How to Order A California Driving Record
The California driving record is a vital document for all licensed drivers in the state. It helps you stay informed about what’s officially recorded on your personal driving history. Review the sections below to learn what’s included in your CA DMV record and why it matters.
What’s Included in a California Driving Record?
Depending on the source and type of record you request, your California driving record may offer either a limited or comprehensive look at your driving history. When ordered directly from the CA Department of Motor Vehicles, your record will typically include:
- Issuance details for your California driver’s license
- Traffic tickets and moving violations
- DUIs and alcohol-related offenses
- License suspensions or revocations
- Accident involvement reports
- Major infractions and convictions
Understanding Points on Your California License
Driving infractions in California carry point values that appear on your DMV record. Accumulating too many points in a short time can result in a suspended or revoked license.
Here’s how common violations are scored:
- Ignoring a traffic officer’s direction – 1 point
- Failure to obey a crossing guard – 1 point
- Driving through flares or cones – 1 point
- Breaking license restrictions – 1 point
- Reckless driving or fleeing law enforcement – 2 points
- Driving with a suspended/revoked license – 2 points
- Refusing a sobriety test while revoked – 2 points
- Hit and run or injury/property damage – 2 points
To dispute incorrect points, contact the CA DMV directly. You may also be eligible to reduce the impact of some violations by completing traffic school. Learn more about traffic school here.
How Points Affect Your Driving Record in California
California drivers face license suspension if they exceed the following limits:
- 4 points in a 12-month period
- 6 points in 24 months
- 8 points in 36 months
Beyond suspension risk, points can cause higher insurance premiums and may impact job applications—especially for driving-related roles.
Did you know? Your California driving history is public record. Employers, insurance agencies, and legal authorities can request a copy of your driving report.
Can You Remove Points From a California Record?
Once added, points remain on your record until they expire—but you can prevent certain violations from showing up by completing traffic school. Learn more about that here. You’ll typically be notified of this option by mail or at your court appearance.
How Long Do Points Stay on a Driving Record in CA?
The duration depends on the severity of the offense:
- Minor infractions (1 point) – 39 months
- DUIs or hit-and-run – 13 years
- Failure to appear in court – 5 years
- Failure to appear for DUI-related matters – 13 years
While points eventually expire, their presence may impact your driving record and insurance rates for years.
California DUI Records
DUI offenses are a key component of your driving history. You may need to present DUI records for traffic school, employment, or insurance purposes. These remain on your DMV file for more than a decade.
Checking for Past Violations
Your driving record will reflect all prior moving violations, from running stop signs to excessive speeding. Reviewing your report can help you track any unresolved tickets and manage your record.
Why You Should Check Your CA Driving Record
A California DMV record can be useful for:
- Job applications that involve driving
- Disputing insurance surcharges
- Fixing inaccuracies before they impact your driving privileges
Checking for License Points
Many drivers request their CA DMV record specifically to review their current point status. This is especially helpful to determine how close you are to a license suspension threshold.
Applying for Commercial Driving Jobs
Commercial employers carefully examine driving histories before hiring. Ordering your own record in advance lets you fix any discrepancies and improve your chances of landing the job.
Lowering Your Auto Insurance Rates
Insurance providers use your driving history to calculate risk—and premiums. By reviewing your DMV report beforehand, you can correct any errors and potentially save on coverage.
Benefits of California Traffic School
Enrolling in traffic school has two major benefits:
- Your insurance company cannot cancel your coverage or increase your rates
- Successful completion can prevent a point from being added to your DMV record
Submit your course completion to the court where your violation occurred to take advantage of this option.
Why Employers Check DMV Records
California employers often run background checks—including DMV history—for roles that involve driving. Major issues like DUIs or suspended licenses could disqualify you. Reviewing your report helps you address any red flags in advance.
Types of CA Driving Records Available
The California DMV offers several record formats depending on how much history you need:
3-Year Driving Record
Covers the last 36 months of driving activity. Most points and minor infractions fall off after this time.
7-Year Driving Record
Shows violations and incidents from the past seven years—often used for insurance underwriting or job screening.
10-Year Driving Record
Used in more in-depth evaluations, especially civil litigation or high-level employment vetting.
Complete Driving Record
A comprehensive report of all activity since your first CA license, including information from other states (if applicable).
How to Fix Errors on Your Driving Record
If your California driving record contains inaccurate information, you can submit a correction request. Send the completed form to:
California Department of Motor Vehicles Mandatory Actions Unit, M/S J-233 P.O. Box 942890 Sacramento, CA 94290
It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks for updates to appear on your record.
What’s Not on Your DMV Record?
Your CA driving record won’t include everything. For related information, consider accessing the following:
- Background checks
- Vehicle history via VIN checks
- Police records or criminal history reports
Vehicle Registration History
Your CA DMV record also includes a list of every vehicle you’ve registered in the state. This can help if you’re asked to show proof of prior registration.
California Driving Record Fees
- Non-certified record printout – $2.00
- Certified copy – $5.00
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.