What a Florida driver license record is and how to get one
A Florida driver license record is an official document from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) that shows your driving history — violations, suspensions, accidents, and points on your license. You can request your own record, or someone else can request it if they have your written permission.
You can get a copy three ways: in person at a Florida DMV office, by mail, or online through the DHSMV website. The online method is fastest and costs less. You will need to provide your driver license number or Social Security number, your date of birth, and your name as it appears on your license.
The record itself arrives as a printout showing your current license status, any active suspensions or restrictions, points accumulated in the past three years, and a list of violations and crashes on file. It does not include sealed or expunged records, and it does not show insurance claims — only what DHSMV tracks.
Key Takeaways
- You can request your own Florida driver license record online, by mail, or in person at any DMV office.
- The online request through the DHSMV website is the fastest option and costs between $2 and $5 depending on delivery method.
- You will need your driver license number or Social Security number, date of birth, and the name on your license to submit a request.
- Someone else can request your record if you give them written permission and they provide your identifying information.
- Your record shows violations, points, suspensions, and crashes but does not include sealed records or insurance information.
Requesting your record online through DHSMV
The DHSMV website lets you order a copy of your driving record without leaving home. Go to the DHSMV official website, find the "Driving Records" section, and select "Order a Driving Record." You will be asked to enter your driver license number or Social Security number, date of birth, and full name.
After you submit your information, you choose how you want to receive the record: electronic delivery (usually arrives within one business day), standard mail (5 to 7 business days), or certified mail (if you need a notarized or court-admissible copy). Electronic delivery costs around $2 to $3; certified mail costs more, typically $5 to $8. Payment is by credit or debit card only.
Once your order is placed, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to check on your order or contact DHSMV about it. If you choose electronic delivery, the record will be sent to the email address you provide.
Requesting your record by mail or in person
If you prefer not to order online, you can request a record by mail. Write a letter that includes your full name, date of birth, driver license number, and the reason you need the record. Include a check or money order for the fee (typically $2 to $5, depending on the type of record and delivery method). Mail your request to the DHSMV address listed on their website — this varies by region, so confirm the correct address before sending.
By mail, processing takes 5 to 10 business days after DHSMV receives your letter, plus mail travel time. For faster service, visit a Florida DMV office in person. Bring your driver license or state ID, fill out the request form at the office, pay the fee in cash or card, and you can often walk out with a copy the same day or within a few hours.
What information appears on your record
Your Florida driving record shows your current license class and any restrictions or endorsements (such as corrective lenses required). It lists your driving status — whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled — and the reason if it is not valid.
The record includes all violations and at-fault accidents from the past three to five years, depending on the type of violation. Moving violations add points to your record; Florida uses a points system where accumulating 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months triggers a suspension. Your record shows how many points you currently have and when they will drop off.
The record does not show insurance claims, civil lawsuits, or sealed and expunged records. It also does not include violations from other states unless Florida has received notice through the Driver License Compact, an interstate agreement that shares certain violations.
Who can request your record and what permission looks like
You can always request your own record. A family member, employer, lawyer, or insurance company can also request it, but they need your written permission. Permission does not have to be a formal notarized document — a signed letter or email from you that says they can request your record is usually enough, though some organizations ask for a specific form.
If someone requests your record without permission, DHSMV will not release it. The only exceptions are law enforcement, courts, and government agencies acting in an official capacity. If you believe someone has requested your record without permission, contact DHSMV directly to report it.
Employers often ask you to sign a release form before they request your record as part of a hiring or background check. Insurance companies may request it if you are filing a claim or if they are reviewing your driving history for rate purposes. Always read what you are signing to understand who is requesting the record and why.
Why you might need your driving record
You may need a copy of your driving record for a job process, especially if the position involves driving. Employers in transportation, delivery, rideshare, or commercial driving fields almost always request it. Insurance companies sometimes ask for a copy when you switch providers or file a claim, to verify your history matches what you reported.
You might also need it to dispute an error on your record — for example, if a violation was dismissed in court but still appears on your DHSMV file. Getting an official copy is the first step to correcting it. Courts may also require a copy if you are contesting a suspension or revocation.
Some people request their record straightforward to see what is on file, especially after a traffic stop or accident. This is a good way to catch errors early, such as a violation that was supposed to be removed or points that were not properly credited.
Correcting errors on your Florida driving record
If your record contains an error — a violation that was dismissed, an accident that was not your fault but is listed as at-fault, or a suspension that should have been lifted — you can request a correction. First, get a copy of your record so you have proof of the error. Then gather documentation that supports the correction, such as a court order dismissing the charge, a police report, or a letter from DHSMV confirming the suspension was lifted.
Contact DHSMV directly with your documentation. You can mail it to the address on their website, call their customer service line, or visit a DMV office in person. DHSMV will review your request and either correct the record or explain why the information is accurate. This process can take several weeks, so request your correction as soon as you notice the error.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Florida driving record cost?
The cost ranges from $2 to $8 depending on how you request it and how you want it delivered. Online electronic delivery is the cheapest at around $2 to $3. Certified mail, which is notarized and acceptable in court, costs more, typically $5 to $8. In-person requests at a DMV office usually cost $2 to $5.
Can I get someone else's driving record?
Only with their written permission. You can request it by mail or online if you have their driver license number or Social Security number, date of birth, and a signed letter or form from them authorizing the request. Law enforcement and courts can request records without permission in official investigations.
How long does it take to get my record?
Online electronic delivery is fastest, usually one business day. Standard mail takes 5 to 7 business days after DHSMV processes it, plus mail travel time. In-person requests at a DMV office can be completed the same day or within a few hours. Certified mail takes longer and may take up to two weeks.
What if my record shows a violation that was dismissed?
Contact DHSMV with a copy of the court order dismissing the charge. Bring documentation to a DMV office, mail it to DHSMV, or call their customer service line. DHSMV will review the order and correct your record if the dismissal is valid. This process typically takes several weeks.
Does my driving record show insurance claims?
No. Your DHSMV record shows only violations, points, suspensions, and accidents that were reported to DHSMV. Insurance claims and civil lawsuits do not appear on your official driving record. Insurance companies maintain their own records of claims separately.