How to Research DMV Records

Researching DMV records is not usually difficult, but you must remember that not all information may be available and you will probably need to pay a small fee to access records. Most requests must be made by mail or in person at the local DMV office.

State privacy statutes prevent personally identifying information from being revealed to unauthorized people. This means that you will not be able to run a full DMV records check without the permission of the person you are checking. 

Most states classify the following as public information:

•    Driver’s license status (valid, revoked, restricted, etc.)
•    ZIP code
•    Convictions
•    Unpaid fines
•    Physical description (height, weight, eye color, etc.)

Restricted information usually includes:

•    Name
•    Date of birth
•    Driver’s license number
•    Crash information

Information classified as private, not to be revealed, includes:

•    Social Security Number
•    Disability parking certificate data
•    Leasing data
•    Medical Data
•    Designated caregiver data

In addition, there may be some information that is classified as completely confidential, meaning that even the driver’s license holder may not see it. Driving ability information is considered confidential and only law enforcement may look at it.

When You Might Want a Copy of a Driver’s License Record

There are many instances in which you might want a copy of your driving record. If you feel your insurance company is charging you for infractions more than three years old, request a copy of your DMV record and visit with your insurance agent. (Remember that some infractions, particularly DWI or DUI, remain under consideration by insurance companies for up to five years.)

If you are applying for a job which might require you to drive, request a copy of your driving record before you apply. This allows you to prepare for any surprises which may be on your record. Once you sign an application for employment, you may be giving your potential employer permission to check your driving record—it will say so in the fine print. Double check an application for employment if you do not want your driving record requested by the potential employer.

It is not a bad idea to check the driving record of anyone you may hire to drive your children from one place to another, including nannies, day care providers, and baby sisters.  If you obtain written permission from the person, you may request their driving records as long as you attach a copy of the application or permission.

If you have recently requested that an arrest or conviction be removed from your driving record, it is a good idea to double check that it actually has been removed. Requests for expungement typically take 30 days before they are reviewed by a judge; you should check your DMV record 30 days after the judge signs off on the request. If the offense has not been removed, contact your department of motor vehicles.

Requesting DMV Records and Information

By far the easiest way to access driving records is to go to your local DMV office and fill out the form in person. Some states such as Nebraska have self service kiosks at the local DMV locations which streamline processes such as requesting driver’s license records. Call or visit the DMV to find out how to obtain records.

Requests for DMV checks may also be made in writing to the appropriate state agency, usually the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Visit the appropriate agency’s website to access forms to print out; most states have the forms available online, along with contact addresses for returning them.

You must fill out a form and include your driver’s license number, vehicle information, full name, and date of birth. If a person other than the license holder is requesting information (such as an employer or insurance agent), a signed consent form must accompany the request, and that entity must supply an explanation as to why they are requesting the records.

Fees for Requesting DMV Records

There are usually fees attached to DMV records searches, even those performed online.  Fees vary from $3 to $7 or more, depending on the state. You may be able to obtain a 3 year record for less than a 10 year record, for instance.

Certified copies are available as well for additional fees. You should request a certified copy of your driving record if you have taken a driving course, have applied for a job which requires a certified copy, or would like to make sure your record is as accurate as possible.

Examples of Online Resources for DMV Research

Some states allow you to check if a driver’s license is valid without revealing any other information about the license holder. For instance, if you are a Minnesota driver, visit http://www.mndriveinfo.org. 

If you are an Arizona driver, visit https://servicearizona.com/webapp/citizenMVR/ to request your records through an online search. 

Texas drivers may visit https://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/tolapp/txldrcdr/TXDPSLicenseeManager. This search portal allows you to access your driving record for the past three years, accident reports, and even a certified abstract of driving record (AOR), which is a complete driving record for the individual license holder.

Not every state allows an online search, and you must prove that you are requesting information for valid purposes whether you conduct an online search or a mail request.

Additional DMV Records Information:

DMV California DUI