How to Check Your Virginia Driving Record Online

Your Virginia driving record is an important document that tracks your driving history, violations, and safety performance. Whether you're applying for a job, getting car insurance, or just want to know what's on file, knowing how to check your Virginia driving record online is essential. In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to access your record, what information it contains, and what to do if you find violations or demerit points on your account.

What Is a Virginia Driving Record?

A Virginia driving record is an official document maintained by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that contains your complete driving history. It's basically a report card for your time behind the wheel. This record includes everything from traffic violations and accidents to your current license status and any points on your account.

Your driving record is important because many people and organizations use it to make decisions about you. Insurance companies check your record to determine your rates. Employers often request it before hiring you, especially for jobs that involve driving. Courts may review it when you're charged with a traffic offense. Understanding what's on your record helps you be prepared and take action if needed.

How to Check Your Virginia Driving Record Online

Checking your Virginia DMV record online is quick and easy. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles offers an online system called myDMV that lets you view your driving record anytime. Here's how to access it:

First, go to the Virginia DMV website at dmv.virginia.gov. Look for the section about checking your driving record or managing your account. You'll need to create or log into your myDMV account. If you don't have an account yet, you can set one up with your driver's license number and personal information. Once you're logged in, you should see an option to view your driving record Virginia details. Click that option, and your record will display on the screen. You can review it right there or print it for your records.

The online version is usually an unofficial transcript, which works fine for personal use or most employer requests. It's typically free or costs around $8. If you need an official certified copy for legal proceedings, employment verification, or insurance purposes, you can also order that through the same system, which usually costs around $13.

How Much Does a Virginia Driving Record Cost?

The cost of your driving record Virginia DMV depends on what type of copy you need. If you just want to check your record online through myDMV, most people can access this for free or for a small fee of about $8. This unofficial version is perfect for personal review and works well when you just want to see what's on file.

If you need an official certified copy, the cost is typically around $13. This certified version is what you'll need if a court, employer, or insurance company specifically requests an official record. The certified copy has the DMV seal and is considered a legal document, which is why it costs a bit more. You can order this through the Virginia DMV website, and it will be mailed to you within a few business days.

Some situations might require multiple copies, so factor that into your budget. However, once you've ordered a certified copy, you can use it for several purposes, so you don't necessarily need to order a new one each time.

What Information Is on Your Virginia Driving Record?

Your Virginia driving record contains quite a bit of information about your driving history. Understanding what's on there helps you know what others can see when they request your record.

Your personal information is the first section, which includes your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number. Your current license status appears next, showing whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked. The violation history section lists all traffic violations you've received, including the date, location, and type of violation. Your demerit points are listed separately, showing how many points you currently have on your record. If you've completed any driver improvement courses, you'll see safe driving points, which actually help offset demerit points. Your accident history shows any at-fault accidents reported to the DMV. Finally, any license suspensions or revocations are clearly noted with the reason and timeframe.

How to Request a Certified Virginia Driving Record

When you need an official certified copy of your Virginia DMV record, the process is straightforward. You can request it online through the Virginia DMV website using your myDMV account, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is usually the fastest and most convenient option.

To order online, log into your myDMV account and look for the option to order a certified driving record. You'll be asked to verify your information and select how many copies you need. Choose your payment method and complete the transaction. The DMV will process your request and mail the certified copy to the address on file. Delivery usually takes 5-10 business days, though you can pay extra for expedited processing if you need it faster.

If you prefer to request your record in person, you can visit any Virginia DMV office with your driver's license and identification. You'll fill out a form and pay the fee on the spot. You can often pick up the certified copy the same day or within a couple of days. By mail, you can send a written request with your payment to the address listed on the DMV website, though this method takes longer.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Virginia Record?

One of the most important things to know about your Virginia driving record is how long violations stay on it. Virginia doesn't remove violations right away, but they do eventually fall off. The timeline depends on the severity of the violation.

Most minor traffic violations, like speeding or failure to signal, stay on your record for 3 to 5 years. More serious violations, like reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI), stay on your record for 11 years. This is a long time, which shows how serious Virginia takes these offenses. Demerit points, which are assigned for violations, stay on your record for 2 years from the date of the offense. Once that 2-year period passes, the points are removed, even though the violation itself might still show on your history.

Understanding these timelines is important because violations affect your insurance rates and job prospects. The longer violations stay on your record, the more they can impact your life. This is one reason why improving your driving habits and taking a driver improvement course makes sense.

How to Improve Your Virginia Driving Record

If you've checked your Virginia driving record and found violations or demerit points, you have options to improve it. The best way to improve your record is simply to drive safely and follow traffic laws going forward. However, Virginia offers a specific way to earn points in your favor: taking an approved driver improvement course.

When you complete an approved Virginia driver improvement course, you can earn 5 safe driving points that actually help offset demerit points on your record. These courses are designed to refresh your driving knowledge and help you become a safer driver. Many people take them after getting a traffic violation or to lower their insurance rates. The course covers important topics like defensive driving techniques, Virginia traffic laws, and how to avoid common accidents.

An 8-hour online course is a convenient option that you can complete on your own schedule from home. ABC Driving Improvement offers a Virginia DMV-approved online driver improvement course that helps you earn those valuable safe driving points. The course is interactive, easy to follow, and can make a real difference in your driving record and insurance costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my Virginia driving record for free?

Yes, you can check your unofficial driving record online through myDMV for free or a small fee (around $8). This version is perfect for personal use. Certified copies, which are needed for official purposes, typically cost around $13.

How often should I check my driving record?

It's a good idea to check your Virginia driving record at least once a year. This helps you catch any errors, monitor your demerit points, and stay aware of your driving history. You might also check it before major life events like changing insurance or applying for jobs.

What if I find an error on my Virginia driving record?

If you spot an error, contact the Virginia DMV directly. You can dispute inaccuracies through their online system or by visiting a local DMV office. Bring any documentation that supports your claim, such as court records or proof of payment.

Will a driver improvement course remove violations from my record?

No, a driver improvement course won't remove violations from your record. However, it earns you 5 safe driving points that offset demerit points, which can lower your insurance rates and improve your overall driving record status.

Can my employer see my full driving record?

Employers can request your driving record with your authorization. They will typically see your violation history, license status, and points. This is common for jobs that involve driving company vehicles.

How do I remove points from my Virginia driving record?

You can't remove demerit points before they fall off naturally (after 2 years), but you can offset them with safe driving points earned through a driver improvement course. Taking an approved course adds 5 safe driving points to your record.

Check Your Driving Record and Take Action Today

Knowing what's on your Virginia driving record is the first step to improving your driving future. Now that you understand how to check it, what it contains, and how long violations stay on file, you're prepared to take action. If you find demerit points or violations on your record, don't worry. You can make positive changes starting today.

One of the most effective ways to improve your record and become a safer driver is to complete an approved driver improvement course. ABC Driving Improvement offers a convenient, Virginia DMV-approved 8-hour online course that you can take from home. Our course will help you earn 5 safe driving points, boost your confidence behind the wheel, and potentially lower your insurance rates. Visit www.abcdrivingcourse.com today to enroll and start improving your driving record right now.