The Michigan Driving Record

If you have a Michigan driver's license, you have already given the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles permission to track your driving history. This history includes previous offenses and points awarded for violations, which can add up and result in suspension, revocation, or other administrative penalties. There are numerous reasons why someone might want to know what is on their driving record, and certain procedures must be followed to obtain your driving record and a driving record on behalf of another person. The following information addresses what is on your driving record, how to obtain your driving record, and other pertinent issues.

What's On My Driving Record

Your Michigan driving record contains a detailed record of your activities while operating a motor vehicle. Convictions for moving violation points received, accidents that resulted in a conviction, suspension or revocation of your license, drunk driving violations, and tickets for civil violations are all included on your record. Depending on the severity of the violation, the state of Michigan keeps the information on your record for varying lengths of time. Moving violations accumulate points on your record for two years. Conviction tickets and details remain on your record for seven years. Suspensions and revocations are kept in place for at least ten years. DUI convictions or penalties resulting from fatalities are permanently recorded on your driving record. Michigan Driver Record contains:
  • Driver's name
  • Driving status
  • Driver's date of birth
  • Driver's license number
  • DUI/DWI convictions
  • Suspensions or revocations
  • Traffic violations
  • Out-of-state violations (If reported to the state of Michigan)

Types Of Driving Records

In Michigan, you can access your driving record in two ways, both of which cost money:
  • A Certified Driving Record is an official document that courts or employers can request.
  • An Uncertified Driving Record is an unofficial driving record that can be ordered for personal or informational purposes.

Michigan Point System

Michigan assigns points to your driving record for infractions ranging from 2 (common and less serious) to 6 (most severe). Here's an explanation of what the point totals mean:
  • 6 points include (but are not limited to):
    • Manslaughter
    • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (drugs or alcohol)
    • Unsafe driving
    • Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test.
    • Evading or fleeing law enforcement
  • 4 points include (but are not limited to):
    • Racing in a dragster
    • Driving a car while visibly impaired
    • Driving under the influence of alcohol if you are under the age of 21
    • Driving at least 16 mph over the speed limit
    • Failure to yield to a police car, ambulance, fire truck, or other emergency vehicles
  • 3 points for more common and less serious offenses, such as:
    • Driving 11-15 miles per hour over the speed limit
    • Inconsiderate driving
    • ignoring traffic signals
    • Incorrect passing
    • Failure to come to a complete stop at a railroad crossing
    • Failure to yield to a school bus
  • 2 points for the most common traffic violations
    • Every other moving violation
    • Having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle
    • Refusing a breathalyzer test if you are under the age of 21

The Points On Your Driving Record

The more points you have on your Michigan driving record, the more severe the consequences. Here are the consequences of having the following number of points on your record within two years:
  • 4 or more points: A stern warning letter from the Michigan Secretary of State
  • A second, sternly worded warning letter from the Secretary of State if you score 8 points or higher.
  • 12 points or more: Visited a Department of State branch for a driver re-examination, including a vision test, knowledge test, on-road test, request for vision and medical records, and possible driver's license suspension.
Depending on the severity, points will remain on your Michigan driving record for a set period.
  • Moving violations—2 years from the date of conviction
  • Tickets and information about other convictions, including at-fault accidents—7 years from the date of conviction
  • Suspensions and revocations of driver's licenses—at least ten years
  • A DUI conviction is permanent on your record.
  • A conviction for homicide is permanent on your record.

How To Get A Michigan Driving Record

In Michigan, you can obtain your driving record in four ways: in person, by mail, over the phone, or by fax. The state keeps both certified and unofficial copies of your Michigan driving record on file. You will not be able to obtain a certified copy of your files through fax requests, as many other states still do.
  • In Person
    • If you don't mind waiting in line at the DMV, you can request a copy of your records in person at any Michigan DOS office or the secondary complex in Lansing, MI. All you'll need is your driver's license and a form of payment.
  • By Mail
    • You must print and complete the Michigan Department of State - Requesting Your Record form to request your records by mail. The completed form and payment should be mailed to the Department of State at the following address:
Michigan Department of State Record Lookup Unit 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 48918-1502
  • Over The Phone
    • You can submit a request over the phone if you don't have time to wait in line at the DMV and don't want to wait up to 8 weeks for the DOS to process your mailed request. All you need is a payment method and an accurate address on file with the Michigan Department of State to obtain a copy of your Michigan driving record. To make a phone request, call the DOS Record Lookup Unit at (517) 322-1624.
  • Fax
    • You can obtain an unofficial copy of your Michigan driving record by faxing your DOS forms. You can also fax your forms to the DOS at (517) 322-1181, but keep in mind that fax requests can take up to 8 weeks to process.
A driving record can be obtained for $12 at any branch office. This could be the simplest way to obtain your driving record. Visit any branch office and ask for a copy of your driving record. A valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or state identification card, is required. At the front desk, they will print your driving record of choice.