Looking to apply for an auto insurance discount?
If so, you must ensure that all information on your driving record is complete and up to date before sending it to an insurance agency.
How do you do that?
You’ll need to obtain your Arkansas driving record. This way, you can see if the records are accurate and if you need to clear some points or traffic violations first.
To help you out, check out our complete guide on how to get your Arkansas driving record.
Why Will You Need Your Arkansas Driving Record?
Arkansas driving records will contain complete information associated with your license, points accumulated, suspensions, accidents, and past violations.
Most Arkansas residents will request a copy of their driving record to double-check information before applying for an auto insurance discount. In some cases, driver records can also be requested to monitor identity theft.
Whatever the reason, know that a driving record gives you all your driving information.
What are the Types of Driving Records in Arkansas?
There are three (3) types of Arkansas driving records:
- Insurance driving record
- Commercial driving record
- History driving record
Insurance Driving Record
This record is generally requested for personal use or as a reference by insurance companies to investigate claims, points, and other issues that affect insurance premiums. Insurance records will contain a 3-year account of driving history, violations, points, and DUIs.
Insurance records can be requested in person, by mail, or online.
Commercial Driving Record
This record is usually requested by an employer as part of pre-employment background screening.
It will contain a complete account of your driving history. Minor and major traffic offenses will stay on your commercial record for years at a time.
For concerns about violations on your driving record, you can contact your local DMV.
Commercial records can be requested by mail, in person, or online.
History Driving Record
This record will contain a full account of your driving history dating back to when you first received your license.
Requests can only be made in person or by mail.
How to Request For Your Arkansas Driving Record
To obtain a printed copy of your MVR (motor vehicle report), the DPPA requires “permissible use” to request and receive the record containing personal information and driving history.
You will find all permissible uses on the MVR request forms. These forms must be notarized or witnessed by an MVD agent.
If you are eligible to request, here’s 3 ways you can order your Arkansas driving record:
- Online
- In-person
All third-party requests (employers, insurance agencies, court orders) for your driving record can only be made with your written consent.
Online
Arkansas drivers and eligible individuals can request an electronic copy of insurance or commercial (CDL) driver records through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Online Driver Record Request System.
You will need to enter and confirm:
- driver’s personal information and license information
- last five digits of the driver’s social security number
You also need a credit card to pay the fees - $11.50 for insurance records and $13 for commercial records. All electronic copies may be downloaded and printed.
In-person
All three driving records may be obtained in person at your local Driving Records Counter at the Little Rock Driving Records Office. Take note that only insurance and commercial records can be obtained at Arkansas Revenue Offices.
To get your driving record, you need to complete a driving request form and pay the applicable AR fees.
All three driving records can be requested by mail. Again, you will need to complete a driving request form and pay the applicable AR fees.
Send the completed form and payment to the Arkansas MVD at:
Department of Finance and Administration
P. O. Box 1272 RM 1130
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-12721
Understanding the Arkansas Point System
The Arkansas points system is used to determine troublesome drivers.
Each time a driver receives a moving traffic violation, points will be added to their driving record. Moving violations range from 3 to 8 points, depending on the severity of the violation.
For a complete list of Arkansas convictions and violations, visit the Arkansas DFA.
Drivers who receive 10 points on their record will receive a warning –– additional points accumulated can invoke license sanctions and restrictions.
Accumulating 14 or more points will automatically mean that you will be scheduled for a hearing.
A court-ordered hearing officer will then explain laws and regulations concerning the Arkansas point system and what the consequences will be. This can include probation and suspension of driving privileges.
Licenses are automatically suspended if a licensee fails to attend their court hearing.
How to Avoid Points on Your Arkansas Driving Record
Accumulating points on your license can hurt your chances of getting an auto insurance discount. In that case, you’ll want to avoid even more points from stocking up.
The good news is that you can attend a traffic school to reduce or even dismiss your violation. This means that no points (or fewer points) will be added to your record.
Note: Always ask permission from your court handler before attending online traffic school to reduce/dismiss your traffic violations. Some courts allow and some don’t, so be sure before taking one.
These traffic schools also help drivers improve their driving skills and learn about Arkansas traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and road safety.
Looking for a reliable, state-approved online traffic school?
Check out GoToTrafficSchool.
GoToTrafficSchool offers courses 100% online and accessible 24/7 on any device. Students will enjoy learning with innovative and interactive learning tools, including videos, audio, text, and video games.
Conclusion
Whatever the reason for wanting your driving record, you can follow the simple steps above to request it.
Here’s a quick recap of the process:
- Insurance and commercial driving records can be requested online. Click here to for the request form.
- All 3 driving record types can be requested in person at your local Driving Records Counter at the Little Rock Driving Records Office. Click here for the request form.
- All 3 driving record types can be requested through the mail. Send the request form and payment fees to the Department of Finance and Administration, P. O. Box 1272 RM 1130, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-12721.
If you want to avoid adding points to your driving record, then check with your local court handler if they accept an online traffic school. If so, we highly recommend GoToTrafficSchool.
We hope this article has been a great help!