Ways to Check a Driving Record

It is important to check your driving record before purchasing insurance.

Driving records can be required as a part of an employee background check or by insurance companies. Driving records typically include accidents, collisions, convictions, suspensions, deferred prosecutions and failure-to-appear court despositions associated with your license number. It is wise to periodically check your driving record for mistakes or before purchasing car insurance. Each state has different procedures but usually offer a few ways to check your driving record. Generally, only the driver can check her own record with a few exceptions.

Local Department of Motor Vehicles

Most state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will provide you with a driving record at local offices. In California, you are required to make an appointment and fill out a request form. In New York and Washington states you may walk in at any time during office hours with photo identification and request your driving record. Fees for obtaining a driving record vary by state but usually range from $5 as in California to $20 as in Connecticut.

Mail and Online

Almost all state DMVs allow the request for a driving record to be sent by mail. Usually, the driver must send a form with his personal information and driver's licence number, a copy of a photo identification and the fee by money order or check. Sometimes additional identification information is necessary such as a Social Security number, phone number or copies of an additional photo identification. Some states also have online request forms and payment options. Washington, Nevada and Virginia each has an online system through which you can request the driving record, pay online and receive the record instantly in a downloadable pdf file.

Third-Party Request

There are many online companies that can obtain driving records from state DMVs upon request. Many of the same companies that provide background and criminal checks deliver instant online results of driving records going back three, five and 10 years. Fees for using a third-party company range from $25 to $40. In addition, resource websites such as DMV.org compile information from state DMVs and online services in one place to drivers can research the best way to check their driving records.

Another Individual's Driving Record

Only in limited circumstances are you allowed to get someone else's driving record. As a part of an employee background check, a criminal investigation or court case, law enforcement agencies, attorneys and employers can receive the driving record of another individual. Abstracts are available to volunteer organizations and schools to check drivers. Driving-record abstracts usually include only convictions and accidents.

References

• Washington State Department of Motor Vehicles: Request another person's driving record
• DMV.org
• New York Department of Motor Vehicles: DMV Records
• Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles: Driver History Reports
• Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles: Request a Copy of Your Driver or Vehicle Record
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles: Obtaining a Copy of Your Driving Record

Resources

• California Department of Motor Vehicles: General Information
• 4 Safe Drivers: Order Your Driving Records Now