Frequently asked questions: Driving records

What is a driving record?

It's a history of violations, convictions, collisions, and Departmental actions incurred by a driver over a period of time. It may not include the license original issue date. A copy of the record is referred to as an Abstract of Driving Record (ADR).

What types of driving records are available?

Type of record	Who can get a copy	What the record includes
Complete record	The person named on the driving record Attorneys Law and justice agencies Governmental agencies	Convictions Violations Collisions Suspensions, revocations, and disqualifications Deferred prosecutions Failures to appear (FTA)
3-year noncommercial insurance abstract* Used to create and renew noncommercial motor vehicle insurance policies.	The person named on the driving record Insurance companies and their agents	The past 3 years' noncommercial driving: Convictions Violations Collisions Failures to appear (FTA)
3-year commercial insurance abstract* Used to create and renew commercial motor vehicle insurance policies.	The person named on the driving record Insurance companies and their agents	The past 3 years' commercial driving: Convictions Violations Collisions Failures to appear (FTA)
3-year life insurance abstract* Used to create and renew life insurance policies.	The person named on the driving record Insurance companies and their agents	The past 3 years' commercial and noncommercial driving: Convictions Violations Collisions Failures to appear (FTA)
Employment record Used to determine if a driver should be employed.	The person named on the driving record Employers and their agents Prospective employers and their agents	Convictions Violations Collisions Suspensions, revocations, and disqualifications Deferred prosecutions Failures to appear (FTA)
Volunteer vanpool driver record Used to determine if a volunteer driver meets the insurance and risk management requirements to drive a vanpool vehicle.	The person named on the driving record Employees or agents of a transit authority	Convictions Violations Collisions Suspensions, revocations, and disqualifications Deferred prosecutions Failures to appear (FTA)
Volunteer for organization driver record Used to determine if a volunteer meets the criteria to drive a vehicle for the organization.	The person named on the driving record Volunteer organizations	Convictions Violations Collisions Suspensions, revocations, and disqualifications Deferred prosecutions Failures to appear (FTA)
School bus driver record Used to determine if a person should be employed to operate a school bus.	The person named on the driving record School districts	Convictions Violations Collisions Suspensions, revocations, or disqualifications Deferred prosecutions Failures to appear (FTA)

*These records don't show violations and collisions for law enforcement officers, firefighters, tow trucks or Washington State Patrol officers that occurred while on duty, driving official vehicles.

How long will it take to get a copy of a driving record?

• Online: You can print a copy immediately or email it to yourself.
• By mail: Please allow 10–14 days.

Can employers or insurance companies tell anyone what's on my driving record?

No. Driving records are confidential and are provided only to those authorized by law. Insurance companies, employers, transit authorities, volunteer organizations, and school districts who get a copy of your driving record may not reveal your information to a third party.

Will my record show the original date my WA driver license was issued?

Only if your first license was issued after May 1, 1964. If it was issued before May 1, 1964, you may email us to request a status letter showing the original issue date: CustomerCare@dol.wa.gov.

What information is kept on a driving record and for how long?

Type of information kept	How long kept
Convictions and violations—Most convictions, forfeitures of bail, or court findings stating an infraction was committed	5 years from conviction or adjudication date
Alcohol-related convictions	Life
Vehicular Assault and Vehicular Homicide convictions	Life
Deferred Prosecutions	Life
Failure to appear or respond to a traffic citation or notice of infraction (FTA)	Until the FTA is resolved, or 10 years from the date the court notifies us about it, whichever is earlier (Note: The court may resubmit an unresolved FTA after the 10-year period. When the FTA is resolved, only the original ticket remains on the driving record.)
Collisions—Shows involvement, not fault, number of vehicles involved, whether they were legally parked or moving, whether the vehicles were occupied at the time of the collision, and whether the collision resulted in any injury or fatality	Non-commercial vehicles: 5 years from collision date Commercial vehicles: 10 years from collision date
Departmental actions, such as suspensions, revocations, or disqualifications	5 years from final release date. Major withdrawals for commercial operators remain on for life.

What Washington State laws apply to driving records?

• RCW 46.52.130: Abstract of driving record—Access—Fees—Penalty
• RCW 41.26.030: Definitions (Expires July 1, 2013)
• RCW 10.05.060: Procedure upon approval of plan
• RCW 10.05.090: Procedure upon breach of treatment plan
• RCW 46.25.010(6): Definitions
• RCW 46.04.140: Definition of commercial vehicle
• RCW 46.01.260: Destruction of records by director

Related information

• Purchase a driving record
• Purchase another person's driving record
• Learn how to reinstate your license

Questions? Need help?

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