In all states, you may obtain a copy of your driving record for a minimal fee - usually $10.00 or more.

Someone Else's Driving Record

In many states, you may obtain the driving record of an unrelated individual just as you would obtain a copy of your own.  The Driver Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. §2721 et seq. ("DPPA"), became effective September 13, 1997 and placed restrictions on the disclosure of personal information contained in the records of the Registry of Motor Vehicles ("RMV").  Driver information does not include "personal information" such as the address of the person and the driver license number. Information concerning motor vehicle offenses, vehicular accidents or driver's status, however, is not considered personal information.

In most states drivers may "opt out" so that even information relating to motor vehicle offenses, vehicular accidents or driver's status is not accessible by the public. After opting out, the driving record is accessible for "permissible purposes" under the Federal Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) which include:

The FCRA requires a "permissible purpose" to obtain a Consumer Report. A permissible purpose includes requests by:

1. Government entities as part of an established activity requiring records (for example, security clearances, investigations, and recruitment);
2. Attorneys with written authorizations for releasing records from their clients;
3. Use in connection with civil, criminal, administrative or arbitral proceeding in federal, state or local court; government agency; or self-regulator body for service of process; investigation; execution or enforcement of judgment; or pursuant to an order
4. Use in the normal course of business by a legitimate business such as insurance company or its representatives;
5. Individuals or entities requesting information through the Freedom of Information Act.

For a minimal fee, you may have an online company perform your record search for you. These companies perform searches for driving, divorce, asset and criminal records.