West Virginia Driving Records

To some, a driving record might seem like nothing more than a list of tickets and accidents, but it is much more than that. It captures driving habits and becomes a useful indicator of future behavior on the road, helping others assess how safe, responsible, or risky a driver might be.

While the basic elements are common across the country, each state manages them differently. Access rules, privacy protections, and how long information stays on file generally vary by state. In West Virginia, driving records are maintained according to state-specific laws that aim to ensure both road safety and individual privacy.

What Is a West Virginia Driving Record?

A West Virginia driving record is an official document that outlines a person's history since becoming a licensed driver in the state. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV), a division of the West Virginia Department of Transportation, is responsible for issuing these records and collecting, updating, and securely storing all driver-related information across the state.

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

Official driving records are issued directly by the WV DMV. Because they are state-certified, these records are widely accepted by employers and courts.

Meanwhile, public driving records are provided by third-party services like RecordsFinder, which gather information from publicly available sources. They are a convenient way to look up driver information, especially if you are doing a quick personal check or do not need the record for formal use.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

There are several reasons someone in West Virginia might need to access a driving record;

• Insurance rate reviews: Insurance companies regularly check driving records to determine how risky a driver is.
• Legal and court-related matters: Lawyers or individuals may need an official copy to provide evidence in court or to resolve disputes related to license suspensions.
• Personal monitoring and error checks: It is a smart thing for drivers to review their own records from time to time. This may help catch any outdated or incorrect information to prevent issues with insurance or employment.
• Volunteering or driving for schools: Some volunteer positions require a clean driving record as part of the background check.
• Logging and trucking industry compliance: Given West Virginia's strong presence in trucking and logging, companies in these sectors may require routine driving history checks to stay compliant with insurance requirements and federal safety audits.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

A driver report issued in West Virginia typically includes the following information:

• Personal information
• License status
• Traffic violations
• Accident history
• License suspensions or revocations
• Demerit points

Types of Driver Records Available in West Virginia

The WV DMV (West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles) offers the following driver record options to meet various personal and professional requirements:

• Five-year driving record: This version covers incidents and driver history from the past five years. This is the most commonly requested type and is frequently used for insurance reviews, employment screenings, or personal references.
• Lifetime driving record: This record reflects all reportable activity on file since the driver was first licensed in West Virginia. It is often required for more in-depth reviews, such as those conducted for commercial driver's license (CDL) verification, applications to the West Virginia State Bar, or law enforcement background checks. This type of record offers the most comprehensive view of a driver's complete history.
• Certified driving record: The certified version of a driving record includes the same content but is officially endorsed with the WV DMV's seal. This certification is typically needed for legal matters, court proceedings, or when submitting records to agencies outside the state.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in West Virginia

Traffic violations in West Virginia are regulated under Chapter 17C of the West Virginia Code, which outlines the state's motor vehicle laws. These laws govern everything from speeding to more serious offenses like driving under the influence (DUI).

When a driver breaks one of these laws, law enforcement may issue a traffic ticket, which begins the official violation process. Minor traffic infractions are typically classified as misdemeanors and are often resolved by paying a fine. Meanwhile, serious violations are treated with much greater severity, leading to higher fines, potential jail time, or license suspension or revocation.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

West Virginia traffic violations may generally be categorized as either moving or non-moving offenses. Moving violations occur while the vehicle is in operation and often involve driver behavior, while non-moving violations relate to issues like vehicle condition or parking, regardless of whether the vehicle is in motion.

Some of the most common offenses in the state include the following:

• Speeding (WV Code Section 17C-6-1)
• Failure to obey traffic signals (WV Code Section 17C-3-5)
• Improper or illegal U-turns (WV Code Section 17C-8-8).
• DUI (WV Code Section 17C-5-2)
• Expired vehicle registration (WV Code Section 17A-3-16)
• Parking offenses (WV Code Section 17C-13-1)

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

When you're issued a traffic citation in West Virginia, the officer must submit the citation to the appropriate magistrate or municipal court and inform you of the deadline by which you must respond. At that point, you have the option to either admit the violation and pay the fine or contest the citation in court.

How To Pay the Ticket

If you choose to accept the citation, you may pay the fine without appearing in court. Settling the fee is treated as an admission of guilt.

Most traffic tickets may be paid online through the West Virginia Judiciary's official payment portal. You will need your case number or citation number to access your records and complete the transaction securely. If online payment is not an option, you can mail your payment or deliver it in person to the magistrate or municipal court listed on your citation.

How To Appear in Court

To dispute the charge, notify the court by the date indicated on the ticket. After your plea is filed, the court will schedule a hearing where you may present your case.

If the court findings are in your favor, the charges may be reduced or dismissed. If not, you may still be responsible for the fine and possibly additional court costs.

How To Recover a Lost Ticket

If you've misplaced your traffic ticket, you may still retrieve your case information. Contact the magistrate or municipal court where the citation was originally filed. You will be asked to provide identifying details such as your name, date of birth, and your vehicle's license plate number.

How Does the West Virginia Point System Work?

West Virginia traffic violations are not just about paying a fine. They also impact your driving record through a structured point system. The state uses this system to monitor driving behavior and identify patterns that could suggest a risk to public safety. The number of points assessed depends on the severity of the offense. For example:

• 2 points: Minor offenses like following too closely or not having a valid driver's license
• 3 points: Moderate speeding (11–14 mph over the limit) or running a red light
• 5 to 6 points: Serious offenses such as speeding more than 15 mph over the limit or driving recklessly
• 8 points: Extremely hazardous actions like fleeing from police

Drivers who accumulate six or more points on their record will receive a warning letter to alert them of the potential for license suspension. A suspension is triggered if a driver reaches 12 or more points within two years. The duration of the suspension increases as the point total grows:

• 12–13 points: 30-day suspension
• 14–15 points: 45-day suspension
• 16–17 points: 60-day suspension
• 18–19 points: 90-day suspension
• 20 or more points: 120-day suspension

In some cases, drivers may avoid a suspension by paying a $200 penalty fee once every two years, as long as they have not already used this option two years before the date of suspension. They may also take defensive driving courses once every 12 months.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History

Points for a traffic violation stay on your driving record for two years from the date of the conviction. After this period, they no longer contribute to any potential suspension. However, the violation itself may remain on your record for up to five years.

A DUI conviction in West Virginia has longer consequences. It may stay on your driving record for ten years from the date you were convicted. After that period, it might no longer be shown on your driving history, although it usually continues to exist on your criminal record.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

It is possible to remove certain offenses from your criminal and driving records through expungement in West Virginia. However, not all violations qualify.

If you were arrested or charged but the case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you may request to have the charge removed from your record as early as 60 days after the case is resolved. For individuals convicted of low-level, non-violent misdemeanors, expungement may be requested after a waiting period, typically one to two years.

However, some offenses are not eligible for expungement under West Virginia law. These include:

• DUI convictions
• Violations committed while holding a CDL
• Crimes involving violence, weapons, or harm to minors or law enforcement

How To Check Your Vehicle History

The WV DMV (West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles) offers several ways to make a request.

The most convenient option is to request a record online through the WV DMV's Online Services. To do this, you will need to complete the online form, upload a copy of your valid photo ID, and pay the required fee using a debit or credit card.

Those who prefer to handle things in person may visit any DMV regional office in West Virginia. You must bring a completed driving record request form (DMV-101-PS1), valid identification, and the appropriate fee.

If you would rather not go in person or use the online system, you may submit your request by mail to the Driving Records Section at:

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

The cost depends on whether you include your driver's license number when making the request.

If you provide your license number, the fee is $7.50. If your request does not include a license number but includes other identifying information, such as your date of birth or Social Security number, the fee increases to $8.50. The fees apply regardless of how you request the record.

Driving records in West Virginia are typically delivered quickly or within the same day when requested online or in person. If you choose to submit your request by mail or email, expect a processing time of about seven to 10 business days.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

Currently, West Virginia does not offer a way to access a full driving record for free through the DMV. However, if your driving record is tied to a current legal case, a court or attorney may be able to obtain a copy on your behalf. These copies are sometimes provided at no cost, though they may not serve all official purposes.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A poor driving record in West Virginia usually consists of repeated traffic violations, point accumulation, license suspensions, or serious offenses such as a DUI. Suspensions are typically served one after the other. However, if a driver's point total hits 20 or more, those resulting suspensions will be served at the same time.

Non-moving violations do not contribute points and generally are not shown on your official driving history. However, failing to address these violations may still cause complications, such as registration holds or vehicle impoundment. As for written warnings issued by law enforcement, these carry no legal consequences unless followed by actual citations.

Ongoing violations and repeated suspensions may complicate reinstating your driving privileges. Paying reinstatement fees before your license is fully restored is often necessary. During suspension periods, it may also be harder to qualify for restricted licenses.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A history of traffic violations in West Virginia may lead to higher car insurance rates and may limit job opportunities.

Insurance companies use driving records to assess a driver's risk. A DUI offense may increase an annual premium by over $1,300 compared to a clean driving record. High-risk drivers may end up paying over $3,300 per year for full coverage, significantly above the state average rate.

A clean driving record is often essential for employment, especially for roles that involve operating a vehicle. Any serious or recent violations could be a red flag and may disqualify an applicant from getting hired.

Who Can Access Your West Virginia Driving History?

In West Virginia, access to your driving record is governed by strict privacy regulations, including the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). This law limits who may view your personal driving information, so that only those with a legitimate need or your consent may obtain it.

As an individual, you have the right to access your own driving history. Law enforcement and the courts have broader access to your driving record for legal and investigative purposes. Police officers may access your record during criminal investigations, and courts may use it in legal proceedings, such as determining fault in accidents or addressing traffic violations.

Insurance companies are permitted to check your driving record when underwriting policies, processing claims, or determining rates. Similarly, employers may access your record for background checks.

Private investigators, lawyers, and researchers may request driving history reports, but only if they are able to demonstrate a valid reason for doing so, such as legal representation or safety-related research. Under these privacy laws, unsolicited marketing is prohibited.

FAQs About West Virginia Driving Records

Find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about West Virginia driving records below.

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