New Jersey Driving Record

You can obtain a copy of your New Jersey driver history abstract online, by mail, or in person at your local MVC.
Written by Kevin Martinez
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Your driving record is your detailed history behind the wheel. It includes not only personal information but reports on any accidents, traffic violations, suspensions, or defensive driving courses you may have taken.
Your driving record is one aspect that determines your
car insurance
rates. It’s always best to keep your driving record as clean as possible and to report any errors on your record as soon as you see them.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about your
New Jersey
driving record—from what it is to where you can find a copy.

What is a driving record?

A driving record is a detailed record of your history as a driver from the time you were issued your license to the present. It typically contains personal information, and it includes details such as traffic violations, accidents, and license suspensions.

How do I access my driving record in New Jersey?

The easiest and quickest way to access your New Jersey driver history abstract is to request a
certified online copy of your driver history abstract
. The fee is $15, but you must be able to print your record, so make sure to have a printer available. 
Here’s the information you’ll need to include with the request:
  • If requesting an online copy, a user ID number—if you don’t have one or you forget, you can request one to be mailed to you
    here
  • A completed application for a driver history abstract—
    Form DO-21
  • New Jersey Driver’s License/ID
  • Pay the $15 Fee through credit/debit cards, check, money order, or cash
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Where else can I find my driving record?

Car Insurance agents

For the most part, you should be able to request a copy of your driving record directly from your car insurance provider. Typically, car insurance companies use your driving record to determine premium quotes—so asking for a copy never hurts!
Keep in mind, although your insurance company might send you a free copy, it may be deemed an “unofficial” copy.

Online third-party vendors

Although using an online third-party vendor might be a speedier option, it may cost you more in the long run. In fact, most online vendors issue reports that typically tend to be less accurate than the copies from the DMV—be sure to confirm it is an official driving record before you proceed.
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What is on my record?

Your driving record includes information about you and your history of driving. It typically includes the following:
  • Personal information (e.g., name, address)
  • Driver’s license information
  • Infraction points
  • Accidents, citations, violations, and convictions
  • Fines paid or owed
  • License suspensions
New Jersey has two different types of five-year driver history records:
Non-certified five-year driving records: These are the most common type of record and can be viewed online at any time. Insurance companies, employers, and courts do not accept these as proof of driving history.
Certified five-year driving records: These records can be used by insurance companies and employers for pre-employment screening/background checks and to determine your insurance rates, as well.

DMV points in New Jersey

Most states use a demerit points system to keep track of traffic violations, but every state has different rules. If you hit a certain number of points, you could end up getting your license suspended or revoked. After one year of no violations in New Jersey, you can remove up to three points, though other points will remain on your record.
Minor violations that can yield two points include:
  • Failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians
  • Proceeding through a stop/yield sign
  • Driving between 1-14 MPH over the speed limit
Major violations that can result in higher points being added include:
  • U-turn violations—3 points
  • Passing in a no-pass zone—3 points
  • An accident resulting in personal injury—8 points.
Other violations such as driving while intoxicated, or a DWI, or driving a vehicle without insurance may result in an automatic suspension of your New Jersey driver’s license.
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How can my driving record affect me?

No matter the circumstances, your driving record can affect different parts of your life. Here are some ways it can impact you:

Your insurance premium

Your driving record almost always plays a key role in determining your insurance rates.
Depending on how many violations in your history, insurance companies could deem you a high-risk driver and raise your premiums drastically. Even a single speeding ticket can spike your insurance rate by 20% or more!
If you have a clean driving record, however, you’ll likely end up enjoying some more affordable premiums. 
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Your ability to drive

Depending on the types of violations you have on your records—such as a DUI or reckless driving—you could end up getting your license suspended or revoked. Sometimes, even having too many points on your record is enough to have your license suspended.

Your credit rating

Although your driving record won’t affect your credit rating directly, failing to pay tickets will. Most cities and states will add late fees and send your outstanding balances to a collections agency. This could cause a sudden dip in your credit rating.

Your job prospects

Depending on the type of employment, some jobs require you to have a clean record as a precondition of employment. If your job requires you to be behind the wheel for a certain period of time, it might be best to ensure your record is as clean as possible.
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.

What is the difference between driving records in each state?

Your driving record is based wherever your license was issued. The idea here is that for every driver license issued, a driver record is made in the same state where the license was issued. So if you have a New Jersey license, you’ll end up with a New Jersey driving record.
However, that doesn’t mean you’re exempt from any local out-of-state traffic laws. In fact, in New Jersey, for each out-of-state traffic violation you commit, you will earn up to two points on your record.
The Driver’s License Compact (DLC) is an agreement between states to exchange information about traffic violations and license suspensions. Basically, if you commit any traffic violations outside your home state, they will be reported to your home state’s DMV office—where you’ll most definitely be penalized if you broke any laws.

Which states don’t share driving records?

There are only five states that are not part of the DLC. They are:
That said, it doesn’t mean that these states won’t share information with other states, they may have alternate agreements in place instead.
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