California Driving Record

What do we mean about 'Driving Records'?

Driving records are nothing more than a summary of your driving history in your state. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in California also refers to them as driver license records or DMV records.

The majority of people obtain copies of their driving records from:

• Verify that all of the details are correct. This is significant because your car insurance rates may be determined by your driving record.
• Look for any indications of identity theft.
• Give to an employer when they request it (more on this in the 'Employer, Insurance, & Attorney Requests' section below).
• If a court requests it, provide it.

What different types of Driver License Records can I get from the California DMV?

When performing a California license check, the DMV provides two types of driving records:

• Unofficial: If you order it online, you'll get this version.
• Official: You can obtain this type by visiting the DMV in person or by mailing a request.

California also has instructions on how to obtain a copy of your own or another person's National Driver Register (NDR) record check. More information can be found in the "National Driver Register Records" section below.

What information can I find on my California Driver Record?

Your California driving record contains information about:

• Any traffic tickets or convictions you've had, including DUIs (driving while intoxicated).
• Your driver's license status, which indicates whether or not your license has ever been suspended, revoked, or canceled.
• If you need to pay any fees to get your license back.
• Your DMV Point System points.

Your driving record contains the same personal information as your driver's license, such as your:

• Name and age.
• Address.
• Number of Social Security.

Information on DMV Points:

Each violation involving driving and vehicles earns you points on your driving record. Most offenses remain on your record for three or ten years.

3 years:

Convictions are worth one point. These are typically for minor offenses such as traffic violations or broken car parts. Car mishaps. These are recorded on your record for three years from the date of the accident.

Suspension and revocation of a driver's license.

ten years:

• Convictions are worth two points. DUI and reckless driving are examples of serious offenses.
• DUI "failure to appear in court" charges.

All other offenses for which you did not appear in court or did not pay remain on your record for 5 years.

Who else might want to see my California Driver License Record?

While you may be interested in viewing your California driver license record for personal reasons, others, such as your employer, insurance company, or a lawyer/court, may also be interested:

• Employers: They might want to look into the driving records of potential employees or those who need to drive for their job.
• Insurance firms: Your driving record can influence how much you pay for car insurance.
• Attorneys: Courts or lawyers may request your driving records, especially if you're facing a traffic violation charge.

How do my DMV Records affect my Car Insurance?

Did you know that car insurance companies consider your driving history when determining your insurance rates?

Even if your driving record isn't perfect, you don't have to accept exorbitant auto insurance rates. By taking a defensive driving course, you may be able to keep points off your record.

How do I get a copy of my California Driving Record?

Your California driving record can be ordered online, in person, or by mail.

Online:

Driver records obtained online are not official documents. If you require an official copy, you must place an order in person or by mail.

To obtain an unofficial record, go to:

• Navigate to the Driver Record Request page of the state's website.
• Fill in the blanks with the necessary information.
• Pay the applicable fee (see "Fees for Your California Driver License Record" below).

Remember that in order to use this option, you must first register and become a Certified User. You can do so by visiting the state's Certified User Registration page.

In Person:

If you want to obtain your California driving record in person, follow these steps:

• Go to your nearest DMV office. To save time, you might want to schedule an appointment.
• Fill out Form INF 1125, Request for Your Own Driver License Information Record.
• Display your identification.
• Pay the applicable fee.

Via Mail:

To obtain your driving record by mail, follow these steps:

• Complete Form INF 1125, Request for Your Own Driver License Information Record. Alternatively, you can submit a written request that includes your name, birthdate, Social Security number, California driver license number, and signature.
• Include a $5 check or money order with your submission.
• Send your request to the following address:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Information Release Unit G199
P. O. BOX 944247
Sacramento, California 94244

Remember to write "Certified Driver Record" at the top of your application or written request if you want an official copy.

How can I get a copy of someone else's California Driving Record?

Although California considers driving records to be public information, this does not mean that you can obtain someone's record for any reason. You can request it, but the DMV will decide whether or not to grant it.

To begin, complete the Request for Record Information (Form INF 70) and mail it to:

Information Release Unit G199, Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 944247, Sacramento, CA 94244.

Include a check or money order for the required fee (see "Fees for CA Driver License Records" below).

Remember that the DMV rarely shares personal or sensitive information from these records. The person's address and Social Security number will be concealed. In some legal situations, the DMV may make an exception.

How much does it cost to get my California Driver License Record?

The cost of driver records in California is determined by how they are ordered:

• Online: $2.
• By mail: $5.
• In person: $5.

What forms of payment can I use?

The method of payment is determined by how you request your record.

Online:

When paying online, you can use:

• A major credit or debit card is required.
• The eCheck feature of the system.

By Mail:

If you want to request your California driver record by mail, you must include a check or money order.

Person to Person:

You can pay at your local DMV office with:

• Cash.
• Check.
• Orders for money.
• Major ATM and debit cards are accepted.

Credit cards are not accepted.

What is the National Driver Register (NDR) and how do I access it?

The National Driver Register (NDR) is a national database of drivers who have had serious problems, such as license suspensions or major traffic convictions, such as DUI.

NDR driver records include information from all states where you've held a driver's license, as long as the state has sent it to the NDR.

You can request an NDR driving record check as an individual or as an employer. When you order through the California application process, the record is available for three years from the date of the inquiry.

Drivers who have had license suspensions, revocations, or other serious license issues typically order NDR driving record checks to ensure that everything is correct before applying for a license in another state or interviewing for jobs that require them to drive.

How do I order my own NDR Record?

To order your own record, you do not need a special form.

Simply send a notarized written request to the Department of Transportation's National Driver Register at the following address:

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590

Your full legal name, date of birth, state and driver's license number, sex, height, weight, and eye color must all be included in your request. It is optional to include your Social Security number.

Your NDR driving record check is completely free.

How does an employer request an NDR Record?

If you are an employer and want to request a current or potential employee's driving record:

• Fill out Form INF 1301A, Request for NDR Record Check. Read through all of the instructions thoroughly, paying special attention to the following steps:
  • The driver must sign the form to authorize the record check.
  • The driver must have his or her signature notarized to prove his or her identity.
  • The request should be made in the state where the driver currently holds a driver's license.
• Send the form along with a $5 check or money order to:
  Department of Motor Vehicles
  Information Release Unit G199
  P.O. Box 944247
  Sacramento, CA 94244

How do I correct errors on my California Driving Record?

If you discover incorrect information on your California driving record about traffic violations, convictions, or accidents, you can request that it be corrected.

Violations and Convictions in Traffic:

• Complete and submit Form DL 207, Driver License Record Correction Request.
• Include any relevant court documents to demonstrate that you were not convicted of the violation:
  • A Court Abstract/Document Error (Form DL 157) is required by the DMV.
  • A signed or certified letter from the court on official letterhead is also required.
  • Both of these can be obtained from the court that heard your case.

Send your Correction Request and any required documents to:

Mandatory Actions Unit, Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 942890 Sacramento, CA 94290.

For Car Accidents:

• Fill out and return Form DL 208, Traffic Accident Record Correction Request.
• Include the original traffic accident report, as well as an amended report or explanation on official letterhead. These are available from the law enforcement agency that handled the accident.
• Send all forms and documents to the same address listed above.

What if someone illegally accessed my driver's license record?

If you believe someone has illegally accessed your driver's license record, you can file a complaint with the DMV. To do so, complete the Complaint Form (INF 1164) and mail it to the address on the form.

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