Florida is one of the most populous states in the United States, with a large number of licensed drivers. Because of this, it is important to be aware of one's driving record, which includes a history of all traffic violations, convictions, and points on a driver's license. Knowing one's driving record can help individuals to make informed decisions about their insurance rates, job opportunities, and even their identity theft risk. In Florida, it is possible to obtain a driving record by ordering it directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLDHSMV) or by using a public background check service.

If an individual requires an official driving record for employment purposes or information regarding points on their license or license status, they can order driving records directly from the FLDHSMV. On the other hand, if an individual is looking for publicly available driving history information such as convictions, court records, or tickets, they can use a public background check service such as FloridaDrivingRecord.com (Approved Provider).

It is crucial to note that public background check services like TruthFinder cannot be used for employment or tenant screening and are not consumer reporting agencies as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. They are, however, useful for obtaining publicly available driving history information.

Florida offers several types of driving records that individuals can order from the FLHSMV, including a 3-year record, a 7-year record, a complete driver record, and a certified driving record. A 3-year or 7-year driver record includes information such as driver's license issuances and status, guilty dispositions of traffic violations, and any car accidents that resulted in a traffic citation. A complete motor vehicle record, however, includes all guilty dispositions of traffic violations, including each violation that resulted in assigned points, all adjudications withheld, and all license suspensions, revocations, cancellations, and disqualifications of a driver's license.

Knowing the information contained in one's driving record can help individuals to track their violation points, verify that all information is correct, and monitor for possible identity theft. It is also important to know that certain information, such as suspensions for failure to pay a traffic citation, will remain on a driving record for a year after a driver's license is reinstated.

Overall, obtaining a driving record in Florida can help individuals to make informed decisions about their insurance rates, job opportunities, and identity theft risk. It is possible to order driving records directly from the FLDHSMV or by using a public background check service like TruthFinder. Knowing the different types of driving records available and the information they contain can also be useful in monitoring one's driving history.

Information On A Florida Driving Record

To receive a complete record of your driving history in Florida, you can purchase either a 3-year or 7-year record. Although the specifics will vary depending on the type of record, a typical Florida driving record includes the following information: Driver Information,

Name (Removed for Privacy)
Date of Birth
Sex
Height
Race
Address (Removed for Privacy)

License Information

Driver License Number
Current License Type
Prior State and Driver License Number (if applicable)
Original License Issued*
Issuance History
Exams
Restrictions and Endorsements
Special Driver Information
Sanctions and Notices

This section will also include the original issue date of your driver's license in Florida.

Violations

This section will contain any violations such as speeding tickets, traffic accidents, crashes, etc., as well as the number of points on your license.

Crashes

Entries will show the date, county, and/or state of any crashes that happened and were given a citation.

Driver Schools

This section lists any traffic school courses that you’ve completed due to violations or sanctions, and any correspondence that occurred.

It's important to note that due to the Florida Driver Privacy Protection Act, your personal information (name & address) will NOT be included in your driving record. However, your driver's license number will be listed, which can be verified with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Be aware that since your name is not shown on your records, it may NOT be valid for obtaining a driver's license for a different state or country, for fulfilling out-of-state DMV/court requirements, or for gaining employment. Therefore, you assume all risks for using our records for any or all of these purposes.

Florida Driving Records Privacy

The Driver Privacy Protection Act is your shield against unwarranted intrusion into your personal information on your driving record. It ensures that your private data on your Florida MRV is protected from unauthorized disclosure.

This Act allows your personal information to be used by government agencies and businesses, but only for specific purposes relating to driver and vehicle safety. Furthermore, it empowers businesses to confirm the accuracy of personal data you provide and correct it if necessary, safeguarding you from false information.

In addition, the Driver Privacy Protection Act also permits your information to be used in legal proceedings, with your written consent, or by your employer or car insurance company. It's important to note that your driving record is a major factor in determining your car insurance rates.

Protect your privacy with the Driver Privacy Protection Act and ensure your driving record is only shared for legitimate reasons, keeping your personal information safe from prying eyes.

Purchasing Your Florida Driving Record

If you're in need of your driving record, you have several options in the Sunshine State. You can swing by any Division of Driver Licenses office, or check out a tax collector that offers driver license services. For added convenience, you can also order your driving record through the mail. Simply complete the Driver License Record Request (form HSMV 90511) and send it to the Bureau of Records at 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 52, Tallahassee, Florida 32300-0574. Keep in mind that processing times may take up to 10 business days, so plan accordingly.

Different Types Of Driving Records

Here's everything you need to know about the different types of driving records available to you, and what they include:

3-Year and 7-Year Driver Record

Your driver's license issuances and status.
Guilty dispositions of traffic violations and their assigned points from the past 3 or 7 years.
Any car accident that resulted in a traffic citation.
Suspensions, revocations, cancelations, and disqualifications of your driver's license that are open or have been cleared within the time period (3 or 7 years).
Suspensions for failure to pay a traffic citation will remain on your driver record for 1 year after your driver's license is reinstated.

Complete Motor Vehicle Rcords

Your driver's license issuances and status.
All guilty dispositions of traffic violations, including each violation that resulted in assigned points.
All adjudications withheld.
Any car accident that resulted in a traffic citation.
All license suspensions, revocations, cancelations, and disqualifications of your driver's license (including those that have been cleared).
Suspensions for failure to pay a traffic citation will remain on your driver record for 1 year.
After a year, this suspension will become a correspondence entry on your complete driver record for the following 2 years.
Correspondence entries refer to notes from the court on your record, rather than specific violations.

Certified Driving Record

Certain situations, such as court proceedings and employer requests, may require you to obtain and submit a certified copy of your motor vehicle record.
You can order a certified version of any Florida driving record (e.g., 3-year, complete, etc.).

Traffic Violations

The amount of time an entry stays on your driving record / motor vehicle record depends on the type of violation:
Traffic violations – Most traffic violations remain on your driving record for 3 to 5 years.
Very severe violations may stay on longer.
Suspensions of your license – Time on your record varies.
Traffic school elections will stay on your record for 75 years.
Alcohol related violations stay on your record for 75 years.

Correcting Errors On Your Drivers License Record

If you believe that there is an error on your Florida driver's license record, it's important to take action. Contacting the DMV customer service center at (850) 922-9000 is one way to address this issue.

How To Read Your Florida Driving Record

Reading your Florida driving record can be a daunting task if you don't know what to look for. However, understanding the information contained in your driving record can help you to monitor your driving history and ensure that all the information is accurate.

Firstly, you will need to obtain a copy of your Florida driving record. You can purchase either a 3-year or 7-year record directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLDHSMV) or by using a public background check service. Once you have your driving record, you can begin the process of reviewing it.

The first section of your Florida driving record will contain your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, sex, height, race, and address. This information will not be included in your driving history due to the Florida Driver Privacy Protection Act.

The next section of your driving record will include your driver's license information, such as your driver's license number, current license type, and prior state and driver license number if applicable. This section will also provide details on the original issuance of your license, including the date it was issued.

The issuance history section will provide information on the exams you have taken, any restrictions or endorsements on your license, and any sanctions or notices that have been issued to you.

The violations section is where you will find information on any traffic violations you have received, such as speeding tickets or other traffic infractions. This section will also include the number of points on your license and the date of the violation.

The crashes section will contain details of any accidents or crashes you have been involved in, including the date and location of the crash.

Finally, the driver schools section will list any traffic school courses you have taken, as well as any correspondence that has taken place between you and the FLDHSMV.

It's important to note that if you find any errors in your driving record, you should contact the FLDHSMV to have them corrected. You should also review your driving record regularly to ensure that all the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Driving Records

What is a Florida driving record?

A Florida driving record is a documented history of a driver’s license status, driving violations, accidents, points, and other related information.

How can I obtain a copy of my Florida driving record?

You can obtain a copy of your Florida driving record by ordering it directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLDHSMV) or by using a public background check service like TruthFinder.

How much does it cost to obtain a Florida driving record?

The cost of obtaining a Florida driving record varies depending on the type of record you want to obtain. As of 2021, the fee ranges from $8 to $15.

What types of Florida driving records are available?

There are several types of Florida driving records, including a 3-year record, a 7-year record, a complete driver record, and a certified driving record.

What information is included in a Florida driving record?

A Florida driving record typically includes information such as driver’s license issuances and status, guilty dispositions of traffic violations, and any car accidents that resulted in a traffic citation.

Can I obtain a Florida driving record for someone else?

You may only obtain someone else’s Florida driving record if you have their written consent or a court order.

How long do traffic violations stay on a Florida driving record?

Traffic violations generally stay on a Florida driving record for 3 to 7 years, depending on the type of record being ordered.

Can I contest information on my Florida driving record?

Yes, you can contest information on your Florida driving record by contacting the FLDHSMV and providing evidence to support your claim.

Can a potential employer obtain my Florida driving record?

An employer may only obtain your Florida driving record with your written consent or if they have a legitimate business reason to do so.

How often should I review my Florida driving record?

It is recommended that you review your Florida driving record at least once a year to ensure its accuracy and to monitor for possible identity theft.

Can I remove points from my Florida driving record?

Points on a Florida driving record cannot be removed, but you may be able to take a driver improvement course to prevent additional points from being added.

How many points can I have on my Florida driving record before my license is suspended?

Your Florida driver’s license may be suspended if you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months.

Can I obtain a copy of my Florida driving record if my license is suspended?
Yes, you can obtain a copy of your Florida driving record even if your license is suspended.

How long does a suspension for failure to pay a traffic citation stay on a Florida driving record?
A suspension for failure to pay a traffic citation will remain on a Florida driving record for 1 year after a driver’s license is reinstated.

What is the Driver Privacy Protection Act?
The Driver Privacy Protection Act is a law that ensures the protection of personal information on a Florida driving record and permits its use only for specific purposes relating to driver and vehicle safety.

Can I request a Florida driving record by mail or online?

Yes, you can request a Florida driving record by mail, online, or in-person.

How long does it take to receive a copy of my Florida driving record?

The processing time for a Florida driving record may vary depending on the method of ordering and the type of record requested. It can take up to several weeks to receive a copy of your record.

What should I do if there are errors on my Florida driving record?

If there are errors on your Florida driving record, you should contact the FLDHSMV and provide evidence to support your claim for correction.

Can my Florida driving record affect my car insurance rates?

Yes, your Florida driving record can affect your car insurance rates. Insurance companies may use the information on your driving record to determine your risk level and premiums.

Can a Florida driving record be used as evidence in court?

Yes, a Florida driving record can be used as evidence in court to prove a driver’s license status, driving history, and any related violations or accidents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a Florida driving record is essential for individuals to make informed decisions regarding insurance rates, job opportunities, and identity theft risk. Individuals can order driving records directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLDHSMV) or use a public background check service like TruthFinder. The Driver Privacy Protection Act ensures that individuals' personal information on their driving records is protected from unauthorized disclosure, and it empowers businesses to correct inaccurate information. Individuals have several options to purchase their driving records, such as visiting any Division of Driver Licenses office, tax collectors that offer driver license services, or ordering through mail. Florida offers different types of driving records such as the 3-year record, 7-year record, complete motor vehicle record, and certified driving record, with varying levels of information that are useful in monitoring one's driving history. Therefore, it is important for individuals to know the different types of driving records available and the information they contain, so they can make informed decisions.