You can get a copy of your California driving record from the DMV in one of two ways: request it online for $2 and print it yourself, or submit Form INF 1125 by mail or in person for a certified copy that costs $5. Which one you should choose depends on whether you need an official stamped document or just want to see what’s on your record.
Getting Your Record Online for $2
The online portal is the fastest route. The whole process takes a few minutes and costs $2.1California Department of Motor Vehicles. Online Driver Record Request You’ll need a DMV online account and your driver’s license number.
One detail catches people off guard: you only get one chance to print your record after paying. Have your printer connected and ready before you start. If you close the confirmation page without printing, you’ll have to pay the $2 fee again to view it a second time.1California Department of Motor Vehicles. Online Driver Record Request The DMV will not mail you a physical copy for an online request.
You can pay by credit card, debit card, or directly from your bank account. Paying from your bank account avoids the 1.95% surcharge that applies to card transactions.1California Department of Motor Vehicles. Online Driver Record Request On a $2 charge that’s pennies, but worth knowing.
The record you get this way is uncertified. It contains the same driving history as the certified version but doesn’t carry the DMV’s official stamp. For personal review, insurance quotes, or checking your point count, an uncertified printout is fine.
Getting a Certified Copy for $5
If you need a record for court, a background check, or another purpose that requires an authenticated document, you’ll need a certified copy. It costs $5 and carries the DMV’s official stamp.1California Department of Motor Vehicles. Online Driver Record Request
Fill out Form INF 1125, the DMV’s standard form for requesting your own driver’s license or vehicle registration records. Download it from the DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. The form asks for your full legal name, California driver’s license number, and date of birth.2Department of Motor Vehicles. Request for Your Own Driver License/Identification Card (DL/ID) or Vehicle/Vessel Registration (VR) Information Record – Form INF 1125 To get the certified version rather than a plain printout, write “certified driver record” on the form so the DMV knows to stamp and authenticate it.
By Mail
Send the completed form with a check or money order for $5 to the DMV Headquarters address printed on the form. Write your driver’s license number on the check.2Department of Motor Vehicles. Request for Your Own Driver License/Identification Card (DL/ID) or Vehicle/Vessel Registration (VR) Information Record – Form INF 1125 Expect roughly 5 to 15 business days for delivery. The DMV does not publish an official processing timeline.
In Person
You can also bring the form to any DMV office and typically walk out with the printout the same day. Bring valid identification and payment. Scheduling an appointment through the DMV website is a good idea if you want to avoid a long wait.
What Appears on Your Record
Under California Vehicle Code Section 1808, your record includes traffic convictions, at-fault accident reports, and any actions taken against your driving privilege such as suspensions or revocations.3California Legislative Information. California Vehicle Code VEH 1808 It also shows your current license status and any accumulated points.
Not everything stays forever. The DMV follows reporting windows based on the severity of the violation:3California Legislative Information. California Vehicle Code VEH 1808
- Ten years for DUI-related convictions, including underage DUI (Vehicle Code Sections 23140, 23152, and 23153).
- Seven years for other two-point violations such as reckless driving, hit-and-run, or driving on a suspended license.
- Three years for all other traffic violations and at-fault accident reports.
License suspensions and revocations remain visible while active and for three years after the suspension ends or your privilege is reinstated.3California Legislative Information. California Vehicle Code VEH 1808
You may have heard of the older “H6” or “10-year record” that included additional internal DMV information. That record type was discontinued in March 2019. The DMV now issues a single standard record covering all reportable convictions, departmental actions, and accidents for the time periods above.1California Department of Motor Vehicles. Online Driver Record Request
If You Spot an Error
Mistakes happen. A conviction might be reported under the wrong name, an accident you weren’t responsible for could show as at-fault, or a dismissed ticket might still appear. The DMV provides two forms to report errors: Form DL 207 for general record corrections and Form DL 207A for incorrect accident information.1California Department of Motor Vehicles. Online Driver Record Request Both are available on the DMV website.
Pulling your own record at least once a year is worth the $2, especially before applying for a job that involves driving or renewing your auto insurance. Errors you don’t catch can quietly inflate your premiums or cost you a job offer.