What a driver license history report shows
A driver license history report is an official record of your driving activity kept by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It lists every traffic violation, accident, suspension, and license status change on file — going back several years, depending on your state. This report is what insurance companies, employers, and courts see when they look up your driving record.
The report does not include your personal information like address or Social Security number. It focuses on your behavior behind the wheel: speeding tickets, DUIs, at-fault accidents, license suspensions, points or violations, and whether your license is currently valid, suspended, or revoked. Some states keep violations on your record for three years; others keep them for seven or longer.
You can request your own report at any time. Many people do this before a job interview, before shopping for insurance, or straightforward to check for errors. You are also may have access to to see what information the DMV has about you — this is your right under state law.
Key Takeaways
- Your driver license history report shows all traffic violations, accidents, suspensions, and license status changes recorded by your state DMV.
- You can request your own report online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office, and the process usually takes a few days to a week.
- Insurance companies and employers commonly request this report, so checking it yourself first lets you spot errors before they affect you.
- Violations stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on your state — typically three to seven years — but suspension or revocation records may last longer.
- If you find an error on your report, you can dispute it with your DMV by submitting documentation and a formal request for correction.
How to request your own driver license history report
The fastest way to get your report is through your state DMV's online portal. Most states now offer this service on their official website — you log in with your driver license number and date of birth, and you can view or print your record when ready. Search "[your state] DMV driver record" to find the link.
If your state does not offer online access, you can request the report by mail or in person. You will need to fill out a form (usually called a "Driver Record Request" or "Abstract of Driving Record") and provide your driver license number, full name, and date of birth. Mail it to your state DMV with any required fee — this typically ranges from $5 to $15, though some states offer one free copy per year to the driver themselves.
In-person requests at your local DMV office are usually processed while you wait, though you may need an appointment. By mail, expect to wait five to ten business days. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need the report quickly.
What information appears on your report
Your driver license history report includes your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), your license class or type, and any restrictions or endorsements. It then lists violations in reverse chronological order — most recent first.
For each violation, the report shows the date, the type of violation (speeding, reckless driving, failure to stop, DUI, etc.), the location, and sometimes the fine amount or court outcome. If you were in an at-fault accident, it appears here. License suspensions and revocations are listed with the reason and the dates they were in effect.
Points or demerit points — which many states use to track unsafe driving — also appear on the report. Some states show the point value of each violation; others show your current point total. The report does not include your address, phone number, or Social Security number, even though the DMV has this information on file.
How long violations stay on your record
The length of time a violation remains on your driving record depends on your state and the type of violation. Minor violations like speeding typically stay for three to five years. More serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run often remain for seven to ten years or longer.
License suspensions and revocations may stay on your record even after the suspension ends — some states keep them permanently, while others remove them after a set period. Points or demerit points usually expire after a certain time if you do not accumulate more violations, but this varies by state.
Even after a violation falls off your official record, insurance companies may still have a record of it in their own databases. Your report shows only what the DMV currently maintains, not what private companies have stored.
Checking your report before insurance or employment
Insurance companies request your driver license history report when you explore for a policy or renew coverage. They use it to set your rates — more violations mean higher premiums. Checking your own report before you shop for insurance lets you know what they will see and understand why your rate might be higher than you expected.
Many employers also request this report, especially for jobs that involve driving (delivery, rideshare, commercial driving, or positions where you represent the company). Some employers check it even for office jobs as part of a background check. Reviewing your report before a job interview means you are not surprised if the employer brings up a violation.
If you spot an error — a violation you do not remember, a wrong date, or a violation that should have expired — you can address it before it affects your insurance rate or a job offer. This is one of the main reasons to pull your own report regularly.
Disputing errors on your driver license history report
If your report contains an error — a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, a duplicate entry, or a violation that should have been removed — you have the right to dispute it. Start by contacting your state DMV's customer service line or visiting your local office with documentation of the error.
You will need to submit a formal dispute request, usually in writing, along with evidence that supports your claim. For example, if a violation is listed with the wrong date, bring court records showing the correct date. If a violation should have expired, bring proof of the expiration date. If you were not the driver, bring documentation showing who was driving the vehicle.
The DMV will investigate your dispute, which typically takes two to four weeks. If they find the error, they will correct or remove the violation from your record. If they do not find an error, they will explain why the information is correct. You can appeal their decision if you disagree.
Your rights to your own driving record information
You have a legal right to see your own driver license history report. This right is protected under state public records laws and, in some cases, federal privacy laws. The DMV cannot refuse to give you your own record, though they may charge a small fee.
You also have the right to know who has requested your record. Some states allow you to place a "record lock" or "privacy flag" on your file, which means third parties cannot view your record without your written permission. This is different from a credit freeze — it applies only to your driving record — and it is useful if you are concerned about identity theft or unauthorized access.
If someone requests your record without your permission and you did not authorize it, you can file a complaint with your state DMV. Unauthorized access to driving records is illegal and can result in penalties for the person or organization that accessed it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my driver license history report?
Many people check once a year, especially if they are shopping for insurance or explore for jobs. If you have had violations or suspensions, check every few months to track when they will expire. You can check as often as you want — there is no limit on how many times you can view your own record.
Will checking my own report affect my insurance rates or credit score?
No. Checking your own driving record does not affect your insurance rates or credit score. Only when an insurance company or employer requests your record does it show up in their systems. Your own inquiry is private and does not trigger any changes.
Can I remove a violation from my record before it expires?
Not directly. Violations stay on your record for the time period set by your state law. However, some states offer programs like traffic school or defensive driving courses that can reduce points or allow you to dismiss a minor violation if you complete the course. Ask your DMV whether this option is available for your violation.
What if my license is suspended — will that show on my report?
Yes. Your current license status — valid, suspended, revoked, or expired — appears at the top of your report. The reason for the suspension and the dates it was in effect are also listed. This information is visible to anyone who requests your record, including insurance companies and employers.
Can someone else request my driver license history report?
Yes, but only with your written permission or for a legal reason. Insurance companies, employers, courts, and law enforcement can request your record without your permission. Anyone else — like a private citizen or a business — generally needs your signed consent. If you believe someone accessed your record without permission, contact your state DMV to file a complaint.