Are you worried about a traffic ticket you just received?
Especially knowing that a traffic ticket in Washington DC means that points will be added to your driving record.
And, accumulating too many points on your DC driving record can lead to:
License suspension or revocation
Difficulty getting an insurance premium or a job
This is why it’s important to keep track of your driving record.
But how can you request a DC driving record?
In this article, we’re going to give you a complete guide on how to get a driving record in Washington DC. Not only that, but we’ll also talk about driving record types, DC’s point system, and more.
So let’s begin!
Who Can Use My Washington DC Driving Record?
Your DC driving record will detail your driving history, including:
Traffic tickets
Traffic points
Convictions
License status
The DC DMV follows the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act. This document outlines that only approved entities can request your DC driving record. These are:
Driver on the record (with proof of identification)
An authorized representative (with written authorization and proof of identification of driver on the record)
Government agencies (for official clearances and investigation)
Law enforcement (with documentation/proof of driver’s involvement)
Attorney (with written authorization)
Insurance agencies (with written authorization)
What are the Types of Driving Records in Washington DC?
There are 2 types of DC driving records:
Non-certified driving records
Certified driving records
Non-Certified Driving Records
If you only want to review your points, license status, or check for errors, a non-certified driving record will do.
However, non-certified driving records will most likely not be recognized for official use. Because of this, it’s wise to double-check with your insurance provider or employer before ordering.
Certified Driving Records
This driving record includes an official stamp from the DC DMV.
It may be used for any official purpose or legal proceedings.
Certified driving records are available as:
3-year record
5-year record
10-year record
Full history
Whichever you choose, you will be able to get a record going back 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, or ever since you got your DC driver’s license.
How to Request a Driving Record in Washington DC
The DC DMV accepts driving record requests:
Online
In-person
By mail
Let’s take a look at each one.
Online
If you order your DC driving record online, you will receive it immediately through email.
To do that, simply visit the DC DMV Driver Record Request Portal. There you can select to request for an uncertified or certified copy.
When requesting a copy, you will be asked to enter your personal information:
Driver License or Card number
Full name
Date of birth
Email
For a 3-year and 5-year copy, you need to pay a fee of $7.
For a 10-year and full history copy, the payment fee is $13.
Note: The DC DMV only accepts payment through credit cards, money orders, and/or vertified checks.
In-person
If you want to request a driving record in person, visit any DC DMV service center near you. To find service center locations, click here.
To request a copy, you will need to provide the following information and documentation:
Full name
Social Security number
Driver’s license number
Photocopy of your proof of identification (REAL ID or Limited Purpose Proof of Identity)
Check or money order payable to DC Treasurer
You may also request certified and uncertified copies of your driving record by mail.
Send a request letter, required documentation, and the applicable fees to:
DC DMV
Attn: Driver Records
PO Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090
What Can I Do with My DC Driving Record?
Since DC follows a points system, it’s important to check your record for accumulated points and license status.
Remember, accumulated points on your DC driving record can hurt your chances of getting a job or an auto insurance discount. Even worse, it can get your license suspended!
It’s also important to check your driving record for any errors. You don’t want it stating that you have more points than you actually have.
If you spot an error, make sure to report it to the DC DMV right away to get it fixed.
Understanding the Points System in Washington DC
As you already know, getting too many points on your driver record will lead to limited driving privileges in Washington DC. These are the penalties you will receive:
10 to 11 points: License suspension for 90 days
12 or more points: License revocation for at least six months
Now, depending on the severity of the violation, you can receive 2 to 12 points on your license.
Here’s a complete chart matching violation to points:
Violation: | Points: |
Too near another vehicle | 2 |
Using an improper class of license while operating a vehicle | 2 |
Using a less than 90-days expired license while operating a vehicle | 2 |
Any moving violation that does not cause an accident | 2-3 |
Does not obey seatbelt laws | 3 |
Violations that lead to an accident | 3 |
Fail to give right-of-way to a pedestrian | 3 |
Goes above the speed limit by 11-15 miles per hour | 3 |
Goes above the speed limit by 16-20 miles per hour | 4 |
Doesn’t stop for a school vehicle with flashing lights | 4 |
Operate a motor vehicle in violation of a restriction on your license | 4 |
Goes above the speed limit by 21 miles per hour or more | 5 |
Operate a vehicle with a learner permit unaccompanied by a licensed driver | 5 |
Commit a misdemeanor crime involving the use of a motor vehicle | 6 |
Fail to yield to an emergency vehicle | 6 |
Reckless driving | 6 |
Leave the scene of a collision in which no personal injury occurs | 8 |
Turn off headlights of a vehicle to avoid identification by a police officer | 8 |
Leave the scene of a collision in which personal injury occurs (hit and run) | 12 |
Flee or attempt to elude a police officer | 12 |
Aggravated reckless driving | 12 |
Operate a vehicle after your driver license has been suspended or revoked | 12 |
Use the driver license of another person | 12 |
Receive conviction for an assault or homicide committed with an automobile | 12 |
Operate a vehicle under the influence of, or when impaired by, intoxicating liquor and/or narcotic drugs | 12 |
Operate a vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol if the person is under 21 years old | 12 |
Commit a felony crime involving the use of a motor vehicle | 12 |
Make a false affidavit or statement under any law relating to motor vehicles | 12 |
Commit any violation while operating a vehicle without the permission of the owner | 12 |
How to Improve Your DC Driving Record?
To conveniently remove points after receiving a moving violation in DC, you can enroll in a DC DMV-approved online defensive driving course.
Once your DC DMV hearing examiner approves your case for point removal, you will have to:
Pay your traffic ticket within 15 days
Complete the online course within 30 days
You may also attend a defensive driving course to:
Renew an expired license
Avoid insurance premium increase
Refresh and enhance DC traffic law and driver knowledge and skills
What is the Best Online Traffic School in Washington DC?
One of the best online traffic schools that offer DC DMV-approved defensive driving courses is GoToTrafficSchool.
GoToTrafficSchool has helped over four million drivers across America to dismiss tickets, remove points, and become better drivers!
It’s all thanks to their engaging course curriculum that is filled with resources like:
Comprehensive text
Audio narration
Videos and animations
What’s more, since it’s 100% online, you can manage your time, with 24/7 access to all these study tools on any device, including your laptop, tablet, or mobile phone.
The best part is that they send your completion certificate directly to the WA DC superior court. If you’re in a hurry, GoToTrafficSchool offers expedited shipping.
Interested in checking this online traffic school? They have 24/7 customer support that is willing to answer any questions.
Conclusion
Did you receive a traffic ticket?
It will be a smart move to request your DC driving record. Here’s a recap on how to get this done:
- Online: Visit the DC DMV Driver Record Request Portal.
- In-person: Visit DC DMV service centers.
- By mail: Send a request letter, required documentation, and the applicable fees to DC DMV Attn: Driver Records, PO Box 90120, Washington, DC 20090.
To remove points from your DC driving record, apply for an auto insurance discount, or reinstate your license, consider attending a state-approved online DC defensive driving school.
We highly recommend GoToTrafficSchool!