How to Check Your Driving Record for Free and Via Payment

Checking your driving record is an important step whether you are interested in obtaining it for personal reasons or as part of a background check for employees. While you might find the process bundled with other costs, it can often be done for free or at a minimal cost. Here, we will explore different methods to obtain your driving record, focusing on free options and those that involve a fee.

Method 1: Checking Your Record on a State Website

Many states offer the ability to check your driving record through their official Department of Licensing (DoL) website. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Find Your State's Department of Licensing Website

Search for your state's DoL by using a search engine (e.g., Department of Licensing [Your State]). Different states have different names for this institution, such as the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Ohio) or the Department of Transportation (Pennsylvania).

Step 2: Confirm You Have the Right Website

Check that the website you've found belongs to the state's DoL. It typically ends in .gov or .state.[Your State].us.

Step 3: Check If the Website Offers Driving Records

Each state's DoL may offer driving records through their website. However, some states may require you to visit their offices, call, or request information by mail. Florida, for example, does not have an online service but requires you to purchase a copy online from a private vendor. Conversely, Alabama requires you to visit a DMV office.

Step 4: Find the Link to Access Your Driving Records

Once on the homepage, hunt around to find a link to access your driving records. This could be under sections like Driver Services, Records, or Online Services.

Step 5: Enter Your Personal Information

Provide necessary information, such as your full name, driver’s license number, and social security number. Some states will require you to create an account if you plan to revisit the page.

Step 6: Pay the Fee (If Required)

Most states require a fee for accessing records through their system. For example, in Washington, the fee is $13 and is non-refundable. Some states may charge varying fees depending on the format of the record (e.g., email, hard copy).

Method 2: Using DMV Made Simple

DMV Made Simple is a popular website that allows you to access driving records for most states. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Visit the Website

Go to the driving record page of DMV Made Simple.

Step 2: Choose Your State

Drag your mouse over your state on the map or select it via a drop-down menu. Ensure that the service is available in your state as some areas, like the northeastern part of the US, may not be covered.

Step 3: Enter Your Personal Information

Enter your name, address, and driver’s license number. If you haven't lived at your current address for two years, indicate your previous address. Review the information and proceed.

Step 4: Review the Fees

Confirm that the information is correct and decide on the format of the report and whether you want it via email, PDF, or other formats. There might be an additional fee for the email service.

Step 5: Agree to Privacy Policies

After reviewing the terms of service, provide your email address if necessary and finalize your payment.

Method 3: Checking Employees Driving Records

If you need to check your employees’ driving records, you must follow specific procedures, respecting legal and ethical guidelines.

Step 1: Learn the Law

Under the Drivers Privacy Protection Act of 1994, employees must give consent for their records to be accessed. Also, state statutes may govern these practices, so it's best to check from your state government’s website.

Step 2: Get Consent

Gather written consent from your employees. Specify in the application that allowing you to check their driving records is a condition of employment. Use a driving record release form to gather all the necessary information, including full name, driver’s license number, social security number, address, and date of birth.

Step 3: Request the Records

Request your employees’ driving records through your state’s official DoL website or use a private company if the process is slow. and are examples of companies that specialize in providing these services for businesses.

By following these steps, you can effectively check your driving record for free or for a minimal cost, and also ensure that you are in compliance with legal and ethical standards when checking employee driving records.