New York Driving Record
You can obtain a copy of your New York driver record online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV.
Your driving record is a detailed public record of your history of driving. It can include personal information as well as detailed reports on accidents, tickets, license suspensions, and even defensive driver courses you may have taken.
Your driving record can significantly affect your
car insurance
rates, so it's best to keep your driving record as clean as possible. If you notice any errors, be sure to report those as soon as you can.What is a driving record?
How do I access my driving record in New York?
The best way to access your New York Driving Record is either online for a $7 fee, or in person or by mail for a $10 fee.
Here’s the information you’ll need to include with the request:
- Proof of identity (driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID are accepted)
- Credit/Debit card, check, money order, or cash.
Requesting a driving record for someone else
In New York, you can request another person’s driving records. To do so, you can fill out the
records request navigator
online or in person by filling out the request for driving record information sheet (MV-15C
).Key Takeaway: In New York, you’re able to access your certified driving record online, in person, or by mail.
Where else can I find a copy of my driving record in New York?
Car insurance agents
Your car insurance carrier can also provide you with a copy of your driving record. Most insurance companies use your driving record to determine your insurance quotes—so if you ask for a copy, they’ll most likely give you one.
Keep in mind, however, your insurance company might only be able to give you an unofficial copy—even if it was free.
Online third-party vendors
While it may be a quicker option, getting an online copy of your record through a third party does come with a set of risks. Third-party reports are generally not as accurate as the ones issued by the DMV.
Make sure to confirm with the vendor if they’re able to obtain an official record before moving forward.
What is on my record?
Your driving record includes personal information about you and your driving history. It 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 York has three different types of driver history records:
Standard driving record: This only contains pertinent information that the DMV is required to keep. Certain violations may or may not be removed over time, so be sure to check in from time to time.
Lifetime driving record: Contains all information the DMV has on a driver—regardless of data retention laws.
Commercial driver license (CDL) record: A more expansive driving record that shows not only driver history information, but also convictions, revocations, suspensions, and any other type of action outside of New York State at any time.
DMV points in New York
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 York, points can stay on your record for up to 18 months and can vary anywhere between 3-6 points, with more possible points depending on the violation.
The following violations are within 3-5 points:
- Failure to recognize a stop sign or traffic signal
- Fleeing the scene of an accident when resulting in property damage or the injury of an animal
- Texting while driving: 5 points
Major violations, such as speeding over a certain limit, can range anywhere between 6-11 points.
New York allows you to attend a state-approved
Point & Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP)
depending on how many points you have. This can help you:- Remove up to 4 points on your record
- Refresh your knowledge of road rules and defensive driving
- Earn you a potential discount on your car insurance premium of up to 10%
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How can my driving record affect me?
No matter the circumstances, your driving record has consequences. Here are some ways it can affect your daily life.
Your insurance premium
Your driving record plays a key role in determining your car insurance rates.
Depending on how many violations you might have, insurance companies will deem you a high-risk driver and your premiums will rise significantly. A single speeding ticket, for example, can spike your insurance rate up 20% or more.
Keeping your driving record clean could earn you discounts on your overall payments.
Your ability to drive
Major violations, such as a DUI or reckless driving, can impact your ability to drive. Many states will suspend your license depending on the severity of your infractions. Additionally, having too many points on your record could cause your license to be suspended as well.
Your credit rating
Although your record won’t affect your credit scores, failing to pay outstanding tickets will. Many cities issue late fees if your tickets are not paid on time and if you neglect those, they will be sent to a collections agency—where you’ll end up with a hit on your credit rating.
Your job prospects
Depending on the job, some jobs require you to have a clean record as a precondition of employment. If your job requires you to spend a bit of time driving, be sure to check on your driving record to ensure it’s 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 and your license are based wherever your license was issued. If you have a New York license, you’ll also have a New York driving record.
That doesn’t mean that you’re exempt from any local laws outside of your home state.
The Driver’s License Compact (DLC) is an agreement between states to exchange information about traffic violations and license suspensions. In other words, if you commit a traffic violation outside your home state, it will be reported to your local DMV, and you may end up being penalized.
Which states don’t share driving records?
There are only five states that are not part of the DLC. They are:
That said, however, these states may still share information through alternative agreements.
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