Driving Records in Washington DC

Driving Records in Washington, D.C.

The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps driving records for all drivers licensed in Washington, D.C. It gives you a comprehensive look at your driving history, including points, accidents, and any other events that have taken place during your time on the roads.

About Your D.C. Driving Record

The driving record on file with the D.C. DMV contains all of your tickets, accidents, and other driver history information such as your violation points and driver license suspensions (if applicable).

D.C. DMV Driver Violation Point System

Depending on the type of traffic violation, the D.C. DMV adds a specific number of violation points to your driver record. Points stay on your D.C. driver record for 2 years. Any tickets, violations, or fines you receive while driving your vehicle in another state will be assessed point amounts designated on the Washington, D.C. point system.

Check the driver point chart to find out how many points each violation will add.

If you accumulate enough points, the D.C. DMV will suspend or revoke your driver's license. However, certain violations result in an automatic revocation of your license.

The length of your suspension varies according to the D.C. DMV point system, which is as follows:

  • 10 to 11 points: The D.C. DMV will suspend your driver's license for 90 days.
  • 12 points or more: Your driver's license will be revoked for a minimum of 6 months.

NOTE: You may be eligible to remove driver record points from your driving history. For information on how to take advantage of this option, see “Removing Points From Your D.C. Driving Record" below.

Types of Washington, D.C. Driving Records

The Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles offers both certified and non-certified driving records.

Non-Certified Driving Records

You may request a non-certified D.C. driving record to view online.

Most official purposes require a certified copy of your driving record, so make sure to check if you can use a non-certified copy before ordering one.

If you just want to view your driving record and/or check for errors, you may simply order the non-certified record.

Certified Driving Records

You may order a certified D.C. driving record in person or by mail.

The certified copy contains the D.C. DMV stamp, and can be used for all purposes.

Certified driving records are available in the following increments:

  • 3-year.
  • 5-year.
  • 10-year.
  • Full history.

Who Can See Your D.C. Driving Record

The D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles follows the policies outlined in the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). As such, D.C. driving records will only be released to the following people:

  • You (the driver whose record is being requested). Proof of identity is required.
  • Representatives of the driver. These individuals must present:
    • Written authorization from the driver.
    • A copy of the driver's proof of identification with a legible signature.
  • Law enforcement with documentation for an ongoing investigation.
  • Government agencies in need of security clearances, investigations, etc.
  • Attorneys with client authorization.
  • Insurance companies with written authorization from the driver.

The D.C. DMV requires driver information when requesting a driving record, including:

  • Name
  • Date of birth.
  • Driver license number.
  • Social Security number.

Anyone who requests a driving record is responsible for all fees.

Ordering Your Driving Record in D.C.

Washington, D.C. driving records can be ordered online, by mail, or in person.

The D.C. DMV allows you to pay fees by phone based on the information on your driving record. However, you cannot obtain driving record information by phone.

In Person

To obtain a copy of your D.C. driving record at your local DMV office:

  • Submit proof of identification, such as your:
    • Social Security number.
    • Driver license number.
    • Full name.
  • Provide your date of birth.
  • Request a 3-year, 5-year, 10-year, or full history driving record.
  • Pay your driver record fees.
    • For specific fee information and acceptable payment methods, see “Fees for D.C. Driving Records" below.

Online

To request a copy of your non-certified D.C. driving record online:

  • Visit the Driver Record Request page and follow the instructions.
  • Be prepared to enter your:
    • Name.
    • Driver license number.
    • Social Security number.
    • State of residence.
    • Date of birth.
  • Pay your D.C. driving record fee.
  • For specific fee information, see “Fees for D.C. Driving Records" below.

You will receive a copy of your non-certified D.C. driving record immediately by e-mail.

By Mail

To send a written request for your certified D.C. driving record, you must include:

  • A photocopy of an identification document, such as your:
    • Driver's license.
    • U.S. passport (unexpired).
    • U.S. birth certificate (state-issued).
  • A written request that includes your:
    • Full name.
    • Date of birth.
    • Social Security number.
    • Driver license number.
  • The type of driver record you need:
    • 3-year.
    • 5-year.
    • 10-year.
    • Full history.
  • A check or money order for your driving record fee.
    • For specific fee information, see “Fees for D.C. Driving Records" below.

Please mail your request and payment to:

DMV
ATTN: Driver Records
PO Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090

You should receive your D.C. driving record within 15 business days.

Fees for Washington, D.C. Driving Records

The cost of your Washington, D.C. driving record depends on its time frame:

  • 3-year or 5-year driver history: $7.
  • 10-year or full history: $13.

Acceptable Payment Methods

The D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles accepts varying payment methods based on how you request your driving record.

In Person

Payment methods accepted at a local DMV office:

  • Cash.
  • Check.
  • Money order.
  • Credit cards (e.g., VISA, MasterCard, and Discover only).

NOTE: The Brentwood Road Test / CDL Office (testing facility) does NOT accept cash.

By Mail

If you send in a request for a driving record by mail, you must enclose a check or money order made payable to the “Department of Motor Vehicles."

Online & By Phone

Payment methods for online transactions:

  • VISA.
  • MasterCard.
  • Discover.

The D.C. DMV does NOT accept American Express.

Correcting Information on a D.C. Driving Record

If you check your driving record in Washington, D.C. and find any outstanding tickets or violations, you must fulfill the debt for those violations by paying the fines.

You may correct your information when you visit your local D.C. DMV office in person.

NOTE: Your D.C. driving record must be accurate and clear of all debts in order to complete DMV transactions including registration or license renewals.

Paying Fines for Unresolved Violations

You may resolve your outstanding debts in person, by phone, or by mail.

In Person

Visit your local D.C. DMV office to pay any outstanding fines. See “Fees for D.C. Driving Records" above for payment methods.

By Phone

Call (866) 893-5023 (711 for TTY) to pay fines and clear your driving record.

NOTE: You must use your credit card (VISA, MasterCard, and Discover ONLY) to pay by phone.

Online

Go to the Online Ticket Payment page to pay all tickets in Washington D.C.

To view tickets or fines on your Washington, D.C. driving record, you will need your:

  • Ticket number.
    OR
  • License plate number and state.

NOTE: The system will prompt you to make your payment by credit card (e.g., VISA, MasterCard, and Discover ONLY).

Removing Points from Your Washington, D.C. Driving Record

You may be able to remove some points for certain violations. Since insurance companies use driving record information to help determine how much your premiums will cost, you should try to remove points and avoid insurance rate increases.

You must request a hearing with a D.C. DMV examiner to determine whether you are eligible to remove points from your driving record. You must specifically ask for the points to be removed from your record in court.

If the examiner decides you're eligible to remove points from your D.C. driving record, you will be required to:

  • Pay the amount of the ticket within 15 calendar days from the ruling.
  • Complete an approved online driving course within 30 calendar days of the ruling.

The Washington, D.C. DMV will be notified automatically whether you passed or failed the driving course. The violation will show on your driving record, but the points will not be added.

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review