There are several reasons why you’d need a copy of your driving record.
If you’re looking for a job, especially one that requires driving skills, potential employers will need the information on your driving record to run background checks for pre-employment screening.
Auto insurance companies may also need it to investigate claims and adjust their policy rates.
Sometimes, you may need to present it in court and legal proceedings, too.
Fortunately, it’s easy to request a copy and verify all the information on your driving record.
The Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act allows individuals to request that disclosure of certain personal information contained in driver license and vehicle records be restricted.
The Alabama Department of Public Safety may disclose that information to any person providing that the requester plans to use the information for an approved purpose or if the requester has obtained written permission from the subject.
Alabama Driving Records Types
There are 3 types of driving records issued by the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS):
- Three-year driving record
- Driver abstract
- Third-Party Motor vehicle record (MVR)
The Three-Year Driving Record contains your driving history in Alabama for the past three years. Only the owner of the record can request this type.
Meanwhile, a Full Driver Abstract will contain a complete account of your driving history, from when you got your license to now. Again, only the driver on the record can request this.
If you are a third-party entity who needs a copy of an individual’s driving record, you can request a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Containing Personal Information by completing this form – you may check the form for specific instructions.
How to Obtain Copies of Driving Records in Alabama
There are two ways to obtain a driving record in Alabama: by using their online service or by contacting a driver’s license office.
Choose One:
Get Your Driving Record By Name & Address
– OR –
Get Your Driving Record By License Plate #
The Alabama Department of Public Safety provides online access to driver’s records to approved businesses. To become approved, the business must become an Alabama Interactive Service Subscriber.
To become an Alabama Interactive Service Subscriber, you must fill out the forms that are provided. The forms can be found on the state of Alabama’s website.
From the main page, click on the button labeled “online services.” It is found on the left-hand side of the page. Then, choose “Subscriptions” from the dropdown menu. You’ll see a list of departments, scroll down until you see” Alabama Law Enforcement Agency”. Click on “Law Enforcement Agency – Driver History Records” or just click on the link here.
There is a $75 fee for an annual subscription. Once the business is approved, you will be given a user id and password to access the requested applications. You may contact Alabama Interactive Customer Service at (866) 353-3468.
Once a user id and password are obtained, searches may be done by going to the lookup page. A pop-up screen will prompt users to enter their user id and password.
Once that is completed, a screen will be displayed asking for the driver’s number. Enter the number and click search. Search results will list the driver’s name, address, birth date, sex, race, license number, license status, issue date, expiration date, license class, CDL status, restrictions, endorsements, and any convictions for that license. This information can be printed by selecting the “print” option for your browser.
Contact Driver’s License Office
In order to obtain a copy of a driver’s record, you must fill out a Driver Record Request form (if it is for yourself) or a Request for Motor Vehicle Record Containing Personal Information form (if you are requesting information about someone else). These forms may be completed electronically and are found on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. There is a $5.75 fee for this service. This form can then be mailed to:
Driver Record Request, Driver License Division
P.O. Box 1471
Montgomery, AL 36102-1471
You must send a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Third parties who are requesting a driver’s license must be obtaining it for a legally approved purpose or have written permission from the person who is the subject of the driving record. A list of approved purposes is listed on the request form.
Check Your Alabama Driving Record
Although it seldom happens, mistakes or any inaccurate information on your driving record can hurt your insurance and job prospects. It may also affect your license status. This is the reason why it’s always important to check your driving record once in a while.
Once you’ve obtained a copy of your driving record, check it immediately for errors. In case you find any inaccurate information, you may contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-517-2763 to request for it to be corrected.