How to Get a Copy of Your Driving Record

Last Updated on December 31, 2025

Your driving record (often called a motor vehicle report or MVR) can impact your life in more ways than you might expect—from job applications to car insurance pricing. That’s why many drivers choose to pull a copy for themselves at least once in a while.

Your MVR shows key details like tickets, accidents, and the status of your driver’s license. Reviewing it can also help you understand how your driving history affects your insurance rates—and it can help you confirm how many points are on your license (if your state uses a point system).

Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to getting a copy of your driving record, what’s included, and what to do if you find an error.

Key Takeaways

You can usually get your driving record (MVR) directly from your state DMV online, by mail, or in person.
Most states charge a small fee, and some DMVs require you to print the record immediately after purchase.
Your MVR typically shows tickets, accidents, license status, and points—information insurers often use when pricing your policy.
Checking your record can help you spot errors, prepare for job applications, and understand why your insurance costs may have changed.

Table Of Contents

What Is a Driving Record (MVR)?
The Best Way to Get Your Driving Record: Request It From Your State DMV
Example: Requesting Your Driving Record in California
What’s Included in a Motor Vehicle Report?
How Far Back Do Insurance Companies Look?
Is Your Driving Record Public Record?
Why It’s Smart to Check Your Driving Record
Other Ways to Get a Driving Record (And What to Watch Out For)
FAQs on Getting a Copy of Your Driving Record (MVR)
Final Word on Getting a Copy of Your Driving Record

What Is a Driving Record (MVR)?

A driving record (MVR) is the official record maintained by your state DMV (or equivalent agency). Think of it as a summary of your driving history and license status.

Many states offer multiple versions of a driving record—such as a standard record (often the last 3–7 years) and, in some cases, a longer history or lifetime record. Some states also offer a certified (stamped) copy for legal or employment purposes.

The Best Way to Get Your Driving Record: Request It From Your State DMV

The simplest and most reliable way to get your driving record is to request it directly from your state’s DMV (or the agency that issues driver’s licenses).

Most states now let you request a record online, and many allow mail or in-person requests as well. Fees vary, but it’s usually a small cost.

What You Typically Need

Your driver’s license number (and sometimes additional identity verification)
A payment method (card or bank transfer for online requests; check or money order for mail requests)
A printer (some DMVs require you to print immediately after purchase)

How to Request Your MVR in 4 Simple Steps

Step 1: Visit your state DMV website (or a local DMV office).
Step 2: Look for “Driving Record,” “Driver Abstract,” or “Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).”
Step 3: Verify your identity and pay the fee (if required).
Step 4: Download/print your record, or wait for it to arrive by mail.

Example: Requesting Your Driving Record in California

California drivers can request a copy of their driving record online through the California DMV’s official driver record request page: Online Driver’s Record Request (California DMV). California also offers mail and in-person options, with different fees depending on how you request it.

Even if you’re not in California, the process is similar nationwide: the official DMV site is usually the cheapest, safest place to request your record.

What’s Included in a Motor Vehicle Report?

What shows up on your MVR varies by state and the type of record you request. In general, your driving record may include:

Your license status (valid, suspended, revoked) and major administrative actions
Moving violations like speeding, reckless driving, and other tickets (these are the types of issues that can raise premiums—see how traffic violations affect insurance premiums)
Reported accidents (often including date and basic details)
Points assessed to your license (in states that use a point system)
Your license class, restrictions, and endorsements

If you’re dealing with a suspension or trying to estimate how long it may remain visible, this can help: how long a suspended license stays on your record.

How Far Back Do Insurance Companies Look?

When you apply for car insurance or shop for quotes, insurers often pull your driving record (or a similar report) to price your policy. How far back they look depends on state rules and company guidelines.

Many insurers focus heavily on the last several years of driving history. For example, some will review multiple years of accident history—here’s more on how long an accident can stay on your insurance record.

And remember: your driving record is only one piece of the pricing puzzle. Insurers also consider factors like where you live, what you drive, mileage, coverage limits, and more—see the top factors that determine auto insurance rates.

Is Your Driving Record Public Record?

Your MVR is not treated like a “look-it-up-anytime” public record in the way some other documents are. Federal privacy rules restrict how personal information from DMV records can be shared and used. (This is often referred to as the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, or DPPA.)

That said, certain entities can legally access DMV record information for specific permitted reasons (for example, law enforcement, insurers, and other authorized requesters). If you want to see the federal rule language, you can review it here: 18 U.S. Code § 2721 (DPPA).

Why It’s Smart to Check Your Driving Record

Pulling your own MVR isn’t just for curiosity—it can be a practical tool. Common reasons drivers check include:

Spotting errors or duplicates before they cause bigger problems
Understanding rate changes (especially if you’re trying to figure out common reasons car insurance rates go up)
Preparing for a new job if driving is part of the role (delivery, company vehicle, rideshare, CDL, etc.)
Confirming points and learning what options you may have to reduce the impact over time

What If You Find a Mistake?

If something on your record looks wrong, don’t ignore it. Start by gathering documents (court disposition, police report number, proof a ticket was dismissed, or proof of identity). Then contact your DMV and/or the court that handled the ticket to ask about correction procedures.

If the issue is points-related, it can also help to understand your state’s rules and timelines. Here’s a general guide on getting rid of points on your driver’s license.

Other Ways to Get a Driving Record (And What to Watch Out For)

While your DMV is usually the best option, there are a few other ways people try to get driving record information:

Your insurance company or agent: Some insurers can show you what they pulled for underwriting, but it may not be a certified DMV record.
Third-party websites: Many sites advertise “instant driving records” for high fees. Some are legitimate intermediaries, but others are overpriced or misleading. If you need an official record, go through your DMV whenever possible.

FAQs on Getting a Copy of Your Driving Record (MVR)

How Do I Get My Driving Record Online?

Go to your state DMV (or driver licensing agency) website and look for “Driving Record,” “Driver Abstract,” or “Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).” You’ll typically verify your identity, pay a small fee, and then download or print your record.

How Much Does a Driving Record Cost?

Fees vary by state and by the type of record (standard vs. certified vs. longer history). In many states it’s a small fee, and online requests may be cheaper than mail or in-person requests.

What’s the Difference Between an MVR, Driver Abstract, and a Certified Record?

They’re often different names for the same thing: an official driving history report. A “certified” record usually means the DMV provides a stamped or officially authenticated copy that can be used for legal, employment, or court-related purposes.

How Far Back Does a Driving Record Go?

It depends on your state and which version you request. Some states provide a standard record that covers a set number of years, while others offer longer-history or lifetime options. Serious violations may remain visible longer than minor tickets.

Can Someone Else Request My Driving Record?

Usually not without a legally permitted reason and the correct paperwork. DMV records are subject to privacy rules, and states typically limit access to specific authorized uses (such as insurance underwriting, law enforcement, or certain employment-related checks).

Do Employers Check Driving Records?

Yes—especially if driving is part of the job (company vehicles, delivery, rideshare, CDL roles). Employers often request a driving record as part of the hiring process, and some positions require a certified version.

What Should I Do If There’s an Error on My MVR?

Gather supporting documents (for example, proof a ticket was dismissed or corrected) and contact your DMV and/or the court that handled the citation. Many states have an official dispute or correction process for errors on driving records.

Final Word on Getting a Copy of Your Driving Record

Getting a copy of your driving record is usually straightforward: start with your state DMV, choose the type of record you need, verify your identity, and download/print or wait for it in the mail.

Checking your MVR proactively can help you spot mistakes, understand insurance pricing, and avoid surprises—especially before shopping for quotes or applying for driving-related jobs.