What the Florida DMV driver license records request is and who can get them

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) keeps a record of your driver license history — when you got it, what restrictions or endorsements you have, any suspensions or revocations, and traffic violations tied to your license. You can request a copy of your own record, or someone else can request theirs with your permission. Employers, insurance companies, and courts can also request records under Florida law, but you have the right to know what information exists about you.

Your driver license record is different from your driving history report. The record shows your license status and any actions the state took against it. Your driving history shows individual traffic tickets and accidents. Both are kept by FLHSMV, but you request them through different processes.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request your own driver license record online through FLHSMV's website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office without paying a fee.
  • The online method is fastest and gives you a printable copy when ready; mail requests take 7 to 10 business days.
  • You will need your Florida driver license number or Social Security number to request your record.
  • If someone else requests your record, FLHSMV will ask for your written permission and may require a notarized signature.
  • Your record shows your license status, restrictions, endorsements, and any suspensions or revocations — but not individual traffic tickets.

How to request your record online through FLHSMV

The fastest way to get your driver license record is through the FLHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Go to the "Driver Licenses" section and look for the link to "Check Driver License Status" or "Request Driver License Record." You will need to enter your Florida driver license number and either your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

Once you submit your information, the system will display your record on screen. You can print it when ready or save it as a PDF. This method is free and takes only a few minutes. The record you receive shows your current license status, any restrictions (such as corrective lenses or hearing aid), endorsements (such as motorcycle or commercial), and any active suspensions or revocations.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online system, you can call the FLHSMV customer service line at 1-844-DL-FLHSMV (1-844-353-5474) and ask them to mail you a copy of your record. They will ask for your driver license number and mailing address.

Requesting your record by mail or in person

To request your record by mail, write a letter to the FLHSMV Records Bureau that includes your full name, date of birth, driver license number, and current mailing address. Mail it to: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Records Bureau, Neil Kirkman Building, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0500. Include a copy of a photo ID if you are requesting someone else's record with their permission.

Mail requests typically take 7 to 10 business days to process. You will not be charged a fee for requesting your own record. If you need it faster, you can visit any Driver License office in Florida in person. Bring your photo ID and your driver license. A staff member can print your record on the spot, usually within 15 minutes.

To find the Driver License office nearest you, use the office locator on flhsmv.gov or call 1-844-DL-FLHSMV. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.

What information appears on your driver license record

Your driver license record shows your license number, full name, date of birth, address on file, and the date your current license was issued and when it expires. It also lists any restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only) and any endorsements you hold (such as motorcycle, commercial, or hazmat).

The record will show if your license is currently valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If there is an active suspension or revocation, the record will usually note the reason — for example, failure to pay child support, failure to pay traffic fines, or a medical suspension. It will also show the date the suspension or revocation began and, if known, when it is scheduled to end.

Your driver license record does not include individual traffic tickets, accidents, or insurance claims. Those appear on your driving history report, which you can also request from FLHSMV but through a separate process. If you need your driving history for insurance purposes, ask your insurance company — they often have access to it and can pull it for you.

Requesting someone else's driver license record

If you need someone else's driver license record — for example, if you are an employer checking a new hire's driving record, or a family member handling someone's affairs — FLHSMV requires written permission from the person whose record you are requesting. The permission must be signed and, in most cases, notarized.

You can use FLHSMV's "Third Party Authorization Form" (Form HSMV 14-015) to give someone permission to request your record on your behalf. The form must be signed in front of a notary public. Mail the completed form along with a copy of your photo ID to the Records Bureau at the address listed above. Some Driver License offices will also accept the form in person.

Employers and insurance companies have different rules. Some can request records directly under Florida law without your written permission, but you have the right to know that they did so. If you believe someone has requested your record without permission, contact FLHSMV at 1-844-DL-FLHSMV to file a complaint.

Why you might need your driver license record

You may need a copy of your driver license record for several reasons. If you are explore for a job that requires a clean driving record, the employer may ask you to provide it. If you are buying or renewing auto insurance, your insurance company will pull your driving history, but you can request your own record to see what information they are seeing.

If your license was suspended or revoked and you are working to get it reinstated, FLHSMV will ask you to provide proof that you have met all the conditions for reinstatement — such as paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or serving a suspension period. Your driver license record shows the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to clear it.

If you are disputing information on your record — for example, if you believe a suspension was applied in error — you will need a copy of your record to show FLHSMV what you are challenging. You can then request a hearing to contest the suspension or revocation.

What to do if your record contains an error

If you request your driver license record and find information that is incorrect — for example, a restriction that should not be there, or a suspension that was supposed to end — contact FLHSMV when ready. Call 1-844-DL-FLHSMV and explain the error. They will ask you to provide documentation that supports your claim, such as a court order showing a suspension was lifted or a letter from a doctor clearing a medical restriction.

You can also visit a Driver License office in person with your documentation and ask a staff member to help you correct the record. If FLHSMV denies your request to correct the record, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. FLHSMV will provide you with information about how to request a hearing when they deny your correction request.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my driver license record?

Online requests are when ready — you can print your record when ready. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days. In-person requests at a Driver License office usually take 15 minutes or less, depending on how busy the office is.

Is there a fee to request my own driver license record?

No. Requesting your own driver license record is free. FLHSMV does not charge a fee for records requests by the person whose record it is.

Can I request my record if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. You can request your record at any time, whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. In fact, requesting your record is often the first step in understanding why your license was suspended and what you need to do to reinstate it.

What is the difference between my driver license record and my driving history?

Your driver license record shows your license status, restrictions, endorsements, and any suspensions or revocations. Your driving history shows individual traffic tickets, accidents, and violations. You request them separately, and your driving history is what insurance companies and employers typically look at.

Can I request my record if I lost my driver license number?

Yes. When you request your record online or by phone, you can use your Social Security number instead of your driver license number. You will also need to provide your date of birth to verify your identity.