How to Find Driving Records

Learn How to Locate a Driving Record

From the moment you apply for your initial learner’s permit, your state tracks your driving history. Typically, these records are maintained by each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), under the Department of Transportation umbrella. Anyone has the right to request information about their own driving record or the driving record of another person.

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Reasons to Request Driving Records

There are many reasons why you might want a copy of your driving record, such as:

• Verifying the accuracy of the report
• Checking license status
• Employment
• Traffic court
• Traffic school
• Checking the number of points or ensuring points have been removed

You also may want to view the driving record of another person for various reasons, such as:

• Verifying license status
• Verifying information
• Employment
• Lending a car to another person
• Entering a business relationship with another person

Types of Driving Records

Most states offer several different types of driving records, including:

• Partial Driving Records: Partial driving records don’t include any type of personal information. It only includes a full name of the driver, driving license status and type, the state where the license was issued, zip code, and a list of traffic violations, fines, suspensions and accidents. The number of years included on partial driving records varies from state to state.
• Complete Driving Records: A complete driving records will include traffic violations, fines, suspension and traffic accidents, as well as the full name of driver, the date the license was first issued, driving license status and type, address, date of birth, phone number, driver license ID number and driving restrictions. Complete driving records can include information for just the last several years or everything from the first license issue date, depending on the purpose of the request.
• Certified Driving Records: A certified driving record is a full or partial driving record that has been officially certified by the state agency responsible for maintaining driving records.

Who Has Access to Driving Records

The information listed in a partial driving record is considered public domain, and anyone access this information for any reason. However, the Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act forbids governmental agencies from releasing any type of personal information, such as social security number, driver’s license ID number, address (with the exception of the zip code), phone number, height, weight, eye color, license photo and medical information, to the public.

There are some exceptions to this rule. Several people and organizations do have the legal authority to gain complete access to your complete driving record. Authorized requestors include:

• Law enforcement officers
• Insurance agencies
• Employers
• Attorneys (if it’s case-related)
• Auto manufacturers (in the case of a recall)
• Governmental agencies
• Toll booth facilities
• Towing companies

In addition, you can give another party permission to access your personal driving record for any purpose. Most states require a notarized copy of the Driving Record Request Form before a complete driving record will be released to another party.

How to Find Driving Records

You can get a copy of your own or someone else’s driving records either online, by mail or in person.

Online

If all you need to do is check the status of a driving record, most states offer this free of charge through the DMV website or by contacting your state or local DMV office. You must have the driver’s name and license ID number to gain access to this information.

If, however, you need a partial, complete or certified printed copy of your own driving record, you must complete a Driving Record Request form. Many states allow you to complete this request and make payment right online through the state’s DMV website. Typically, you can print this information immediately after making the request. If a certified copy is needed, delivery time could take a few weeks.

If you are unable to use the state’s website or you are looking for another person’s driving records, you can go through us here at Search Quarry. Search Driving Records by Name for Free.

By Mail

If your state does not offer online services or if you don’t want to use online services, you can also request a partial, complete or certified driving record by mail. You will need to complete the Driving Record Request Form and mail the form along with payment to the address listed on the form. Depending on your state, it could take several days or weeks to receive your driving record in the mail.

You also can request another person’s driving records via mail by completing the Driving Record Request Form. Unless you are an authorized requestor (listed above), you will need to secure the signature of the person whose record you want to find and in most cases have the form notarized.

In Person

You also can request your own or another person’s driving record in person at the DMV office. You may want to print out a copy of the Driving Record Request Form prior to going to the DMV, especially if you are requesting another person’s records. In addition, you should call ahead to make sure that this service is available at your local DMV, since not all offices offer the same types of services. If you live in a rural area, you may need to travel to a larger DMV office to obtain a driving record. You can submit your form and make payment in person, and receive the driving record the same day.