Missouri Driving Records

Driving records are official documents that summarize a person's driving history. Employers, insurance companies, and even courts use these driving history reports to assess a driver's reliability, risk level, and legal compliance.

Specific regulations set by each state govern the maintenance and access to driving records, and Missouri is no exception. By knowing and adhering to these regulations, drivers maintain their driving privileges, stay safe on the road, and uphold their reputation as responsible motorists.

What Is a Missouri Driving Record?

A Missouri driving record, officially known as the Missouri driver record, is a document that provides a detailed history of an individual's driving activities in the state. This record is maintained by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR), specifically the Driver License Bureau.

Though the formal name is driver record, it is also commonly referred to as a driving history, driver abstract, or motor vehicle record (MVR). Regardless of the name used, the document serves as an official summary of a driver's performance and compliance with Missouri traffic laws.

What Is The Difference Between Official Driving Records and Public Driving Records

Official driving records are certified documents issued by the Missouri DOR. They include comprehensive details of a person's driving history. Because of their sensitive nature, access to official driving records typically requires written consent from the record holder following federal and state laws.

Law enforcement, courts, employers, and insurance companies commonly use these records for official purposes.

In contrast, a public driving record is a limited version of driving history that may be obtained from data providers like RecordsFinder. Unlike the official version, these records may be accessed by the general public without the driver's signed authorization. These are not suitable for official or legal matters and are usually only valid for general background checks.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

The following are some of the common reasons why you might need your driving record in Missouri:

• Employment Purposes: Employers, especially in jobs involving commercial driving or operating company vehicles, may require a driving record as part of a background check to ensure you meet safety standards.
• Insurance Rate Evaluation: Auto insurance providers review your driving history to determine your risk level. A clean record may qualify you for discounts, while violations or accidents may increase your premiums.
• Legal or Court Requirements: If you are contesting a traffic citation or are involved in a legal case related to driving, the court may require you to submit a copy of your driving record.
• License Reinstatement: After a suspension or revocation, the Missouri DOR may require a recent driving history report to verify eligibility for reinstating your driver's license.
• Personal Review: Checking your record regularly helps you ensure its accuracy, track accumulated points, and detect any signs of identity theft or administrative errors.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Compliance: CDL holders often need to submit their driver records to comply with state and federal transportation regulations or during DOT audits.
• Car Rental Company Requests: In rare cases, a car rental agency might request your record if you rent specialty or high-risk vehicles.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

Common information found on a Missouri driver report includes:

• Driver Personal Information
  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
• License Information
  • Driver's license number
  • License class (e.g., regular driver's license, commercial driver's license)
  • License status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired)
  • Issuance and expiration dates
  • Driving restrictions (e.g., corrective lenses, daylight driving only)
• License History
  • Renewal records
  • Suspensions, revocations, or cancellations
  • Other changes in driving privileges (e.g., reinstatements)
• Traffic Violations
  • Moving violations (e.g., speeding, reckless driving)
  • Non-moving violations (e.g., parking violations)
  • Court judgments related to the violations
• Accident Reports
  • Details about accidents involving the driver
  • Whether the driver was at fault (if applicable)
• Commercial Driving Information (For CDL Holders)
  • Medical certifications
  • Out-of-service orders
  • Violations under commercial driving laws

Types of Driver Records Available in Missouri

The Missouri DOR issues two types of driver records: driver records with personal information and those without personal information.

The driver records with personal information contains detailed personal data such as the driver's name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number, along with a history of traffic violations, accidents, license status, and points on the license. These records are typically restricted, and individuals requesting access must demonstrate a valid reason.

Meanwhile, driver records without personal information omit identifiers like the driver's name and address. These records focus on non-personal data, such as the status of the driver's license (valid, suspended, or expired), violations, or license points, without linking the information to any specific individual.

This record type is often used when privacy concerns are a priority, such as in statistical reports or aggregate analyses.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Missouri

Traffic violations in Missouri refer to breaches of the state's traffic laws and regulations, which are codified in Title XIX of the Missouri Revised Statutes. These violations are categorized based on the severity of the offense, the repetition of the infraction, and the level of damage caused during the incident.

Depending on where the violation occurred, the Municipal or Traffic Court division of the Circuit Courts handles traffic violations. These courts hear cases related to traffic tickets and impose various penalties on violators.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Missouri traffic violations are also categorized into two primary types: moving and non-moving violations.

Moving violations are offenses committed by a vehicle in motion. These violations often result in accidents, causing damage or injury. Depending on the severity and frequency of the offense, they are usually considered felonies or misdemeanors and carry severe penalties, including hefty fines, imprisonment, and the suspension of driving privileges.

Examples include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI)
• Driving recklessly

Meanwhile, non-moving violations occur when a vehicle is at a stop or involves faulty vehicle equipment. These violations are often called infractions, typically resulting in fines and demerit points on the driver's license.

Examples of non-moving violations are the following:

• Illegal parking
• Expired registration or tags
• Broken or faulty vehicle lights
• Failure to display a license plate properly

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

Traffic tickets are notices issued by Missouri law enforcement officers to individuals who violate the state's traffic laws. If you receive a traffic ticket, follow these steps to handle it properly:

• Read the Ticket Carefully: Review the violation details, the court information, the fine amount, and whether the offense is classified as a moving or non-moving violation.
• Determine Your Response Deadline: The ticket will indicate a due date. Make sure to respond by this deadline to avoid additional penalties or license suspension.
• Decide How to Plead: You have the following options:
  • Pay the Fine: By paying the fine, you are admitting guilt, accepting all associated fines and penalties, and waiving your right to contest the ticket in court. Points may be added to your Missouri driving record.
  • Contest the Ticket: To plead not guilty, you must appear in court on the scheduled date. If the court finds you not guilty, all charges and fines are dismissed, though you may still be responsible for court costs. If found guilty, fines and additional penalties may apply.
• Check Your Driving Record: Verify that your driving record accurately reflects the outcome after resolving the ticket. Mistakes could negatively impact your insurance rates or driving privileges.

How Does the Missouri Point System Work?

The Missouri DOR implements a point system to monitor and penalize drivers for traffic violations. Under this system, a specific number of points is added to a driver's record each time a traffic offense is committed. For example:

• Speeding: 2–3 points (depending on where it occurred)
• Running a red light: 2 points
• Driving without a valid license: 4 points
• Careless and imprudent driving: 2–4 points
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): 8 points (first offense by court conviction)
• Vehicular homicide: 12 points

The DOR monitors point accumulation over time and takes the following actions against drivers who commit frequent or serious violations:

• 4 points in 12 months: Warning letter issued
• 8 or more points in 18 months:
  • 30-day license suspension (first offense)
  • 60-day license suspension (second offense)
  • 90-day license suspension (third or subsequent offense)
• License revocation for one year if a driver accumulates:
  • 12 points in 12 months
  • 18 points in 24 months
  • 24 points in 36 months

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

In Missouri, most traffic violations, including minor infractions like speeding or failing to signal, will remain on your driving record for three years from the date of the conviction. However, if a violation leads to a suspension or revocation of your license, it will stay on your record for five years from the date your license is reinstated.

Some severe offenses, such as leaving the accident scene, may remain on your record permanently.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

Expungement of traffic violations in Missouri is only available in specific cases. For example, if you are a first-time DWI offender, you may expunge it after 10 years if it was a misdemeanor and you do not have any other alcohol-related offenses in the 10 years.

To request expungement, contact the Missouri DOR at 573-526-2407 or email at dlbmail@dor.mo.gov.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

The Missouri DOR offers several options for requesting a motor vehicle history report:

• Online: You may request a driver record without personal information through the Missouri MyDMV website. Provide the required details and pay the applicable fee. The record is typically available for download after submission.
• By Mail, Email, or Fax: To obtain a driver record with personal information, you must complete the Request From Driver License Record Holder (Form 4681) and submit it to the following with payment:

  • Mail:

    Driver License Bureau

    DL Record Center

    P.O. Box 2167

    Jefferson City, MO 65105-2167

  • Email: dlrecords@dor.mo.gov
  • Fax: (573) 526-7367
• In Person: You may request both driver records with and without personal information by visiting any Missouri DOR license office. Bring a completed Form 4681, a valid photo ID, and payment to complete the request.

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

The fee to get a Missouri driving record is $2.82. However, extra charges may apply based on how you request it, such as a $0.50 per-page fax fee or a $2 office fee for in-person requests.

Online requests are typically processed immediately, allowing you to download the record shortly after payment. In-person requests are also processed on the spot, and you may usually receive your record the same day. For mail, email, or fax submissions, processing may take several business days to a few weeks, depending on current workloads and mail delivery times.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free?

While obtaining an official copy of a Missouri driver record involves a fee, there are a few no-cost alternatives that offer basic driving history information.

One such option is the Missouri DOR's interactive voice response system, available 24/7 at (573) 526-2407. This automated service provides access to information about tickets, suspensions, and other key driving record details.

Additionally, individuals may inquire with local courts for relevant case or violation information. Also, third-party services may be utilized to obtain driving information. However, users should exercise caution when utilizing these services, as they might provide incorrect information.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record includes a history of traffic violations, at-fault accidents, and DUI/DWI convictions. If found guilty of these violations, you will face consequences, which range from fines to points on your license, which could lead to license suspensions and revocation.

Note that the type of violation will dictate how heavy your punishment is. Most moving violations that cause harm to others on the road carry the heaviest punishment. In contrast, non-moving violations like a parking ticket only lead to fines, and they will not appear on your record.

Verbal or written warnings issued by a law enforcement officer do not go on your Missouri driver's record and do not result in points or penalties.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

Insurance companies view a bad driving record as a risk factor. As a result, they may charge you higher premiums to cover the increased likelihood of an accident.

If you have had multiple severe violations, such as DUIs, you might have difficulty finding an insurer willing to cover you. If this happens, you may be required to purchase high-risk auto insurance or an SR-22 policy.

Regarding employment, jobs that require you to drive as part of your responsibilities, such as delivery drivers, truck drivers, or chauffeurs, often conduct driving record checks. A bad driving record may disqualify you from these positions.

If you're currently employed in a driving role and your driving record worsens, you might face disciplinary action or even termination, especially if it violates company policies regarding safe driving.

Who Can Access Your Missouri Driving History?

Your driving history is considered sensitive personal information. Privacy laws, such as the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and Missouri Revised Statutes Section 32.091, regulate who may access this information and under what conditions.

Typically, the following are allowed to access your driving history:

• Law enforcement agencies for case investigation, traffic enforcement, and public safety
• Insurance companies to assess your eligibility for insurance or determine your premiums
• Employers for background checks
• Government agencies for purposes related to licensing, regulation, or legal proceedings
• Court officials for cases involving traffic violations and accidents
• Attorneys or legal representatives, if you are involved in legal cases, such as defense in traffic cases.

FAQs About Missouri Driving Records

You may review the following frequently asked questions (FAQs) to gain more information regarding Missouri driving records:

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