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Driving Records
ORDER DRIVING RECORDS ONLINE FROM OUR SPONSORFor Individuals:
Although you can order a driving record directly from the New York DMV, individuals can order it online through a third party: BackgroundChecks.com. These are non-certified and are for employment screening purposes.
For Businesses:
Businesses can order New York driving records as part of their employment screening practices from DrivingRecords.com. DrivingRecords.com also offers other services such as criminal records, SSN verifications, and other employment screening services.
New York driving records, also known as MVRs, are records that provide a history of violations, suspensions, and other details about a person's driving history.
Although you can order a driving record directly from the New York DMV, one of the fastest ways to get your Driving Record is to order it online through a 3rd-party advertiser: BackgroundChecks.com. and get it instantly.
Businesses can also order New York driving records for employment screening purposes here >>. For questions about an existing order you have already placed, contact the DrivingRecords.com customer service.
Top What a Driving Record Contains
Just like a credit report paints a picture of your financial well-being, your driving record contains a detailed history of your driving activity. It shows:
- Your name, date of birth, and mailing address.
- Your driver license class, endorsements, and restrictions.
- The current status and the expiration date of your driver license.
- Any suspensions or revocations (for four years if they were cleared or terminated, indefinitely if not).
- Accidents. (whether your fault or not)
- Moving violation convictions (for three years, or 10 years for serious offenses such as DWI).
Also like a credit report, this information says a lot about you and might be seen by other parties such as insurers and potential employers. If the information is unflattering, it could be used against you.
This is why it sometimes makes sense to review your driving record (also known in this state as a driver abstract) to check its accuracy. If highly regulated and technologically advanced credit card companies can make mistakes on your credit report, the Department of Motor Vehicles can make mistakes too.
If, for some reason, you weren't aware that a violation has been added to your record, you might not even know about it. This could happen if you moved and didn't immediately notify the department of your new address, for example, or if you forgot to take care of a traffic ticket.
Not only will the status of your New York license be affected by what's on your driving record, but information about suspensions, revocations, DWI or drug-related convictions, and other serious traffic violations is shared among all 50 states through the National Driver Register (NDR). So if you move to another state and apply for a driver license there, your driving history might follow you.
Note that your Social Security number never appears on your New York driving record. Your record will be deleted five years after your license expires without being renewed.
Top Check Your Driver's License Status
It's really easy to get a copy of your own driver abstract; the New York DMV offers several ways to do it, and it only costs $10.
By far the most routine way is to order it when you renew your driver license by mail. The renewal form you're sent includes a check box for this purpose; just add the $10 search fee to your renewal fee in one check made out to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles." The DMV will send your record to you separately from your new license in about two weeks.
If you have a credit card and the DMV has your current mailing address on file, you may order the abstract online and the DMV will mail it to you within two weeks.
Ordering by telephone with a credit card is also convenient, but you will pay a $5 processing fee in addition to the normal $10 search fee. Call (800) 225-5368 from area codes 315, 518, 585, 607, or 716. Call (518) 473-5595 from all other area codes.
By mail, you may use Form MV-15 (Request for Driving and/or Vehicle Record Information). Include a photocopy of your proof of identity and a personal check or money order made out to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles" for $10. Send it to:
- MV-15 Processing
- NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
- 6 Empire State Plaza
- Albany, NY 12228
For instant gratification, you may appear in person at any local DMV office and receive your driving record immediately. Just provide proof of identity, fill out Form MV-15, and pay the $10 search fee.
Because the language and codes in your driving record might be unfamiliar, the DMV provides information about how to read your driver abstract. If you find any inaccuracies, contact the DMV.
Top Federal Driver Privacy Protection
Some people may be able to view your driving record if they qualify for permissible uses under the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). This can include insurance companies or potential employers who need to verify an applicant's commercial driver license.
Others can also request a copy of your driving record if you give them written consent. You might be asked to sign a statement on an employment application, for example, that allows the prospective employer to check your driving record. This is why you want to make sure there's nothing on there that shouldn't be.
Top Third-Party Searches
You may wish for the added convenience of receiving your driving record in a few days by e-mail or fax rather than waiting two weeks for a copy in the mail or standing in line at a DMV office. Third-party companies, such as the one at the top of this page, can provide you with a copy of your driving abstract for a fee, and some can even e-mail or fax it to you. Expect a two- to five-day response time.
Top Other Records
The New York DMV can also supply you with records related to your vehicle registrations and titles. Visit the DMV site for more information about your DMV records.
Related Questions from DMV Answers
How can I contact the Highway Patrol?
Depending on your situation, every law enforcement agency will respond to 911. For 15 states, including California and New York, 911 is recognized as the main number for the highway patrol. Other states, in conjunction with 911, utilize special mobile phone numbers. Colorado for example also uses *csp and *dui, while Virginia's highway patrol also responds to #77. And the remaining states either use special, abbreviated mobil phone numbers or still utilize traditional nine-digit numbers. If you're venturing on an extended road trip it's always wise to plan ahead and record the numbers of the states you'll be driving through. These numbers can be easily found on the Internet. AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaO...
Read more >>How can I reduce my speeding ticket cost?
Methods vary by state, but some common ways to reduce speeding ticket cost include: Being a first-time offender. Not speeding more than a certain number of miles over the speed limit. Contesting the ticket in court. Depending on the nature of the traffic ticket, you might want to bring a traffic ticket attorney along with you. However, one of the most popular ways to reduce speeding ticket cost or dismiss a traffic ticket altogether is traffic school attendance. The grid below outlines which states consider dismissing traffic tickets or reducing speeding ticket costs if the driver attends traffic school. The bad news is that not every state does; the good news is that most states offer at least point reduction to your driving record. Once you check your state, be sure to talk with your local court and driver license agency for details.
Read more >>Where do I submit my accident report form?
Most states require you to file an accident report form at your DMV or other state driver license or motor vehicle agency (for purposes of this grid, “DMV” covers all those) or law enforcement agency following a car accident. Many states provide the forms online or in your local office, but you might need to obtain one from the police or your insurance agency.Each state sets its own accident criteria (i.e. how much property damage, whether an injury or death occurred) and the amount of time you have to file the accident report form. Be sure to file within that time period; otherwise, you could face penalties such as fines or license suspension.Note that even if the grid doesn’t mark the police for your state, you might still be required to contact them immediately following a car crash. Check for your state in the grid below.
Read more >>Do free driving records offer the same info as paid for driving records?
Companies advertising free driving records abound on the Internet. If you opt to order a free driving history report you can expect the following information: Drivers license number License issue date License expiration date Name of driver Driver's complete address City, state and zip code where license was issued Driver's date of birth Driver's eye color Organ donor information License type Accident history Conviction information Restriction information Other related DMV records and documentation The information is similar to the information you'll find on a paid driving history report. But the difference lies in sources. A paid report utilizes many more sources for gathering drivers license data, assuring that the information you read on your report is accurate and up to date. And this information includes current drivers license status, points, suspensions, accidents and more. If you decide to order a free report, take the time to research the company offering the report....
Read more >>If I have warrants, will my drivers license be suspended?
There are many different reasons a driver can have a drivers license suspended, such as failing to have adequate car insurance, leaving the scene of an accident, driving under the influence of alcohol, or getting too many points on his or her driving record. One reason that many people are unaware of having a suspended license, however, is having a warrant issued for your arrest. An arrest warrant or bench warrant may be issued for: Failure to obey a court order Failure to pay a legally required fine Failure to complete community service Failure to follow terms of a probation agreement, such as completing a specified alcohol treatment program Failure to appear in court when required by law Keep in mind that warrants may not necessarily have anything to do with your driving record or your behavior on the road. For example, California is one of several states that will suspend your driver’s license if you have a warrant for unpaid child support. In many states, the courts will...
Read more >>
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