Kansas Driving Record

Kansas drivers, here’s what you need to know about your driving record—what it is, what affects it, and where to order it.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Your driving record is just like a report card. It shows everything you have done or experienced as a driver, including accidents, tickets, license suspensions, and classes. This information helps
car insurance
companies determine how safe you are—and what kind of prices they should charge you due to your risk profile.
While you can’t ever remove this information, most states have a system that will make incidents invisible to insurance companies after a certain period. Kansas doesn’t use a point system. Regardless, it’s a good idea to keep your driving record spotless. 
Here’s a quick guide to help you learn about a Kansas driving record.

What is a driving record?

The state tracks all your behavior as a driver and puts it into a document called a driving record (sometimes called a motor vehicle report). Incidents out-of-state are included in this dossier, too, FYI. A driving record is a complete history of all your publicly available tickets, accidents, license suspensions, etc. 

How do I access my driving record in Kansas?

How to access your driving record

The Kansas Department of Revenue (DOR) is responsible for driving records in Kansas. 
The fastest and cheapest way to access your Kansas driving record is to submit an
online application
and pay $2. There are two drawbacks. You will only have one opportunity to print the document so you must have a printer on hand. This document is not considered an official driving record.
If you need something more official, there are three types you can order:
  • Online, limited driver’s license record—Fee: $16.70
  • Non-certified motor vehicle record (MVR)—Fee: $10
  • Certified motor vehicle record—Fee: $15
The non-certified and certified copies must be ordered in person or by mail. You will need to bring a completed
Request Form (TR/DL 302)
and payment to a Kansas DMV office, or send these items to Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver Solutions, P.O. Box 2021, Topeka, KS 66601.
You can go online to order a copy of your limited driver’s license record, however. Go to the
Kansas DOR Motor Vehicle Records
website, enter your personal information and mailing address, mark that you are requesting your own record, and then pay the fee. 

Requesting a driving record for someone else

If you are requesting someone else’s Kansas driving record (and you have their consent), you will need the other driver to sign a
3rd Party Consent Form (TR-301
). 

Where else can I find my driving record in Kansas?

Car insurance agents

There’s a perk to having your record available to insurance companies—you can ask them to provide a copy of your record! It will be a free but unofficial copy. Why? Most companies check your record before giving you a quote with a rate. So, just ask them for a copy when you ask them for a quote, and they’ll probably say yes.

Online third-party vendors

Third-party vendors can obtain a copy of your driving record. It may be fast, but you’ll pay more for the convenience. Be aware that these copies may be less accurate than an official record. Ask the vendor if they can get an official report before you order. Otherwise, you might want to go through the DMV.

What is on my record?

In Kansas, your driving record includes:
  • Full name
  • KS driver's license number, class, issue date, and status
  • Address
  • Physical description
  • Traffic convictions, citations, and violations
  • Accidents

DMV points in Kansas

Kansas does not utilize a point system to simplify the tracking of a driver’s infractions. There is currently a statewide 10-year lookback period for serious offenses like DUIs. This means that insurance companies can see a Kansas driver’s offenses on their driving record for 10 years after the event.
If you are someone with a lot of convictions or violations on your record, car insurance companies may hesitate to insure you. At the very least, they will charge you higher premiums than someone with a clean driving record. 
While Kansas does not use a point system, there are specific violations that could affect your driving privileges. This could be temporary, such as a suspension, or a complete revocation. 
These are some infractions that will result in the temporary suspension of your KS driver's license:
  • Refusal to submit to a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
  • Failing to appear for a court date
  • Failure to respond to a traffic citation issued in Kansas or in another state
  • Failing to maintain continuous liability insurance on your vehicle
  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Transporting an open container of liquor or cereal malt beverage
The following could trigger immediate revocation of your KS driver's license:
  • Homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle
  • Aggravated vehicle homicide
  • Failure to stop and render aid to any injured parties in the event of a motor vehicle accident (resulting in the death or personal injury of another person)
  • Reckless driving
  • Vehicle battery
  • Attempting to elude a police officer
  • Any felony in which a motor vehicle is used
To get your license reinstated, you may need to pay a fine, submit to a behavioral evaluation, complete a driving course, and comply with restrictions about your driving.
Some states use a point system, which adds points to your license for each offense. If you hit a certain number of points, your license will be suspended or revoked. The rules differ in each state, so make sure you’re familiar with the law where you live.
In Kansas, minor violations like speeding will remain on your record for three years. Major violations—like driving with a suspended license—will stay on your Kansas driving record for five years. A DUI will stay on your record for 10 years.
A lousy driving record doesn’t preclude you from unlocking discounts, however. Contact your insurance company to inquire about ways to lower your rate. In many cases, you can take an approved defensive driving course or attend traffic school. This can help you:
  • Lower the amount of the fine
  • Remove the violation from your record
  • Possibly reduce your insurance premium
MORE:

How can my driving record affect me?

Whether you drive like John McClane or your great-aunt Daphne, your driving record will have a big impact on your life. Here’s how your Kansas driving record may affect you.

Your insurance premium

Insurance premiums are calculated based on a driver’s risk. Your driving record is the primary document that companies use to assess your risk profile.
If you have a ton of violations on record, you will be labeled a “high-risk” driver and your rate will balloon. It can take years to get back to a normal rate. On the other hand, if you have a squeaky clean driving record, you will enjoy some of the more affordable rates around.

Your ability to drive

Dangerous drivers are a risk to the public. That’s why the state will suspend your license after a DUI or reckless driving charge. License suspensions can be short-term or long-term—but if you don’t want to take the bus to work every day, try to stay out of trouble on the road.

Your credit rating

Your driving record is not directly tied to your credit score. However, failing to pay a ticket will definitely impact your credit rating. Any delays in making the payment may tack on a late fee. Unpaid fees will be sent to a collection agency—and you’ll see an observable dip in your credit score.

Your job prospects

Did you know that some careers require a clean driving record? If you want to be a delivery driver, a police officer, a firefighter, or any other job that includes driving, you will need a clean driving record.
Key Takeaway Your driving record can impact your car insurance rates, your career, and even your ability to drive—so you should try to keep it spotless by driving safely at all times.

What is the difference between driving records in each state?

A driver’s record is kept in the state that’s on their driver’s license. This means that one person has one license and one driving record. If you are a resident of Kansas, the state of Kansas keeps your driving record.
However, out-of-state offenses go onto your record, too, thanks to something called the DLC (Driver’s License Compact). This agreement allows states to share information about drivers and their violations in order to keep everyone safe. Get a ticket in Missouri, for instance, and it will be reported to the Kansas DMV.

Which states don’t share driving records?

There are five states that are excluded from the DLC. They are:
However, they may have alternative methods for sharing information about drivers with other states.
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