Your California driving records are important documents that describe your driving history within the state. The DMV handles all of your records. Some of the information that is on your record includes:
- Traffic criminal convictions.
- Traffic tickets and citations, such as a red light ticket and fix it ticket.
- The current status and history of your driver license, including any suspensions, revocations, cancellations, or reinstatement fees.
- Points on DMV record from traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions or revocations, DUI charges, reckless driving, or failure to appear in court.
Here is a helpful guide to obtaining your DMV ticket records.
Why Request Your Driving Record
You may need copies of your driving history to:
- Submit to a court.
- Give to your employer, attorney, or insurance company.
- Prevent identity theft.
- Double-check that the details are correct.
If you know you need to check your driving record, you may feel stressed out about it. Thankfully, checking your DMV record is easy when you know what to do. You can order your records online, in-person, and by mail.
Ordering Online
One of the most convenient ways to obtain your driver record is via the online process. The only downside to ordering online is that the documents aren’t technically official. Therefore, documents obtained online are only useful for personal reasons. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ordering your unofficial driving record online:
- Go to the official California DMV website and find the Driver Record Request page.
- Fill in the required information.
- Pay the $2 fee.
You need to sign up with the California DMV website to become a Certified User to complete this process.
Ordering In-Person
Here’s how to get your official driving records in-person:
- Go to your nearest DMV office–make an appointment first to be seen faster.
- Complete Form INF 1125.
- Show your identification when requested by the DMV clerk.
- Pay the $5 fee.
Your local DMV will print out your records for you if you complete the above steps.
Ordering By Mail
Here’s how to check your DMV record by mail:
- Complete Form INF 1125.
- Or write a letter with your name, date of birth, driver license number, Social Security Number, and signature.
- Write a check to the California DMV to cover the $5 fee.
- Write “Certified Driver Record” to ensure you get an official copy.
- Send your request to: Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 944247, Sacramento, California 94244.
It may take up to a few days or weeks to receive your records in the mail.
Resolving Incorrect Information On Your Driving Record
When you receive your driving record from the DMV, you may notice errors on it. An incorrect record may result in increased insurance rates or legal issues. If you see any mistakes regarding accidents, convictions, or traffic violations, there are some steps you should take.
If you need to fix errors about convictions or tickets, you’ll want to complete Form DL 207. You may also need to provide court documents to prove there is an error. For traffic accidents, you’ll need to fill out Form DL 208. You’ll also need to include all accident reports, amended reports, or corrected explanations.
Mail your documents to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Mandatory Actions Unit, Mail Station J233
P.O. Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290
Scrub Your Driving Record
If you recently got a ticket or traffic conviction, you may be worried about accruing points on your record. You don’t have to just sit back and watch your insurance rates skyrocket. The Ticket Clinic may be able to fix your tickets and clear you of driving convictions. Contact our traffic lawyers to learn more about cleaning your DMV driving record of tickets and violations.
