Do you need to request a copy of your Alabama driving record?
If you’re looking for a job or if you want to apply for an auto insurance discount, you may need to double-check the information on your driving record.
A point-ridden driving record can get your license suspended, ride up your insurance rates, and it can even hurt your chances of getting a job.
So for whatever reason you want your driving record, read our complete guide on how to get your driving record in Alabama.
Why Will You Need Your Driving Record?
Depending on your driving history, your report should contain up-to-date information on your personal details, car information, traffic points, offenses, court orders, and accidents.
It’s important to get a copy of your driving record because it can directly affect your eligibility for employment and insurance rate discounts. Driving record information can be used:
- By employers to run background checks for pre-employment screening
- By insurance agencies to investigate claims and adjust their policy rates
- In court and legal proceedings
Fortunately, it’s easy to request a copy and verify all the information on your driving record.
What are the Types of Driving Records in Alabama?
There are three (3) types of Alabama DPS driving records:
- Three-year driving record
- Driver abstract
- Motor vehicle record (MVR)
Three-Year Driving Record
This record will contain your full driving history in Alabama for the past three years. This can only be requested by the individual of the driving record.
Driver Abstract
The driver abstract will contain a complete account of your driving history. It can only be requested by the driver of the record.
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
MVRs can be requested by authorized individuals such as employers, businesses, or insurance companies. This record will contain all your Alabama driving history, and it may also contain additional personal information.
How to Request For Your Alabama Driving Record
If you are requesting your own Alabama driving record or driver abstract, you may do so in person or by mail.
If you are requesting the MVR record of another AL driver, you may do so online, by mail, or in person.
Here is how to order your driving record:
In-Person
To request your own three-year driving record or full driver abstract, fill out the respective request form, provide your personal information and mailing address, and pay the fees.
- Three-year record and MVR: $5.75
- AL Driver Abstract: $15
For updated Driver Record fees, visit the ALEA website. You may also inquire if MVR requests can be made in person at your local DMV office.
To request a three-year driving record or MVR, do fill out their respective request forms. You will need to provide your personal information and mailing address. Make sure to initial each page of the request form.
Send your form and payment to the mailing address at:
Alabama Department of Public Safety
Driver License Department
P.O. Box 1471
Montgomery, AL 36104
Online
To request an Alabama MVR online, you will need to subscribe to the Alabama Motor Vehicle Driver Abstract Search.
You will need to enter your business details and pay a subscription fee. After processing your application, you will be able to log in and access Alabama Motor Vehicle Records. A fee may be applied per MVR.
Understanding the Alabama Driving Record Points System
Accumulating points on your driving record can mean suspension of your driver’s license, fines, and higher car insurance rates.
Points are valid for up to two years:
points in a 2-year period | suspension period |
|---|---|
12 to 14 | 60 days |
15 to 17 | 90 days |
18 to 20 | 120 days |
21 to 23 | 180 days |
24 and more | 365 |
Some of the more minor moving violations will incur two to six points on your driving record. |
Common two to three-point moving violations include:
- Speeding
- Improper lanes
- Drinking while driving
- Improper or unsafe operation of vehicles
- Failure to obey officials or road markers
- Improper turns
- Disregarding traffic control devices
- Coasting
- Failure to signal
More serious moving offenses that will merit four to six points include:
- Convictions that involve intoxication from alcohol
- Wrong side of the road
- Failure to yield
- Passing school buses
- Reckless driving
- Speeding over speed limits by 25 mph
For more information about the Alabama point system and your driving record, visit the ALEA Driver License Point System page.
What To Do With Your Alabama Driving Record
Having an error on your Alabama driving record or driver abstract can have grave repercussions on your license, finances, insurance, and job prospects. This is why it’s important to check your driving record once in a while.
(In case of inaccurate driving records, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334.517.2763.)
Now, if you’ve accumulated a significant number of points on your license, you definitely don’t want to add even more.
If in the case you get another violation, we recommend that you obtain permission from your local court to attend a state-approved defensive driving school to prevent the point from being added to your license.
Defensive Driving Courses in Alabama
First-time offenders will typically be required to complete four-hour courses, while repeat offenders will be required to complete 8 hours.
Alabama drivers can take a defensive driving course in-person or online. Both options will allow drivers to improve their driving skills and learn about Alabama traffic laws, road safety, and responsible driving, all while preventing points on their driving record (if allowed by their local court).
We recommend that you enroll in an online traffic school that offers a defensive driving course to manage learning in your own time and at your own pace. Online traffic school is arguably the most convenient and affordable option.
Our Recommendations for State-Approved Online Traffic School in Alabama
GoToTrafficSchool
GoToTrafficSchool is one of the best choices if you are looking for a dependable and convenient traffic school experience.
They offer automatic and same-day processing of your certificate of completion. You can also try the course risk-free with their money-back and lowest-price guarantee.
All interactive learning tools, including games, video, multi-language audio, and text, are available online on any device. They also have reliable 356-7-24 customer support.
iDriveSafely offers one of the fastest and shortest online defensive driving classes online. Their online defensive ticket dismissal is state-approved in Alabama.
We love that they also offer multiple learning tools in text, audio, and video format. What’s more, they also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and reliable 24/7 customer support.
Conclusion
Obtaining your Alabama driving record is easy – simply request for the driving record you need in-person, by mail, or online.
It’s necessary to check your driving record if you want to get insurance fee discounts, increase your chances of getting a job, and avoid having your license suspended.
You can prevent points on your license by enrolling in a reliable and state-approved online defensive driving school (that is if your local court will allow it).