Driving record · Vehicle record
DMV records: what you can get and how
A DMV holds two kinds of record. Your driving record follows you; a vehicle record follows the car. Here is how to get each one the right way.
The two DMV records
| Driving record (MVR) | Vehicle record | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Licence status, class, violations, points, suspensions | Title, brands, odometer at transfer, registration |
| Who can get it | You; others with your consent or a DPPA permissible purpose | Vehicle facts: anyone, through a VIN check or NMVTIS report. Owner details: permissible purpose only |
| Where | Your state DMV, online, by mail or in person | NHTSA, NMVTIS providers and history reports |
How to get your own driving record
- Open your state DMV site from our state guides and look for "driving record" or "MVR".
- Verify your identity with your licence number and personal details.
- Pay the state fee shown at checkout; fees and formats vary by state.
- Download or receive the record and check every violation and date.
Why people request one
- Checking points before an insurance renewal.
- Applying for a job that involves driving.
- Confirming a ticket or suspension has cleared.
- Court, traffic school or reinstatement paperwork.
Need the vehicle, not the driver?
Decode any VIN for NHTSA specs and recalls with our DMV car VIN check, or see what the DMV releases on a plate.
This site does not sell or display driving records or owner information.
Questions people ask
Who can get my driving record?
You can always get your own. Others need your written consent or a DPPA permissible purpose, such as an insurer rating your policy or an employer screening a driving job.
Can I look up someone else's driving record?
Not as a member of the public. A driving record is personal information under the DPPA, so the DMV releases it only to you, to people you authorise, and to permitted requesters.
Is a driving record the same as a vehicle record?
No. A driving record (MVR) follows the driver: licence status, violations and points. A vehicle record follows the car: title, brands and odometer, and it is what a VIN check covers.