How to Get Your New York Driving Record

Knowing how to check the status of your driver's license can come in handy. Your driving record — kept by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) — contains detailed information regarding your driving history. This includes traffic violations, license status, points and more.

Reviewing your record keeps you informed, protects you from legal or financial setbacks, and ensures your details are correct. In this guide, we'll show you how to request your record in New York whether online, by mail or in person. We'll also discuss the different record types available and highlight what to check once you have it.

Ways to Obtain Your Driving Record

Get your New York driving record easily through various methods, all of which have particular requirements, timeframes and costs. Here are your options:

1. Online Through the NYS DMV Portal

The fastest and most convenient way is to use the MyDMV portal on the New York DMV website.

Steps:

  • Visit dmv.ny.gov
  • Log in to your MyDMV account or create one using your NY State ID or license
  • Select "Get My Driving Record"
  • Pay the fee with your credit or debit card
  • Download or view your record immediately

Requirements:

  • Valid New York State driver license, permit or non-driver ID
  • Access to the email linked to your MyDMV account

2. By Mail

If you prefer or need a physical copy and don't want to go online, you can request your driving record by mail.

Steps:

  • Complete Form MV-15 (Request for DMV Records)
  • Specify the type of record you want
  • Include payment by check or money order made out to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles"
  • Send your form and payment to: NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, MV-15 Processing, 6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228

3. In Person at a Local NYS DMV Office

Visit any NYS DMV office to quickly access your driving record.

Steps:

  • Bring valid photo ID (driver license or ID card)
  • Complete Form MV-15 (available at the office or online)
  • Pay the required fee

Note: Before heading to a NYS DMV office for driving record requests, call or check online first to confirm they provide this service.

Types of New York Driving Records

There are three straightforward options to get your New York driving record. Each choice offers unique benefits in terms of requirements, cost and speed.

1. Standard Driving Record

The standard record provides a summary of your driving history, including only the minimum details required by the NYS DMV. More serious violations (such as a DUI) will remain documented for longer periods of time. It shows:

  • Traffic violations
  • Driver's license status
  • Points on your license
  • Any recent suspensions or revocations

This version can be used for personal reasons, insurance reviews or job applications that don't require a complete history.

2. Lifetime Driving Record

A lifetime driving record reveals every detail of a person's record via the NYS DMV's database. It's typically used for legal matters or by individuals who need a full historical record, and includes:

  • All traffic convictions
  • License suspension and revocations
  • Accident reports (if reported to the NYS DMV)
  • Driving restrictions or limitations
  • All license types and classes held

3. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Abstract

Specifically for commercial drivers, this abstract includes:

Employers and regulatory agencies often request this version for compliance and safety checks.

Defensive Driving and Your Driving Record

If you've had a few violations or just want to clean up your driving record, taking a defensive driving course in New York can help.

What it does:

  • Eliminates up to four license points from your record (though the violations stay).
  • Gives you a mandatory 10% discount on your car insurance for three years.
  • Can be taken online or in person, based on your preference.

A few quick details:

  • You can take the course once every 18 months for point reduction.
  • The NYS DMV applies the reduction automatically after completion.
  • The course usually takes about six hours.

Want to Clean Up Your Driving Record and Save on Insurance?

Take a NYS DMV-approved defensive driving course with SafeMotorist. Our online course is easy to finish, available 24/7 and can reduce up to four points from your New York driving record.

Get started today!