Kansas Driving Records

Your Kansas driving record says a lot more than just how long you've had a license, it typically tells a story of your time on the state road. Driving records, also called DMV driving records or a driving history report, include key information that may influence everything from your insurance rates to job opportunities.

Since each state handles motor vehicle records independently, access and details may vary. Still, keeping tabs on your driving history is a smart move, whether you're applying for a job or just want peace of mind.

What Is a Kansas Driving Record?

In Kansas, a driving record, which can be a limited driver's license record or a motor vehicle record (MVR), is an official report that includes details related to a driver's interactions with traffic laws. When road users fail to follow traffic rules, they may be cited for traffic violations or charged with traffic-related crimes.

Members of the public who are interested in accessing these records may obtain them primarily through the state's courts or the Division of Vehicles (DOV) under the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR).

What Is The Difference Between Official MVRs and Public Driving Records

Generally, not all driving records are created equal. The main difference lies between official, state-issued MVRs and third-party driving records you can find online.

Usually an MVR comes directly from the Kansas DOV and is considered the official source. It is generally accurate and can be certified, which makes it necessary for things like court proceedings, job applications, or license renewals.

Third-party sites like RecordsFinder, however, provide public driving records that are usually much easier and faster to access. While not legally certified, these records are generally ideal for personal use, casual reference, or general background checks. RecordsFinder aims to make it simple to check on a driving record without jumping through bureaucratic hoops.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

You might need a Kansas driving record or motor vehicle record (MVR) for several reasons, including:

• Employment purposes, especially for jobs that usually involves driving or require a clean driving history
• Insurance rate evaluations, as insurers may review your record to determine premiums
• License status checks, to confirm if your driver's license is valid, suspended, or revoked
• Court-related matters, such as preparing for a traffic violation hearing or legal dispute
• Personal review, to verify the accuracy of your driving history and spot any errors
• Correcting incorrect information, such as outdated violations or incorrect license details
• Tracking past traffic violations to understand how your record may affect driving privileges

Keeping an eye on your MVR is a proactive way to manage your responsibilities as a driver in the state.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

The details found in a Kansas driver report may vary slightly depending on where it's obtained. However, it typically includes the following information:

• The driver's full name
• Date of birth
• Driver's license number
• License type and class
• License issuance and expiration dates
• License status (e.g., valid, suspended, revoked)
• Traffic violations and penalties
• Accident involvement (if reported)
• Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) convictions

Types of Driver Records Available in Kansas

In Kansas, there are several types of records related to motor vehicles and drivers available, each serving different purposes. However, the most common and the main types include:

• Certified and Non-Certified Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs)
  • Certified: A certified MVR is an official, legal document issued by the Kansas Division of Vehicles (DOV). It is typically used in legal matters, such as court cases or verifying driving history for employment.
  • Non-Certified: This is a general driving history report that may be used for personal purposes but is not legally binding like a certified record. It usually provides the same information as the certified record but lacks the official certification.
• Limited Driver's License Record: This record provides a more restricted version of the driver's full history. It typically includes essential details such as the driver's license status, restrictions, and any recent violations, but may not contain a full history of driving infractions or convictions.

Unlike some states that offer driving records based on specific timeframes, such as 3-year, 5-year, or lifetime histories, the Kansas DOV does not categorize its driver records in this way. Instead, the DOV provides a comprehensive driving history that typically includes all relevant violations, actions, and status details.

To help interpret this information, the DOV uses a coding system that identifies each entry clearly and consistently throughout the record.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Kansas

In Kansas, traffic violations are governed by state laws established under Chapter 8, Article 15 of the Kansas State Statutes. These laws define the rules of the road, the types of violations, and the penalties associated with breaking them.

Law enforcement officers issue citations, also known as traffic tickets, when these rules are broken. Responding to a ticket quickly and correctly is essential to avoid escalating penalties, such as added fines, license suspension, or even arrest.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

In Kansas, traffic violations are classified as either moving or non-moving, depending on whether the vehicle was in motion during the offense.

Moving violations involve unsafe driving behaviors and often carry harsher penalties. Common examples include:

• Running a stop sign or red light
• Speeding
• Racing on public roads
• Reckless or careless driving
• DUI (driving under the influence)
• Attempting to elude a police officer

Generally, most moving violations in Kansas are classified as misdemeanors, and repeat offenses may escalate to felony charges. These violations may result in fines, increased insurance premiums, suspension or revocation of your driver's license, and even jail time.

Meanwhile, non-moving violations relate to vehicle condition, documentation, or parking issues. They include equipment problems, parking violations, expired registration, or lack of insurance. These typically result in smaller fines and may not affect your record, but ignoring them may lead to additional penalties like impoundment or registration holds.

What to Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

When you receive a traffic ticket in Kansas, you typically have these options:

• Pay the Ticket: Usually, the simplest way to resolve a ticket is to pay the fine. Depending on the court listed on your ticket, you may usually do this online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary but may include credit/debit cards, money orders, or certified checks. Note that personal checks are generally not accepted.
• Contest the Ticket: If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you may plead not guilty and request a court hearing. You may notify the court before the deadline on your citation. Usually, you may represent yourself or hire an attorney to help with your defense.
• File an Appeal: If you're found guilty in court, you may have the option to appeal the decision. Appeal instructions, including mailing addresses and deadlines, are usually printed on the back of the ticket or available on the Kansas Judicial Branch website.
• Take a Defensive Driving Course: Some Kansas courts may allow drivers to take a state-approved online defensive driving course. Completing the course may reduce your fine or help prevent the violation from appearing on your driving record. Check with the court handling your citation to see if you're eligible.

How Does the Kansas Point System Work?

Kansas does not typically use a traditional driver's license point system like many other states. Instead, it relies on the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS), a national database managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Although Kansas does not assign points, it still monitors traffic violations closely. If a driver commits three or more moving violations within 12 months, they may face penalties such as license suspension or revocation. Generally, the Kansas DOV evaluates each case based on the severity and frequency of the violations.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

In Kansas, how long a traffic violation stays on your driving history typically depends on how serious the offense is.

Minor violations, such as speeding or failure to signal, typically remain on your record for three years. More serious offenses, like driving with a suspended license, are recorded for five years. The most severe violations, including DUI convictions and DUI diversions, may stay on your record permanently.

These records may impact your insurance premiums, job opportunities, and eligibility for certain driving privileges. It's important to drive responsibly and resolve any citations quickly to minimize long-term effects on your Kansas driving record.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

In Kansas, expungement is primarily designed to remove criminal convictions from public records. However, certain traffic violations, particularly those classified as misdemeanors or low-level felonies, may also be eligible for expungement under specific conditions.

For example, minor traffic offenses like speeding or running a red light may be expunged three years after completing the sentence and paying all associated fines. More serious offenses, such as driving with a suspended license, usually require a five-year waiting period. DUI convictions typically have longer waiting periods: usually five years for a first offense and ten years for subsequent offenses.

Additionally, to qualify for expungement, you should not have any felony convictions in the two years preceding your application.

Expungement in Kansas may not completely erase the violation but restricts public access to the record. Authorized entities, such as law enforcement and certain employers, may still access expunged records under specific circumstances.

If you're considering expungement for a traffic violation, it's advisable to consult with a legal professional to understand your eligibility and the process involved.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

To check your motor vehicle driving history report in Kansas, you may choose from the following methods:

• Online: You may request your limited driver's license record through an online search tool. Kansas also offers e-government services, which allow subscribers to access comprehensive MVRs via desktop or mobile devices. To access this service, become a subscriber by following the instructions on the official Kansas website.
• By Mail: To request your driving record by mail, complete the "Request for Access to Vehicle Records" form and mail it to the Driver Solutions Bureau, P.O. Box 12021, Topeka, KS 66612-2021. Be sure to include the appropriate payment with your form.
• In Person: Visit any Kansas driver licensing office to request your driving record in person. Bring your current driver's license as identification and complete the necessary form to access your records.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Kansas?

In Kansas, the cost of getting your driving record usually depends on the record type and how you request it.

If you use the online search tool to request a limited driver's license record, you'll typically pay a fee of $16.70, even if no record is found. If you need regular access to MVRs, you may subscribe to Kansas' eGovernment services for an annual fee of $125.

If you prefer to request your record by mail or in person, a certified MVR usually costs $20, while a non-certified version costs $15.

Payment methods vary based on how you request your record. Online payments require a credit or debit card. For mail requests, include a check or money order made payable to the Driver Solutions Bureau. In person, you may usually pay with cash, check, credit, or debit card.

Processing times also differ. Online requests are typically processed instantly, giving you immediate access. Mail requests may take several business days, depending on processing and delivery times. If you go in person, you'll usually receive your record the same day, though wait times may vary by office.

How to Check Your Driving History for Free

To check your driving history for free in Kansas, you may use the Driver's License Status Check tool on the KDOR website. This tool generally provides a quick summary of your driver's license status, helping you verify if your license is valid, expired, suspended, or revoked.

To use the tool, enter your information exactly as it appears on your Kansas driver's license. Keep in mind that this free status check offers only a summary and may not include license sanctions from other states.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record in Kansas usually includes serious or repeated moving violations like speeding, reckless driving, or DUI. These offenses can lead to higher insurance premiums, license suspension, or even criminal charges.

Generally, moving violations stay on your record longer and have greater consequences than non-moving violations, such as parking tickets, which generally don't appear on your record. Warnings issued by law enforcement are not officially recorded.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A poor driving record in Kansas raises insurance costs and may impact job opportunities. A single speeding ticket may increase full coverage premiums from $2,489 to $2,959, and minimum coverage from $582 to $706. Generally, insurers see violations as signs of risk.

Employers also consider driving records, especially for jobs involving driving or working with vulnerable groups. While minor violations might be overlooked for entry-level roles, transportation and healthcare jobs often require strict, ongoing background checks to ensure safety.

Who Can Access Your Kansas Driving History?

In Kansas, your driving history is protected but accessible to certain parties under the Kansas Open Records Act. While motor vehicle records are generally public, full driving records are only available to authorized entities or with your written consent.

Law enforcement, courts, government agencies, insurance companies, and employers may access your record for specific purposes. For example, insurers may use it to set rates, and employers may review it for driving-related jobs. Most third parties may provide a signed release or have legal authorization.

FAQs About Kansas Driving Records

Find answers to common questions about Kansas driving records below.

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