You can obtain a copy of your New York driver record online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV. The fee varies from $5 to $10, depending on the record type.
driving record is a detailed public record of your driving history. It can include personal information and detailed reports on accidents, tickets, license suspensions, and even defensive driver courses you may have taken.
You can request a copy of your New York driving record online, in person, or by mail for $5 or $10.
New York has three types of driving records: standard, lifetime, and
Driving violations on your record can increase your New York insurance rates.
Get your New York driving record online, in person, or by mail
There are 3 ways to request a copy of your New York driving record: online, in person, or by mail—your driving record will be the same regardless of your chosen method.
Online
You can save and print a PDF copy of your Standard, Lifetime, or CDL driving record abstract online through MyDMV. Once downloaded, you will have five days to view and print it. The fee for an online copy is $5.
Along with a completed form, you must include a $10 check or money order made payable to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and a copy of your New York driver’s license.
You can request a record for someone else
In New York, you can also request another person’s vehicle record.
If you’re requesting a copy of your New York driving record from the NY DMV, there are 3 types available:
Standard driving record: This only contains pertinent information that the DMV must keep. Certain violations may or may not be removed over time, so be sure to check in occasionally.
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,
, and any other type of action outside New York State at any time.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you’ll find on each driving record:
Driving record type
Contents
Standard record
Personal Information
License status summary
Activity
Suspensions and revocations
Non-vehicular convictions
Convictions and bail forfeitures
Accidents
Lifetime record
Standard driving record contents, plus:
Non-driver ID
Permit history
Changes to class or privilege
Merges
Address history
Commercial driving license (CDL) record
Expanded driver history not available on a standard driving record (in any state and vehicle type):
Licensing actions
RevocationsConvictions
Suspensions
A CDL also includes Self Certification information and Medical Certification.
Your driving record includes information about you and your driving history
Since you were first granted driving privileges, your state Department of Motor Vehicles has kept records of what you do—it’s called a driving record or driver abstract.
A motor vehicle driving record is a history of all non-moving and moving violations, convictions, collisions, and actions received by a driver over a specific period outlined in the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
There are several types of driving records available, and what’s on yours will depend on the type of license class you have.
, can impact your ability to drive. New York State may suspend your license depending on the severity of your infractions. Additionally, having too many points on your record could also cause your license to be suspended.
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.
as a precondition of employment. If your job requires you to spend a bit of time driving, check your driving record to ensure it’s as clean as possible.
Key Takeaway:Your driving record is more than just a record. It can significantly impact other areas of your life—so it’s always best to keep it as clean as possible.
and create a MyDMV account. Once you log in, follow the screen prompts and be prepared to pay the $5 fee by debit or credit card.
How long do convictions stay on your driving record in New York?
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The length of time a conviction stays on your driving record depends on what the conviction is.
Accidents and most traffic violations remain on your record until the end of the year in which the accident or conviction occurred, plus three additional years. A
, won’t remove a violation, conviction, or points from your driving record—most violations will show on your record for up to 4 years. However, point reduction helps reduce the total points received in 18 months on your driving record by 4 points to avoid a possible license suspension.