Driving Records in Wisconsin

Driving Records in Wisconsin

Whether you are requesting your own driving record or the driving record of another Wisconsin resident, you can do so through the WI Department of Transportation (DOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Wisconsin driving records contain information about your past traffic violations and accidents, and can be used:

• To adjust your car insurance policy.
• For background checks and pre-employment screenings.
• In court or government agency proceedings.

On this page you'll find information on requesting a driving record online, by mail, and in person.

Types of Wisconsin Driving Records

The Wisconsin DMV offers the following types of driving records:

• Certified driving record:
  • Not available online.
  • Used by courts and government agencies for official purposes.
• Non-certified driving record.
• Online driving record abstract:
  • Only available online to the individual on the record.

WI driving records contain:

• Your name and address.
• Your WI driver's license number.
• Your date of birth.
• Any of your former names.
• Dates and descriptions of your past:
  • Traffic violations.
  • Convictions.
  • Traffic accidents.
  • Driver's license restrictions, suspensions, and cancellations.

Most violations and accidents will remain on your Wisconsin driving record for 5 years.

Driving Record Points

When you violate traffic laws and cause accidents in WI, the Wisconsin DMV will add points to your driving record. Points can lead to fines, suspensions, and higher car insurance rates.

If you receive 12 points or more within 12 months, your WI driver's license will be suspended. For more information, visit our Suspended License in Wisconsin page.

Once every 3 years, you can take a traffic school course and have 3 points taken off your WI driving history.

NOTE: You can check the status of your driver license on the Wisconsin DOT website.

Employer, Insurance Agency & Attorney Requests

You can order another person's Wisconsin driving record if the reason for your request falls into one of the authorized categories, including:

• Insurance agencies investigating claims and adjusting policy rates.
• Government agencies and federal, local, and state courts.
• Employers and businesses conducting background checks and pre-employment screenings.

You can find the complete list of authorized categories on the Vehicle/Driver Record Information Request (Form MV2896).

You can only order someone else's driving record by mail or in person.

The Wisconsin DMV will send you the requested driving record in the mail.

Order by Mail

To request a Wisconsin DMV driving record by mail, you'll need:

• A completed Vehicle/Driver Record Information Request (Form MV2896). Remember to mark which type of driving record you need and which authorized use applies to you.
• A check for the fee. (See the “Fees for WI Driving Records" section below.)

Mail your application and check to the WI DMV at the appropriate address specified on the form.

Order in Person

To order a WI driving record in person, visit your local Wisconsin DMV office and:

• Complete a Vehicle/Driver Record Information Request (Form MV2896).
• Pay the fee. (See the “Fees for WI Driving Records" section below.)

How to Order Your Own Wisconsin Driving Record

You can order your own driving record in Wisconsin either online, by mail, or in person.

How to Order a WI Driving Record Online

You can order your own Wisconsin driving record abstract online. When you complete the transaction you can print or save your abstract as a PDF. You will not receive a copy in the mail.

To order your driving record online, visit the WI DOT website and provide:

• Your WI driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number (SSN).
• Your date of birth.
• A credit/debit card for the fee. (See the “Fees for WI Driving Records" section below.)

Order by Mail

To request your WI driving record by mail, you'll need:

• A completed Vehicle/Driver Record Information Request (Form MV2896).
• A check for the fee. (See the “Fees for WI Driving Records" section below.)

Mail your application and payment to:

Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 7995
Madison, WI 53707

You will receive your driving record in the mail.

Order in Person

To request your WI driving record in person, visit a Wisconsin DMV office and:

• Complete a Vehicle/Driver Record Information Request (Form MV2896).
• Pay the fee. (See the “Fees for WI Driving Records" section below.)

You will receive your driving record in the mail.

What are the Fees for WI Driving Records?

The fee for a Wisconsin driving record depends on the type you are ordering:

• Certified driving record: $12.
• Non-certified driving record: $7.
• Online driving record abstract: $5.
  • (NOTE: You may also pay a convenience fee for online transactions)

Accepted Forms of Payment

For driving record requests made in person, Wisconsin DMV offices accept payment by:

• Cash.
• Check.
• Credit/debit card.

For transactions by mail, payment must be made by a check payable to “Registration Fee Trust."

For online driving record requests, the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles accepts credit/debit cards only.

Correct Your Wisconsin Driving Record

If you believe there is an error on your Wisconsin driving record, contact the Wisconsin DMV at (608) 266-2353.

Incorrect information could lead to an increase in your insurance premiums, fines, and may also affect your future employment opportunities.