What Florida Driver License Records Are and How to Request Them
A driver license record in Florida is an official document showing your driving history, license status, and any violations or suspensions on file with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You might need this record for employment, insurance, court proceedings, or to verify your own driving history.
You can request your record in three ways: in person at a Florida DMV office, by mail, or online through the DHSMV website. The fastest method is online, which takes a few minutes. Mail requests take one to two weeks. In-person requests are processed the same day, though you may wait in line.
Florida offers two types of records: a certified driving record (an official copy with the state seal, required for legal or court use) and an uncertified record (a printout of your history, acceptable for most personal and employment purposes). The cost and processing time differ between the two.
Key Takeaways
- You can request your Florida driving record online, by mail, or in person at any DMV office, with online being the fastest option.
- A certified record costs more and takes longer but is required for court cases, legal proceedings, and some official purposes.
- An uncertified record is cheaper and faster, and works for most employment and personal reasons.
- You will need your driver license number or Social Security number to request your record online or by mail.
- The DHSMV processes online requests within one business day and mailed requests within one to two weeks.
Requesting Your Record Online Through the DHSMV Website
The online method is the quickest and most convenient. Go to the official DHSMV website and select "Order Driving Records." You will be asked to enter your driver license number or Social Security number, your date of birth, and your Florida address. The system will verify your identity and show you the cost before you pay.
You can choose between a certified or uncertified record at this point. Uncertified records cost less and are delivered within one business day as a PDF to your email. Certified records cost more and are mailed to your address within three to five business days, depending on mail delivery.
Payment is by credit or debit card only. Once you complete the order, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to follow up on your request.
Requesting Your Record by Mail
To request by mail, read the "process for Driving Record" form from the DHSMV website or call 850-617-3000 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, driver license number, and the type of record you need (certified or uncertified).
Include a check or money order for the correct amount—the DHSMV website lists current fees, which vary by record type. Do not send cash. Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form, which is typically the DHSMV Records Bureau in Tallahassee.
Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your request, plus mail delivery time. If you need your record urgently, this method is slower than online or in-person options.
Requesting Your Record In Person at a DMV Office
Visit any Florida DMV office with your valid driver license or state ID. Tell the staff member you want to order your driving record. They will ask whether you need a certified or uncertified copy and process your request on the spot.
You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Uncertified records are printed when ready. Certified records are mailed to your address within three to five business days.
In-person requests are processed the same day, but you may wait depending on how busy the office is. Call ahead to ask about wait times, or visit early in the morning or mid-week when offices are typically less crowded.
Certified Versus Uncertified Records: Which One You Need
An uncertified record is a printout of your driving history without an official state seal. It shows your license status, violations, suspensions, and other key information. Most employers, insurance companies, and personal uses accept uncertified records. This option is cheaper and faster—online delivery takes one business day.
A certified record includes the official DHSMV seal and signature, making it a legal document. Courts, government agencies, and some legal proceedings require certified records. If you are unsure which type you need, ask the organization requesting the record—they will tell you.
Certified records cost more and take longer to arrive because they are mailed to you. If you need your record for a court date or legal important date, order well in advance or request it in person and ask about expedited mailing options.
What Information Appears on Your Florida Driving Record
Your driving record includes your name, date of birth, driver license number, license class, and current status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired). It also lists all traffic violations, at-fault accidents, license suspensions, and any restrictions on your license.
The record shows violations from the past three to five years, depending on the violation type. Minor infractions may drop off sooner than serious violations or suspensions. If you believe information on your record is incorrect, you can dispute it by contacting the DHSMV directly.
Your record does not include personal information like your Social Security number, address, or phone number on the printed copy—only the information relevant to your driving history and license status.
Disputing Errors on Your Driving Record
If your record contains incorrect information—such as a violation you did not commit, a suspension that was lifted, or an accident you were not involved in—you can file a dispute with the DHSMV. Contact the Records Bureau at 850-617-3000 or visit the DHSMV website to start the process.
You will need to provide documentation supporting your claim, such as a court dismissal, proof of payment, or a police report. The DHSMV will investigate your dispute and update your record if the error is confirmed. This process typically takes two to four weeks.
If you are disputing a violation or suspension related to a court case, bring a copy of the court order or dismissal. Having this documentation ready speeds up the correction process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Florida driving record cost?
Uncertified records cost less than certified records. Exact fees vary and are listed on the DHSMV website. Prices are the same whether you order online, by mail, or in person. Online payment is by card only; in-person and mail requests accept multiple payment methods.
Can someone else request my driving record?
No. Only you can request your own record, or someone with a power of attorney on your behalf. The DHSMV verifies identity before releasing records. If an employer or insurance company needs your record, you must request it and provide it to them yourself.
How long does it take to get my record online?
Uncertified records delivered by email arrive within one business day. Certified records ordered online are mailed and take three to five business days to arrive, depending on mail delivery. In-person requests for uncertified records are printed when ready.
What if my license is suspended or revoked?
You can still request your driving record. The record will show your current status, including any suspension or revocation. This information is important if you are working to restore your license or need to show proof of your status to a court or employer.
Do I need my driver license number to request my record?
No. You can use either your driver license number or your Social Security number to request your record online or by mail. The DHSMV uses one of these to verify your identity and pull up your file.