As a driver’s license holder in Illinois, the public expects you to always practice safety and abide by the laws. You are to follow the rules of the road and keep your passengers, pedestrians, and yourself from danger.
You are also to drive responsibly if you don’t want traffic points accumulating in your driving record.
But sometimes traffic violations seem unavoidable. If you received a few of these, then you’ll want to grab hold of your driving record to check on your points.
Fortunately, getting your driving record in Illinois is easy.
Here, we’re going to give you a good source of information if you want to know how to get your driving record in Illinois this 2023.
What’s on Your Illinois Driving Record?
Also called motor vehicle record (MVR), a driving record is a report that reflects all your moving violations, driving convictions, and accidents.
Points that result from such incidents are also tracked in the driving record.
In addition, it will show if your license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled.
Other information available in the report includes your personal information, license class, and license restrictions.
What are the Types of Driving Records in Illinois?
There are three types of driving records in Illinois:
- Internal records - shows a complete driving history and are for use by the Secretary of State only.
- Court Purposes records - available to the driver, an attorney, court official, or a law enforcement officer.
- Public records - accessible to private citizens, insurance companies, and the driver’s employer.
How to Order Your Illinois Driving Record?
In Illinois, you can order your driving record by visiting your local DMV or applying for a copy by mail. Unfortunately, the state of Illinois does not yet accept online requests for driving records.
Ordering In Person
When ordering in person, you will need to present a photo ID and submit a completed Driving Record Abstract Request or DSD DC 164 Form.
The fee for requesting an Illinois DMV driving record is $12.
Ordering your record in person is the fastest way to do it as you will be able to receive an official copy of your record on the same day. If you want to save more time, make sure to print out and complete the form before you pay a visit to the DMV.
Ordering by Mail
To obtain a copy by mail, simply mail in the completed Driving Record Abstract Request or DSD DC 164 Form, along with your $12 payment, personal identification, and return address to:
IL Secretary of State
Driver Analysis Section
2701 S. Dirksen Pkway
Springfield, Illinois 62723
It will take about 10 days before you receive your driving record. Should there be delays, you may contact the office of the Secretary of State or the DMV.
What to Do with Your IL Driving Record?
But why do you need your driving record?
For one, you should check it for any errors. There may be mistakes in your information, violations, or convictions. If you notice an error in the record, reach out to the DMV so that it may be promptly corrected.
You might also need to check on your points. If you’ve accumulated too many points, your driver’s license can be suspended (more info on this below.)
Finally, you can use your driving record for additional identification or identity theft.
Remember, your employer or insurance provider can also check your driving record.
What is the Illinois Driving Points System?
In Illinois, many driving violations result in driver’s license demerit points. These include speeding, improper passing, and broken headlight, among many others.
If you incur too many points within a given period of time, you may be subject to penalties, or worse, your license could get suspended or revoked.
Below are some traffic violations and their corresponding demerits:
Violation | Points |
Disregarding traffic light or signal | 20 |
Open container | 25 |
Reckless driving | 55 |
Speeding in school or work zone | 20 |
Failing to yield to a pedestrian | 20 |
Note: these points will remain in your driving record for 4-5 years.
How Does a Defensive Driving Course Help?
By going to a traffic school and taking a defensive driving course, you can qualify for an auto insurance discount, dismiss a traffic ticket (to avoid point accumulation), and of course, get a refresher on road laws and driver safety.
County courts in Illinois usually determine whether one is eligible for ticket dismissal through a defensive driving course.
What’s more, most Illinois drivers facing traffic violations can go to traffic school once every 12 months to avoid potential penalties. And, if your auto insurance provider allows, you can take this course to avail of auto insurance discounts.
Looking for a reliable defensive driving course?
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It also allows you to start the course for free, and pay only before you complete it. Not only that, but it’s also one of the most affordable traffic schools in Illinois.
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Conclusion
Ordering your driving record in Illinois is rather easy, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t check it.
It’s good to make sure your MVR is accurate and updated, particularly if you have recently gone to traffic school to have your ticket dismissed.
It is also important to keep track of your traffic points as they can accumulate and result in fines, higher insurance rates, and even license suspension.