fee for ordering a driving record. This fee is often between $2 and $10, depending on the type of document you are ordering. Certified copies usually cost slightly more than uncertified copies.
