Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my driving record?
Contact your state DMV or visit their website. Most states allow you to request your driving record online for a small fee, typically between two and twenty-five dollars.
What shows up on a driving record?
Traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions or revocations, DUI convictions, points on your license, and current license status including whether it is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
How long do violations stay on a driving record?
It varies by state and violation type. Most minor violations stay three to five years. DUI convictions typically stay five to ten years, and some states keep them permanently.
Can employers check my driving record?
Yes. Employers can request your Motor Vehicle Report through the state DMV, typically with your written consent. This is standard for jobs that involve driving.
How do I check a vehicle history?
Use the free NICB VINCheck tool at nicb.org or the NMVTIS at vehiclehistory.gov. Commercial services like Carfax provide more detailed reports for a fee.
Step-by-Step Guide
The Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) restricts access to personal information in DMV records to specific permissible purposes, including government functions, court proceedings, law enforcement, insurance underwriting, employment verification (with consent), and certain research uses.
Any driver can obtain their own driving record. Visit your state DMV website, provide your license number, pay the state fee (varies by state, typically under $25), and download your official record.
Employers and insurers can request records with driver consent. Use your state's official motor vehicle record (MVR) request process.
Vehicle identification number (VIN) searches reveal title history, accidents, and odometer readings through NMVTIS or commercial services like Carfax.
For legal proceedings, request certified driving records through the DMV. Processing times and fees vary by state and request method.
What Records Are Available
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can access my DMV records?
Under DPPA, only entities with a permissible purpose under federal law can access your personal information. Common permissible purposes include court proceedings, law enforcement, insurance underwriting, employment verification (with written consent), and licensed private investigation. The full list of 14 permissible purposes is defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2721(b).
How do I request my own driving record?
Visit your state DMV website and look for "Driver Record Request" or "Motor Vehicle Record." You'll need your driver's license number and a small fee.
What is a VIN check?
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check reveals a vehicle's complete history including previous owners, accidents reported to insurance, title status, and mileage records.
Can I get someone else's DMV records?
Only with a permissible purpose under DPPA. Accessing another person's driving record generally requires their written consent or a qualifying legal purpose under the DPPA.
DMV Records by State
Access driver records, vehicle registration, and license verification in any state.