Public Records

Driving records are public records and by definition cannot be made “private.”  However, federal and state privacy laws restrict how driving records may be viewed and what information may be provided to specific parties, thereby providing some privacy protections.

Driving records are “public” in that they, like all court records, are accessible to the public.  Usually, driving records are accessed by anyone looking to reduce risk or learn more about you, such as prospective employers, insurance companies, or an opponent in a legal dispute.  Nonetheless, the courts have upheld an individual’s right to keep some information private in certain cases.

Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) outlines how background checks can be conducted and what rights a job applicant has in protecting their privacy.  The FCRA requires a prospective employer or an insurance company, for example, to obtain written permission from the applicant before accessing public records such as a driving record.  In addition, the type of information available for viewing in a driving record is restricted by federal and state privacy laws.  Basic driving records available to anyone include driving history, such as convictions, citations, accidents, suspensions and revocations.  Detailed driving records which contain personally-identifying information such as addresses, phone numbers and social security numbers, are only available to authorized personnel, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles for any federal, state or local agency use in carrying out that agency’s functions; for any state, federal or local proceeding if the proceeding involves a motor vehicle; for automobile and driver safety purposes, such as conducting recall of motor vehicles; for use in market research activities, and for licensed private investigators.

Order a Copy

Obtain a copy of your driving record online if you would like to know what someone else will see on your driving record.  Ordering your driving record online is fast and easy and will show you what others can find out about your driving history.