Driving Records

Your driving record, also sometimes known as a motor vehicle record, provides a history of traffic violations, suspensions, and other details about your driving history.

You may also get your spouse's or minor child's record, if they live at the same address as you.

Check the Record

Mistakes can happen, so check your driving record periodically. Errors can cause auto insurance rates to skyrocket, or employers to let you go, or not hire you at all.

How to Request a Copy

To get a copy of your record, go in person to any California DMV office, fill out a Request for Your Own Driver License Record, bring proof of your identity, and pay the $5 application fee.

To get your record through the mail, send the Request for Your Own Driver License Record and $5 (check or money order) to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• Office of Information Services

• Public Operations Unit G199

• P. O. Box 944247

• Sacramento, CA 94244-2470

For your minor child or spouse, also complete a Request for Record Information (INF 70D).

Driving Records Are Public Records

If you have a valid reason (which doesn't include idle curiosity), you can get a copy of anyone's driving record. The DMV blacks out sensitive information, such as your home address and Social Security number.

To request a driving record for someone outside of your immediate family, fill out the INF 70D form, and send it in with the appropriate filing fee.

The DMV will review your request and notify the subject of your query. Stiff penalties can be assessed if the DMV determines you don't have a good reason for the request.

Other Driving Record Providers

To save time, order your driving record through an independent company that specializes in expedited service. Such companies can provide your record sooner―sometimes even by fax or e-mail, cutting the turnaround to a few days.