DMV records

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Definitions

Abstract  -  An abstract is a summary of a driving, registration or title record.  1

Certified abstract   A certified abstract has the signature of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Many courts and employers will ask for a certified abstract.

Driving record history (also called a "lifetime abstract" or "lifetime driving record") - driving record history will display information still in DMV’s possession regardless of the data retention requirements found in Vehicle and Traffic Law. Only you or someone to whom you have given written permission, or by subpoena may request this type of abstract.

Record  -  A record is the information that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) stores about a person, business, organization or vehicle.

Records retention period  -  The length of time we keep records is called the records retention period. The length of time we keep records is defined in the Vehicle and Traffic Law.2

Search  -  When you request records, we search DMV records to find the record you requested. We may or may not find a match. The fee you pay is for the search itself regardless of whether a match is found. These fees are not refundable. 3

 

Records that are available

DMV records that customers frequently request are

  • driving record (abstract)
  • Commercial Driver License (CDL) driving record (abstract)
  • vehicle registration record (abstract)
  • vehicle title record (abstract)
  • accident reports

The Records Request Navigator includes additional records that you may request

  • driver license application
  • ticket disposition (conviction)
  • driver license suspension or revocation order
  • photocopy of a ticket or summons
  • vehicle registration application
  • vehicle registration suspension or revocation order

You may request other DMV records that are not listed above. See File a Freedom of Information Law Request for more information.

Important: The Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) restricts access to DMV records that contain personal information. See Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) for more information.

  1. 1. Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 354
  2. 2. Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 201
  3. 3. Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 202(e)