The last thing any driver in the Show Me State wants to hear from a law enforcement officer is the phrase, “show me your license.” Try as you might, it isn’t always possible to avoid running afoul of law enforcement officers on the roads. Whether you were caught speeding, rolled through a stop sign, or ran a red light, your encounter with the police isn’t going to be enjoyable.
However, that encounter could be made worse if blemishes are hiding on your driving record. Anything from overdue fines to missed court appearances can appear on your Missouri driving record; and if you don’t know about these blemishes, you could be in for a rude awakening the next time you encounter the police on the road.
- READ MORE: How To Avoid Receiving A Traffic Ticket
What’s On My Missouri Driving Record?
The state of Missouri maintains driving records for all residents through the Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Division. Your Missouri driving record contains a wealth of information regarding your personal data and activity behind the wheel of a car. There are two types of driving records available from the state of Missouri. On one record, you can view activity specifically related to motor vehicles. This report contains information on traffic violations, traffic accidents, and other driving history data.
You can also obtain a copy of your driving record from the state that includes your personal information as well, including name, address, date of birth, physical description, Social Security number, photograph, and even information about medical and disability restrictions.
Missouri is one of a number of US states that tracks points on a driver’s record. When traffic laws are violated, points are added to your driving record. The more points you accumulate, the more likely it is you’ll face larger fines, increased insurance rates, and even the suspension or cancellation of your license.
Who Can Access My Missouri Driving Record?
Your Missouri driving record can be accessed by government agencies, insurance companies, and potential employers. Officials working for the DMV can access your driving record when dealing with license renewal issues or outstanding fines. Insurance companies use driving records to assess the risk involved with providing coverage to you and your motor vehicle. Potential employers use your driving record as part of pre-employment background checks. This is particularly important for those applying for positions as a commercial driver.
Records can also be accessed by officers of the court. This is likely to occur when, and if, you are involved in litigation stemming from a traffic violation or accident.
How Can I Access My Missouri Driving Record?
There are numerous ways to access your Missouri driving record from the DMV. You can request a copy of your driving record by visiting the DMV in person, submitting a request through the mail, or via fax machine or email.
To obtain a copy of your record through the mail, you’ll need to send an envelope to the DMV with a signed and notarized copy of the Request from Record Holder form. You’ll need to include a check, money order, or credit/debit card information to cover the $5.88 cost for processing your request. All of this information can be mailed to the following address:
Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Division
301 West High Street – Room 360
Jefferson City, MO 65101
If you have the patience and time in your day to deal with the DMV in person, you can bring your signed and notarized request form to your local DMV office. The fee to process your request in person is $5.88 plus a $2 additional fee for ordering a copy in person. This fee can be paid by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.
The state of Missouri does not have an online portal for driver’s to access their records, but does allow you to access your records via fax machine or email request. You will still need to fill out the request form and get it notarized. If you are faxing your form in, the number to use is: (573) 526-7367. If you are emailing your request form, it must go to dlrecords@dor.mo.gov. The fee for fax requests is $5.88 plus a $.50 additional fee. Email requests simply pay the $5.88 fee. The state of Missouri only accepts credit/debit cards for fax and email payments.
Checking your Missouri driving record on occasion is just as important as checking your financial credit reports. Inaccuracies on your driving record can lead to higher insurance premiums, larger fines, and even jail time. If you notice inaccuracies on your driving record, you can report them to the Missouri DOR Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Division by phone or email (dlrecords@dor.mo.gov).
The Missouri Point System and How it Works
In Missouri’s point system, you’ll get points on your driving record for every traffic citation. And if you reached a certain number of points on your Missouri driving record, it can lead to license suspension or your driving privileges may be revoked.
The penalty or punishment will be implemented by the Missouri Department of Revenue based on how many points on your license were added to your record within a given period:
- License suspension (8 or more points)
- 1st suspension: 30 days
- 2nd suspension: 60 days
- 3rd or more suspensions: 90 days
- License revocation for one year
- 12 or more points in 12 months
- 18 or more points in 24 months
- 24 or more points in 36 months
If you get 5 points in 12 months, you will receive a notification from the Department of Revenue.
After serving your punishment (suspension or revocation), your license will be reinstated. This will also reduce your points to 4.
Another good news for Missouri drivers is that if you don’t get any new points for a year, your points will be reduced by a third. If you maintain this for another year, your points will be reduced by half. And, if you remain point-free for three consecutive years, you can get it reduced to zero.
Just don’t forget that your convictions will still appear permanently on your Missouri driving record even if your points have been reduced.
Meanwhile, if you can’t wait for years to clear your record and want a faster option to reduce these existing points, you may opt to complete a Driver Improvement Program authorized by the Fine Collections Center.
To do this, you can request permission from the Department of Revenue or your court handler to attend an approved Driver Improvement course.
If you’re looking for an approved and reliable traffic school, we recommend iDriveSafely or GoToTrafficSchool. These schools are two of the most reputable traffic schools in the US. Both offer engaging courses that include videos and animations to keep you focused throughout the course.