How to Check Your Driving Record in Virginia

You can request several different driving record transcripts from the Virginia DMV by contacting them online, in person, or through the mail.

Your driving record is essentially a document that contains the full history of all moving violations and accidents throughout your lifetime.

This record will include things such as DUI convictions, speeding tickets, license suspension information, and other evidence of traffic violations, tickets, and accidents.

You can quickly and easily request several different types of driving records (which each cover different time frames) from your local DMV.

How Do I Check My Driving Record in Virginia?

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According to Virginia law, all DMV records are “privileged and are not available to the general public.”

Because of this, you’ll have to specifically request your records from the DMV.

There are three different ways to request and receive your driving record: online, in person, or by mail.

As you might expect, the online option is the most popular. You can request your driving record online through the DMV Now service portal.

If you choose to request your driving record in-person, you’ll have to present valid photo identification at your local DMV.

If you choose to request a copy by mail, you’ll have to submit Form CRD-93 to the DMV (along with a fee), and include a variety of information, including your name, address, and social security number.

Do I have to pay anything?

Yes. No matter how you request the records, you’ll have to pay an $8–$9 fee, as well as an additional $5 charge for each certified copy you request.

This is similar to when you request other certified copies of documents, such as marriage licenses.

However, the DMV will waive the fee if you’re requesting the record for a number of agencies, such as:

  • Federal, state, or local government agencies
  • Volunteer fire companies or rescue squads
  • Special court-appointed advocacy programs

Additionally, you can request a reduced-fee copy if you’re applying to a variety of public-interest programs, such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, Compeer, the American Red Cross, and many more.

Virginia Driving Record FAQ

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Below, we’ll provide some general answers to the the most common questions we receive about driving records.

Where else can I get a copy of my driving record?

As we mentioned above, driving records are “privileged information,” so only certain people and organizations have access to them.

For the purposes of this article, the two most notable are your attorney and your insurance company.

If you’re charged with a traffic infraction or crime, your attorney will often pull your driving record for you. They may also give you a copy as well.

The same is true for your insurance company.

Are there different types of driving records?

Yes. Driving record transcripts will vary in length and description by their intended use.

For example, if you would like a copy of your driving record for your personal use, you can get a transcript with up to 11 years of your driving history.

However, if your school, for whatever reason, would like a copy of your driving record, you can ask the DMV to send them a transcript with up to 7 years of your driving history.

The types of driving records available include:

  • Personal Use — For personal use only, will cover up to 11 years of driving history.
  • Employment / School / Military — You can request it personally or have it sent to the specific institution. Covers 7 years of driving history.
  • Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) — Only issued to Transportation Network Companies for the purpose of employment. Covers 7 years of driving history.
  • Insurance — A summary of your driving record for insurance purposes. Covers up to 5 years of driving history.
  • Habitual Offender License Restoration — You can use this transcript to petition the court for the restoration of your driving privileges. Covers up to 11 years of your driving history.

Conclusion

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Requesting your Virginia driving record is not a difficult or particularly expensive process.

You can request these records in a variety of formats from your home or by mail, as well as in person at your local DMV service location.

The main copy will cost $8 to $9, while each additional certified copy will cost you another $5.

Driving records are useful, and sometimes even necessary, in a variety of situations, such as in traffic violation cases, when applying for insurance, or if you’re looking for a job that requires a lot of driving.

If you’ve been charged with a traffic violation, or have questions in relation to your personal or vehicular driving record, a lawyer may be able to help clear up some of your confusion. 

Some law firms will even obtain your driving record for you when hired to help with a traffic-related case.

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