What's in your Maryland driving record and how to get it

Your Maryland driving record is a file the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) keeps on you. It shows your license status, traffic violations, accidents you reported, suspensions, points, and any restrictions on your license. You can order a copy of your own record online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. The MVA also sells records to insurance companies, employers, and others with a legal reason to see them — which is why your record affects your insurance rates and job prospects.

Maryland uses a points system: traffic violations add points to your record, and too many points trigger a suspension. A speeding ticket might add 1 point; reckless driving adds 8. Accumulate 8 points in 24 months and your license is suspended for 6 months. The points stay on your record for 3 years from the violation date, but suspensions and other enforcement actions can last longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Maryland driving record includes your license status, violations, accidents, points, and any suspensions or restrictions.
  • You can order your own record online through the MVA website, by mail, or in person for a small fee.
  • Traffic violations add points; 8 points in 24 months triggers a 6-month suspension.
  • Insurance companies and employers can see your record if they have a legal reason, which is why violations raise your insurance rates.
  • Points stay on your record for 3 years, but suspensions and serious violations may affect you longer.

How to order your own Maryland driving record

The fastest way is online through the MVA's website. You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The MVA sends the record to your email address within minutes. There is a small fee — currently $3.50 for an electronic copy.

If you prefer mail, read the form from the MVA website or request one by phone at 410-787-7758. Mail it to the MVA with a check or money order and your request will be processed in 5 to 10 business days. You can also visit an MVA office in person with your ID and pay the fee on the spot; you'll receive your record when ready.

The record you receive is called a "driving record abstract" and shows violations, points, suspensions, and restrictions. It does not include personal information like your address or Social Security number — that's kept separate for security.

Understanding points and how they affect your license

Maryland assigns points based on the severity of the violation. A minor speeding ticket (1–10 mph over) is 1 point. Speeding 11–20 mph over is 2 points. Reckless driving is 8 points. Driving without a license is 12 points. Accumulating 8 points within 24 months results in a mandatory 6-month suspension.

Points are not removed automatically. They stay on your record for 3 years from the date of the violation, then drop off. If you receive a violation on January 15, 2022, the points expire on January 15, 2025. If you get another violation before that date, the points stack.

You cannot pay to remove points early, and there is no "point reduction" program in Maryland. Your only option to reduce points is to contest the violation in traffic court and win, or to complete a defensive driving course if the court offers it as part of a plea agreement.

What happens when you accumulate too many points

When you hit 8 points in 24 months, the MVA automatically suspends your license for 6 months. You will receive a notice by mail. Your license is not valid during the suspension, and driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Maryland.

If you accumulate 12 points in 24 months, your suspension is 12 months instead of 6. If you reach 16 points in 24 months, you face a 24-month suspension. These are mandatory — the MVA does not have discretion to reduce them.

To reinstate your license after suspension, you must wait out the suspension period, then visit an MVA office with your ID and pay a reinstatement fee (currently $100). You do not have to retake the written or road test unless the MVA specifically orders it.

How your record affects insurance rates

Insurance companies pull your MVA record when you buy a policy and again periodically while you're insured. Violations, points, and suspensions all raise your rates. A single speeding ticket might raise your rate by 10 to 20 percent, depending on the insurer. A reckless driving conviction or suspension can double your rate or cause an insurer to drop you entirely.

Some insurers use a "surcharge" system: they add a fixed dollar amount per point or per violation. Others use a percentage increase. There is no state rule on how much insurers can charge for violations, so rates vary widely between companies. If your rate jumps after a violation, shopping around may find you a better price with a different insurer.

Your record is also used to determine whether you may have access to for standard insurance or are placed in a high-risk pool. High-risk drivers pay significantly more and may have fewer coverage options.

Violations that stay on your record longer than 3 years

Most traffic violations drop off after 3 years, but serious convictions stay longer. A DUI (driving under the influence) conviction stays on your record for 10 years. A hit-and-run stays for 5 years. Reckless driving stays for 5 years. These longer periods affect insurance rates and may be considered by employers, even after the points themselves expire.

A suspension also stays on your record indefinitely — it is not removed after 3 years. If you were suspended in 2020, that suspension will still appear on your record in 2025. This matters because some employers and insurers view suspension history as a sign of serious violations.

If you believe your record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, or a violation that should have been removed — you can dispute it in writing to the MVA. Include documentation (court records, proof of payment, etc.) and mail it to the address on your record. The MVA will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed.

Who can see your driving record and why

You can always see your own record. Insurance companies can see it when you explore or renew. Employers can see it if the job involves driving or if they have a specific business reason. Law enforcement can access it during a traffic stop. Landlords, lenders, and others can request it only if you consent in writing.

The MVA does not share your record publicly — anyone requesting it must submit a formal request and, in most cases, provide a reason. This is why you may not know when ready that an insurer has pulled your record; they do it behind the scenes when you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my driving record by mail?

The MVA processes mail requests in 5 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, order online (results in minutes) or visit an MVA office in person (when ready). Mail times do not include delivery time to your address.

Can I remove points from my record early?

No. Points stay for 3 years and cannot be removed early. Your only option is to contest the violation in traffic court and win, or to complete a defensive driving course if the court offers it as part of a plea deal.

What is the difference between points and a suspension?

Points are a running tally that accumulate over 24 months. A suspension is a penalty that takes effect when you reach 8 points. Points expire after 3 years; suspensions stay on your record indefinitely but only prevent you from driving during the suspension period itself.

Will a violation on my record raise my insurance rates?

Yes. All violations raise rates, though the amount varies by insurer and violation type. A speeding ticket typically raises rates 10 to 20 percent. Serious violations like reckless driving or DUI can double your rate or cause cancellation. Shopping around may find you better pricing.

How do I reinstate my license after a suspension?

Wait out the suspension period, then visit an MVA office with your ID and pay the reinstatement fee (currently $100). You do not need to retake the written or road test unless the MVA orders it in your suspension notice.