How to Read a DMV Abstract

Most state departments of Motor Vehicles will let you request a DMV Abstract online.

State departments of Motor Vehicles provide records of a driver's history and status called the DMV Abstract of Driving Record. Only the licensed driver or a person authorized by the driver can obtain a driver's DMV Abstract. When hiring a driver, many business owners require the driver to provide a DMV Abstract in order to verify his record. To understand a DMV Abstract, you need to know what the items on the DMV Abstract mean.

Instructions

1. Read the "Record Summary Line." It is located beneath the mailing address and name of the driver. The "Record Summary Line" starts with "License Class."

2. Read the "License Class" line: it will include one or more letters, each of which indicates a License Class that has been issued to the driver. On the back of the DMV Abstract you will find the different endorsements each license class offers. Next to the License Class you will find the status of the license. If the license is valid it will indicate "Valid." It will also indicate the expiration date of a license.

3. Read items on the "Activity" line. In the activity section you will see a record of any accident prevention courses that have been completed.

4. Read the "Suspensions/Revocations" section. In this section it will show if a license has ever been suspended or revoked. This section will also include details of what led to the suspension and the date the suspension was cleared.

5. Read the "Convictions/Bail Forfeitures" section. In this section you will find information on any convictions/ bail forfeiture related to any driving violations. It will include the reason, date of the violation, the location of the violation, amount of any fines paid, length of sentence, and any penalty points applied to the license.

6. Read the "Accidents" section. This will show any accidents incurred while driving. This section will also include details of any accidents, including whether any fatalities or injuries occurred during the accident, details of any property damage that resulted, the county where the accident occurred, and whether a police or a motorist report was filed.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the DMV Abstract carefully. If the DMV Abstract contains items that you want to dispute, contact the DMV. Be prepared to provide documentation to support your argument.

References

• New York Department of Motor Vehicles: Abstract of Driving Recod Sample
• DMV-Report.com: DMV Report Abstracts