Driving records are good indicators of a motorist’s general ability to abide local laws and safely operate a potentially deadly vehicle on public roads. When a driving record shows a general lax attitude to common sense and safety via lots of tickets, maybe one or more DUI convictions, or a suspended or revoked license, many employers rightfully will walk away from a potential candidate.
That is especially true of transportation companies and many of the federal agencies located in Washington D.C. that require high levels of security clearance. Many employers and others require copies of individual driving records to affirm a candidate is fully qualified for a job, a promotion or potential inclusion within a local community.
Your Washington D.C. Driving record will show any moving violations, license suspensions or revocations, reinstatements and renewal histories. Your driving record also will show your listed addresses at the time of the recorded events. That all helps to fully establish your background and driving history at the local level.
How to Obtain Your Washington D.C. Driving Record
The Washington D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) enables residents to obtain driving records at a DMV Service Center or online. You can obtain either a Certified Driver Record or an Uncertified Driver Record by using one of the following web browsers to access the online site:
- Google Chrome
- Apple Safari
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox
You can go to click on the respective links for a Certified Driver Record or an Uncertified Driver Record and obtain 3-, 5- or 10-year driver history records by providing the required information and paying the requisite fee.
Motorists also can mail in requests for their 3-, 5- or 10-year certified or uncertified driver records. The DC DMV requires a letter and applicable fees mailed to:
P.O. Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090
The DC DMV says it takes between seven and 10 business days to respond to mailed-in requests.
Applying to Get the Driving Record
You will need to provide your identification and obtain the correct form at a service center or file your request online. A fee applies and must be paid in advance.
Required Documentation
You will need to provide your driver’s license and the required paperwork when requesting your driver history record.
Fees for Getting Your Driving Record and Payment Methods
You also will need to provide the form of payment for fees with either a personal check, money order, cashier’s check, credit card or a debit card. The DC DMV never accepts cash payments for security reasons as well as to streamline the processing of transactions. That includes the collection of fees for driving records.
Types of Driver Records
The DC DMV provides certified and uncertified copies of driver records. A Certified Driver Record is required for most employers while an uncertified record generally is good for proof you have a valid driver’s license. A 3-year record is the kind that auto insurers obtain to affirm a driver’s insurability. A 5-year record is made available to prospective employers for background checks, and a 10-year history is available to respective motorists.