Your driving record is your history behind the wheel. It includes your personal information, as well as a detailed record of any accidents, violations, license suspensions, and driving courses you may have taken.

Your driving record plays a crucial role in setting your

car insurance

rates. It’s always best to keep your record as clean as possible, and be sure to report any inconsistencies so they can be fixed quickly.

Here's a guide breaking down what you need to know about your driving record, how you can get a copy, and how it might impact you in New Hampshire.

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What is a driving record?

Your driving record is a detailed record of your history behind the wheel from the time you got your license onward. It’s sometimes known as a motor vehicle report, and it includes personal information, records of accidents, previous tickets, and license suspensions.

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What is a clean driving record?

How do I access my driving record in New Hampshire?

The easiest and quickest way to access your New Hampshire driver history record is to request your driving record

online

, in person, or by mail. There is no online fee listed. However, if you are in person or submitting your request by mail, be ready to pay the $15 fee via check, credit/debit card, money order, or cash.

Here’s the information you’ll need to include with the request:

Complete and sign the New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Record Release Form

(DSMV 505)

Provide your full name, date of birth, mailing address, and license/non-driver identification number

Submit your $15 fee in person or by mail—if using mail, be sure to include a check or money order only

Requesting a driving record for someone else

In New Hampshire, you must complete the Motor Vehicle Record Release Form regardless of if you are requesting your records for yourself or a third party. Regardless of whose records you are requesting, the forms must be notarized.

It’s important to note, you can only request a driving record for someone else at the

Concord DMV office

Key Takeaway: New Hampshire residents can request their records or the records of another party. However, they will have to complete forms and have them notarized to make the request.

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Where else can I find a copy of my driving record in New Hampshire?

Car insurance agents

In most cases, you should be able to obtain a copy of your driving record from your car insurance provider. Most insurance companies use your driving record as a prerequisite in determining your car insurance rates—so if you ask for a copy, they’ll most likely give you one.

Keep in mind, however, this record is likely not an official copy—even if you get it for free.

Online third-party vendors

Although it may be the quicker option, getting an online copy of your record through a third party does come with a set of risks. Third-party reports may not be as accurate as the ones issued directly from the DMV.

It’s always best to confirm with the vendor if they’re able to obtain an official record before moving forward.

What is on my record?

Your New Hampshire driving record consists of details about you and your driving history. The report typically includes:

Personal information (e.g., name, address)

Driver’s license information

Insurance information

Traffic violations and demerit points

License suspensions/revocation

Court convictions

New Hampshire has three different types of driver history records:

Insurance driver record: Your New Hampshire insurance driver record will only include information about traffic violations and accidents. It may include past information such as court convictions as well.

Certified driver record: This will include more detailed recordings such as driver's license suspensions, revocations, restorations, convictions, and accidents you have had. Certified driver records will come with a director’s signature, seal, and “certified—true and correct” stamp.

Non-certified driver record: This is similar to what you will find on a certified driver record, but this will not include the certified stamp. If there is a mistake, the DMV will not accept responsibility for any errors made.

DMV points in New Hampshire

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. In New Hampshire, any points you acquire, remain on your record for 3 years.

Minor violations, which range between 2-4 points include:

Failure to dim headlights: 2 points

Following a vehicle too closely: 4 points

Speeding over the limit: 1-5 points, depending on how much over the speed limit you were driving

Major violations resulting in the potential suspension or revocation of your license include:

Road Racing—6 points

DWI—6 points

Disobeying an officer—6 points

For major traffic violations, you may have to appear and plead your traffic violation in court.

The New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles will automatically remove points after three years past the posted conviction date. If you wish to remove points sooner, New Hampshire will allow you to enroll in a driver improvement course, which can remove up to three points from your record.

Keep in mind, you cannot remove more than three points at a time within three years.

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How do driver violation points affect your insurance rates?

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How can my driving record affect me?

No matter how good or bad, your driving record can affect many parts of your life. Here are some ways it can impact you:

Your insurance premium

It’s no secret that your driving record plays a key role in determining your insurance rates.

Depending on how many violations you have, insurance companies could label you a high-risk driver and increase your premium. Even a speeding ticket can increase your premium by 20%.

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Your ability to drive

Depending on the severity of the violation—such as a DUI or reckless driving—you could run the risk of getting your license suspended or revoked. Keep in mind that having too many points on your record could get your license suspended, as well.

Your credit rating

Although what’s on your record won’t affect your credit score, failing to pay any outstanding tickets will. Many states and cities issue late fees and due dates, and if you don’t pay on time, your fees may be sent to collections. This could cause your credit score to take a major hit.

Your job prospects

Depending on the type of job, some jobs require you to have a clean driving record as a precondition of employment. So if your job requires you to do a significant amount of time driving, it might be best to have a clean record

Key Takeaway Your driving record is more than just a record. It can have a significant impact on other areas of your life—so it’s always best to keep it as clean as possible.

More:

Tips to get a clean driving record

What is the difference between driving records in each state?

In theory, your driving record is based wherever you’re based so that all drivers only have one license and one record. For example, if your license is from New Hampshire, your driving record will be based in New Hampshire.

However, just because your license and record are based in one state, it doesn’t mean you’re immune to the law in other states.

The Driver’s License Compact (DLC) is an agreement between states to exchange information about traffic violations and license suspensions. Any traffic violations you commit outside of your home state will be reported to your local DMV—and you will be penalized if you broke any laws.

There are only five states that are not part of the DLC. They are:

Keep in mind, however, just because they may not be part of the DLC does not mean that they don’t exchange driver information through alternative agreements.

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