Driving Records – Frequently Asked Questions

Driving records are public records. As such, third parties other than the person on record may access them. But federal and state laws limit such access to certain parties and uses.

What are driving records?

Driving records are records that contain information about a driver’s identification; driving history, including traffic violations, restrictions, accidents and license suspensions; his vehicle registration; smog checks, etc. Other data, such as the driver’s last reported address, can also be found in driving records.

How do employers use driving records?

Most employers want to view driving records of job applicants as part of their background check SOP. Although violations found on a person’s driving records could mean different things to different employers, some companies simply take them as a reflection of a person’s driving skills and nothing more. This would therefore be a disadvantage only if the job entails driving a company car or frequent road travel.

But for some companies, issues about whether the person is responsible enough for a position may be raised, especially if serious violations were incurred. So violations can also prevent a person from being promoted or assuming greater responsibilities in the company.

Who can access driving records?

Driving records and all information in them may be disclosed to persons on record. However, according to the 1997 Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, DMV data may also be disclosed to anyone who has obtained written consent from the person to whom the driving records pertain.

A licensed private investigative agency, a licensed security service, an insurer or insurance support organization, is also allowed to get a copy of a person’s driving records.

From where can driving records be accessed?

The Department of Motor Vehicles, the government agency that administers vehicle registration and the licensing of drivers, can release driving records that include personal information (i.e., information that identifies a person), provided that the one who requests it shall use the information for purposes permitted under the law.

Can I get driving records online?

There are a lot of sites that provide you access to driving records. But they may not provide you all the information you need. Many states issue copies of driving records only through first class U.S. mail and this can, understandably, limit the kind of data third parties can provide.

For you to get the most out of your online search, make sure you use a reliable records search company by checking out RecordsSiteReviews' Driving Records section. It can give you information on the fastest, most convenient driving records access sites today.