How to Obtain a DMV Report
Whether it is for a new job or for an insurance company, obtaining a personal driving history is fairly easy. The document (popularly known as a DMV report) shows the official driving history for specific amount of time (usually four or more years) and includes accidents in traffic, any moving violations and suspensions. You can request a copy of this record by following a few easy steps.
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Things You'll Need
- Full name of the individual you are requesting the record on
- Address
- Telephone number
- SSN
- Date of birth
- Driver license number (if you have it)
Instructions
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How to obtain the record
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Obtain written consent from the subject of the DMV report. Written consent must be given in order to run a check on anyone. To do a check without written consent is illegal. Also, if your employer is running a check, the employer must share the results of the record check with you when completed and give you the chance to dispute any of its findings.
Some employers ask you to get a copy of your own driving record so they don't have to pay the fee. Alternatively, they may have an outside vendor perform the service. For example, Data Check Inc. does many background checks for many employers; these checks include retrieving the DMV report.
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Go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and request the record in person. Depending on what state you are in, you may have to fill out a request form and pay a fee (usually $5 or more). If you need a certified copy of the record, you will need to request it by mail.
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Request the DMV report by mail. If you are requesting the record by mail then you will need to include the request form. Usually these forms can be found either online at the state's DMV home website or from the main office. When preparing the request you will need to include all the information listed in the "Things You'll Need" section. One addition to the request form will be an explanation as to why are you requesting the record. Make sure you sign the form and include the fee payable to the agency. If you are requesting a certified copy of the record, the price of the record may be more (most states request you add $4 to the original fee, but check with your local DMV for the total amount).
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Retrieve the record over the Internet. The Internet has made fulfilling the request a lot easier and quicker. By going online and requesting the record you will need a credit card or debit card, and the information from the "Things You'll Need" section. Once you pay the fee, your report will be delivered to you either through email or automatically downloaded to your computer for printout within minutes.
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Tips & Warnings
If you need a copy of the driving record faster than you can get it through the local DMV agency, many companies online offer a quick turnaround on providing you with a copy of the record. For a fee, these companies will usually be able to expedite your order. But a word of caution: The cost for this service will be higher than what the DMV charges.
Most third parties (employers, insurance companies) MUST request an individual's record history by using the record request form.
