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Washington DC Frequently Asked Questions about Driver’s Records

What are the different types of driving records?
You have the option to obtain a certified or uncertified copy of your records from the DMV at any time. The DMV provides records in the form of 3-, 5- and 10- year history reports as well as full history reports. To check a driving record in DC, you must submit a request either online, through the mail or in person and provide adequate proof of identity and pay the fee. Fee amounts depend on the type of record you request, as follows:
  • 3- or 5-year reports: $7
  • 10-year or complete reports: $13

For more information: Washington D.C. Driving Records

What information does a driving record contain?
Your Washington D.C. driving record contains information on your driver’s license and your driving history. This includes your name, address and date of birth. Your license issue and expiration date, your license status and what endorsement you have is also listed. The DMV driving report details what kinds of permits you have been issued in the past. Additionally, your driving record contains a history of points assessed against your license, car accidents you’ve been in and traffic tickets issued to you. Withdrawals and suspensions of your license will also appear on the drivers record. The DC DMV offers certified and non-certified copies of your 3-year, 5-year, 10-year or complete driving record.

For more information: Washington D.C. Driving Records

How do I get a copy of my driving record?
In Washington D.C., driving record copies may be requested online, by phone or in person at any D.C. DMV service center. You can order a certified or uncertified copy of a 3-, 5-, 10-year or full-history driving record. You are required to bring or send in documentation with your full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, driver’s license number, photocopied proof of identification and check or money order. Fees to check a driving record depend on the type of record requested.

For more information: How to Order a State-Approved Washington D.C Driving Record

How do I obtain a copy of someone else’s driving record?
In D.C., driving records can only be released to other requesters who are not the driver if they have a written authorization from the driver. The driver’s representative, law enforcement, government entities, insurance companies and attorneys are the only requesters who can obtain another person’s records. Each must provide the driver’s name, date of birth and driver’s license or Social Security Number.

For more information: How To Order A State-Approved Washington D.C Driving Record

Can I request a certified driver’s record online?
The DC DMV does offer certified and uncertified copies of driver records online. There are four types of records: 3-, 5- or 10-year histories in addition to full driver histories. To protect driver privacy, the DMV does not provide driving records over the phone. Applicants must submit their request online or via mail by providing information, such as a driver’s license number, full name and date of birth.

For more information: How To Order A State-Approved Washington, DC Driving Record

What is the cost to get a driver record?
Driving record fees vary depending on what kind of record you wish to order. 3-year and 5-year records, certified and uncertified, are issued for $7. Complete driving records and 10-year records, both certified and uncertified, are available for $13.

For more information: Washington D.C. Driving Records

How do I file a complaint when I believe someone has illegally accessed my DMV record?
If you believe someone has accessed your DMV driving record and you may become a victim of fraud, you must contact the DC DMV’s Office of Service Integrity as soon as possible. The first step is submitting a request via email to integrity.inquiry@dc.gov. Make sure not to include sensitive information in the email. Once the office receives your complaint, they will follow up with you to review it and take appropriate action.

For more information: How To Order A State-Approved Washington, DC Driving Record

How can I pay for my traffic or parking ticket?
To pay your traffic ticket in Washington, D.C., you may do so online, in person or via mail. To pay online on the DC DMV website, you must have your ticket number and payment information readily available. Via mail, motorists must mail a check or money order along with the ticket number in the memo line. The in-person process requires that you bring your ticket with you and pay once you reach the information desk. If you cannot present your traffic or parking ticket, you must request a printout of the ticket to complete the process.

For more information: Washington DC Traffic Tickets

How do I get a traffic ticket dismissed?
If you receive a traffic fines in DC, you can contest them as long as you do not pay the fine or penalty. You can request to contest the ticket by mail, in person within 60 calendar days or online. However, there are only seven defenses for parking violations that can be raised and dismissed in DC. You will need hard copies of your documents and evidence at the time of hearing.

For more information: Fighting a Washington DC Ticket

If I lost my traffic or parking ticket, how can I find the information again?
DC’s Email Ticket Alert Service (TAS) is the easiest way to find information about your traffic fines and lost tickets. You can also call or go to an Adjudication Services Offices to inquire about your ticket.

For more information: Washington DC Traffic Tickets

Where can I find my traffic or parking ticket information online?
When you receive a traffic ticket or parking ticket, the information is entered into an online database of traffic tickets. Drivers in the District of Columbia can sign up for the Ticket Alert Service online and receive notifications through text or email. Drivers can also log into the Ticket Alert System to check any traffic tickets registered to their account.

For more information: Washington DC Traffic Tickets

Do I need to attend traffic school if I get a speeding ticket?
When you receive a moving violation, you must generally pay a fine and get points added to your driving record. For a speeding ticket in DC, you are not required to attend traffic school. However, the DC DMV will determine whether you are eligible for traffic school to remove points from your record. If your violation is severe, you may not qualify for the course.

For more information: Washington DC Traffic Tickets

Why doesn’t a recent traffic ticket I received appear on my driving record?
Although the DC DMV has an online database for parking and traffic tickets, they may not appear on the driving record right away. A DMV agent must input the ticket offense into your record. It can take up to a month for a traffic ticket to appear on a driving record. Therefore, you may have to wait a few weeks before the ticket appears on your driving record.

For more information: Washington DC Traffic Tickets

How many times can I attend a traffic school course to remove points from my driving record?
Since Washington D.C. does not offer traffic school services, drivers are referred to Virginia to attend authorized courses. In Virginia, drivers can be awarded up to five points for successfully completing a defensive driving course. They can only remove up to five points every 24 months.

For more information: Defensive Driving in Washington D.C.

What is the cost of a traffic ticket?
If traffic cameras or the Metropolitan Police Department witnesses you performing a traffic violation, you will be issued a traffic ticket fine. Tickets range in cost depending on the severity of the crime and a driver’s history. If you run a red light, you will have to pay traffic fines up to $150. If you speed more than 26 miles over the speed limit, you will receive a $300 ticket. Traffic ticket fines range from $50 to over $300.

For more information: Washington DC Traffic Tickets

What is considered the legal alcohol limit?
What is the cost of a DUI?
A first-time DUI citation has a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail, a $1,000 fine and a six-month revoked drivers license. Depending on the BAC or urine alcohol content (UAC) measured, minimum jail time ranges from no time to 20 days. A second DWI ticket comes with a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of one year in jail. Additionally, fines can range from $2,500 to $5,000, and a driver’s license can be revoked for a year. A third-time offense has a minimum of 12 days and a maximum of one year in jail. It also includes fines from $2,500 to $10,000 and a two-year license revocation. Fourth offenses and other subsequent offenses come with a minimum of 45 days and maximum of one year in jail, and fines between $2,500 to $10,000.

For more information: Suspended Washington DC Driver’s License

What is the DUI penalty for a minor?
A minor caught driving under the influence is subject to numerous penalties by the DC Metropolitan Police Department. Underage drivers are subject to the same penalties as of-age drivers found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. A false ID or altered license used to obtain alcohol incurs an additional fine of up to $1,000 and another year of drivers license suspension. Additionally, parents determined to have aided minors in obtaining alcohol are subject to a $300 fine and 90-day drivers license suspension.

For more information: Washington DC DUIs and DWIs

Where can I find more information about an ignition interlock device?
Ignition interlock devices are breath alcohol analyzers installed in the ignition system of a vehicle. You may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle if you have a history of driving under the influence. You can learn more about DC’s IID program at the Department of Behavioral Health or the Department of Motor Vehicles.

For more information: Washington DC DUIs and DWIs