What a Florida driver license record check shows you
A Florida driver license record check is a report of your driving history maintained by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). It contains your license status, any suspensions or revocations, traffic violations, crashes you were involved in, points on your record, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license.
You can order this record yourself, or an employer, insurance company, or court can request it with your permission. The record is not the same as a background check — it shows only driving-related information, not criminal history or personal data.
Florida keeps these records for a set number of years. Traffic violations typically stay on your record for five years from the date of conviction, though serious violations like DUI may remain longer. Crashes stay on your record for three years from the date they occurred.
Key Takeaways
- You can order your own Florida driving record online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office.
- The online method is fastest and costs $7.50; mail and in-person requests take longer and may cost slightly more depending on delivery method.
- You will need your Florida driver license number or Social Security number to order the record, plus a valid form of payment.
- Traffic violations stay on your record for five years; crashes stay for three years, though serious violations like DUI may remain longer.
- Your record will show your license status, any points, suspensions, revocations, restrictions, and all crashes and violations on file.
Ordering your record online through the DHSMV
The fastest way to get your Florida driver license record is through the DHSMV's online ordering system at flhsmv.gov. Go to the "Driver Records" section and select "Order Your Driving Record." You will need your Florida driver license number or your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid email address.
The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. The cost is $7.50 for a standard record. Once you complete the order, you will receive a PDF of your record by email within minutes to a few hours, depending on system load. This record is official and can be used for employment, insurance, or court purposes.
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to order online, the DHSMV also accepts orders by phone at 1-850-617-3800, though phone orders may take longer to process and may have different fees.
Ordering by mail or in person
You can request your record by mail by sending a completed Form HSMV 71 (process for Driving Record) to the DHSMV address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the record fee, your driver license number or Social Security number, and your date of birth. Mail requests typically take 5 to 10 business days to arrive.
To order in person, visit any Florida driver license office with a valid form of ID and your driver license number or Social Security number. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. In-person requests are processed when ready, and you will receive a printed copy before you leave.
The in-person method is useful if you need the record the same day or if you are already at a driver license office for another reason. However, wait times at license offices vary by location and time of day.
What information appears on your record
Your Florida driving record will show your current license status — whether it is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. It will list any restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only) and any endorsements (such as commercial driver license or motorcycle endorsement).
The record includes all traffic violations for which you were convicted in the past five years, listed by date and violation type. It shows points assessed for each violation — for example, a speeding ticket is typically 3 points, and a reckless driving conviction is 4 points. Points stay on your record for five years from the conviction date.
Your record also lists all crashes you were involved in for the past three years, whether you were at fault or not. If you were cited in connection with a crash, that citation appears in the violations section. Any suspensions or revocations are noted with the reason and the date the action took effect.
Understanding points and suspensions
Florida uses a points system to track driving violations. When you are convicted of a traffic violation, the court reports the conviction to the DHSMV, which adds points to your record. Different violations carry different point values: speeding 1 to 15 miles over the limit is 3 points; speeding more than 30 miles over is 4 points; reckless driving is 4 points; DUI is 6 points.
If you accumulate 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. If you accumulate 18 points within 18 months, your license is suspended for 3 months. If you accumulate 24 points within 36 months, your license is suspended for 12 months. These suspensions are automatic — you do not have to be notified in advance, though the DHSMV will mail you notice after the suspension takes effect.
You can reduce points on your record by taking a 4-hour traffic law and safety course approved by the DHSMV. This course removes up to 4 points and may lower your insurance rates. You can take the course once every 12 months, and you must take it before you are convicted of the violation you want to remove points for.
When employers and insurance companies request your record
Employers in certain industries — such as commercial transportation, rideshare, or school bus driving — routinely request driving records from job candidates. Insurance companies request records when you explore for auto insurance or after a crash. In both cases, the company must have your written permission to request the record, though you may have already given permission when you applied for the job or insurance policy.
When an employer or insurance company requests your record, they receive the same information you would see if you ordered it yourself. They can see your violations, points, suspensions, and crashes. Some employers use third-party background check services that pull your driving record along with other information.
If you believe information on your record is incorrect — for example, a violation you were not convicted of, or a crash you were not involved in — you can file a dispute with the DHSMV. Contact the DHSMV directly at 1-850-617-3800 to report the error and request an investigation.
Checking your record before a license renewal
It is a good idea to order your driving record before you renew your Florida driver license. Your record will show whether your license is currently suspended or revoked, which would prevent you from renewing. It will also show any restrictions or endorsements that need to be carried over to your new license.
If your record shows a suspension or revocation, you will need to resolve that issue before you can renew. This may involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a suspension period, or taking a required course. The DHSMV website lists the specific steps for each type of suspension.
Checking your record in advance also gives you time to dispute any errors before your renewal appointment. If you find an error and report it to the DHSMV, the investigation may take several weeks, so starting early prevents delays to your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my record if I order online?
Online records are usually delivered to your email within minutes to a few hours. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. In-person requests at a driver license office are processed when ready.
Can I see my record for free?
No. The DHSMV charges $7.50 for an online record, and fees may vary for mail or in-person requests. Some employers or insurance companies may pay for the record when they request it on your behalf.
Will my record show violations from other states?
No. Your Florida record shows only violations and crashes reported to the Florida DHSMV. Violations in other states appear on your record only if you were convicted in Florida court or if the other state reported the violation to Florida through the Interstate Compact.
How do I remove points from my record?
You can remove up to 4 points by taking a DHSMV-approved 4-hour traffic law and safety course. You can take the course once every 12 months. Points also fall off your record automatically five years after the conviction date.
What should I do if my record shows a violation I was not convicted of?
Contact the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 to report the error. You will need to provide details about the violation and any documentation you have, such as court records showing the charge was dismissed. The DHSMV will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed.