Last updated April 2026.
Driving Records: Understanding Your Motor Vehicle History
Driving records, officially known as Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs), are detailed records of an individual’s driving history and all driving-related offenses. These official government documents maintained by state motor vehicle agencies contain a complete history of your driving activities, violations, and infractions. Your driving record is an important document that affects your insurance rates, employment opportunities, and legal standing as a driver.
What Information Is Included in Driving Records?
A comprehensive driving record includes details on:
- Points: Driving record points assigned for traffic violations and accidents, which accumulate and can lead to license suspension
- DUIs and DWIs: Driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated convictions, among the most serious driving offenses
- Fines and Penalties: Financial penalties assessed for various traffic violations
- License Suspensions and Revocations: Temporary suspensions or permanent revocations of driving privileges
- Traffic Violations: All traffic violations such as speeding, red light running, and improper lane changes
- Traffic-Related Convictions: Criminal convictions resulting from traffic offenses
- Accidents: Records of accidents involving your vehicle, regardless of fault
- License Status: Current status of your driver’s license (active, suspended, revoked, expired)
- License Classes and Endorsements: Types of vehicles you’re licensed to operate
How Long Do Infractions Stay on Your Driving Record?
The length of time infractions remain on your driving record varies significantly by state and the type of offense. Typical timeframes include:
- Minor traffic violations: 3-5 years
- At-fault accidents: 3-7 years
- DUI/DWI convictions: 5-10 years or longer
- Criminal traffic convictions: 7-10 years or permanently
Some serious offenses, particularly felony-level traffic crimes, may remain on your record permanently. After the specified period expires, most states remove the infraction from the public record, though it may still be accessible to law enforcement and in some cases insurance companies.
Accessing Your Driving Record
In most states, only the person on record can access their own driving record. If you need a copy of your driving record, you can typically obtain one through several methods:
- Your state’s DMV: Visit in person or request by mail
- Online ordering: Many states offer online ordering systems where you can request certified copies
- Your auto insurance agent: Insurance companies maintain copies of driving records for their policyholders
- Third-party services: Private companies offer driving record lookup and ordering services, often for a fee
States That Don’t Allow Driving Record Access
A notable exception exists in five states that severely restrict access to driving records. Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin do not allow anyone, including the record holder themselves, to directly access driving records. In these states, driving records are considered confidential and are only available to:
- Insurance companies with legitimate purposes
- Law enforcement and government agencies
- The driver through specific legal processes
- Court-ordered access
If you need your driving record from one of these states, you may need to work with your insurance company, attorney, or directly contact the state motor vehicle agency.
How Driving Records Affect You
Insurance Rates: Your driving record significantly impacts your auto insurance premiums. Violations, accidents, and especially DUI convictions can substantially increase your rates.
Employment: Some employers, particularly those hiring commercial drivers, require clean driving records as a condition of employment. Transportation companies, delivery services, and rideshare companies often pull driving records.
License Suspension: Accumulating too many points can result in license suspension or revocation, preventing you from legally driving.
Criminal Consequences: Serious driving violations can result in criminal charges, jail time, and fines beyond administrative penalties.
Improving Your Driving Record
While you cannot erase violations from your record, you can improve it over time:
- Drive safely: Maintain a clean driving record going forward to show improvement
- Traffic school: Some states allow traffic school completion to mask violations from insurance companies
- Defensive driving courses: Completing approved courses may earn insurance discounts
- Wait for violations to age off: After the required period, violations are removed from public records
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Records
How do I check my driving record?
Contact your state’s DMV or motor vehicle agency. Many states now offer online ordering. You can also request it by mail or in person. Your insurance agent can also provide a copy.
Can I dispute something on my driving record?
Yes, if you believe there’s an error on your record, contact your state’s DMV with documentation to request a correction. You may need to provide evidence or court documents.
How much does a driving record cost?
Costs vary by state but typically range from $5 to $20 per copy. Online ordering may cost slightly more than in-person requests.
Do accidents show on my driving record?
Yes, accidents typically appear on driving records regardless of fault. However, some states only report accidents where you were cited for a violation.
How long does a DUI stay on my driving record?
DUI convictions typically remain on your record for 5-10 years, though some states keep them permanently. This varies significantly by state.