Lilah Butler, Car Insurance Writer
@lilah_c
You can check your driving record in California by going to the Department of Motor Vehicles website and requesting a copy. It costs $2 plus a 1.95% fee for credit and debit cards, and you will need to create an online account.
How to Check Your Driving Record in California
- Go to the Department of Motor Vehicles website.
- Fill out the online form with your personal information.
- Pay $2 plus a 1.95% fee for credit and debit cards for your driving record.
- Print out or save your driving record.
California also lets you purchase your driving record by mail if you complete a Request for Your Own Driver’s License/Identification Card and mail the form along with a check or money order to Department of Motor Vehicles, Public Operations — MS G199, P.O. Box 944247, Sacramento, CA 94244-2470. In addition, you can get the record in person by visiting any DMV field office or by calling (916) 657-8098.
Why You Might Need a California Driving Record
Driving records are important for insurance purposes because car insurance companies charge higher premiums for customers with a history of violations or accidents. For instance, a single speeding ticket increases premiums by an average of 35% in California. Checking your driving record can help you verify that the information is correct.
It's also a good idea to see when a violation occurred, because insurance companies generally look at the past three to five years of your driving record. Once insurance companies stop taking the violation into account, you should compare quotes again to be sure you're still getting the best rate on the coverage you need.
For more information, check out WalletHub's guides to driving record checks and driver's license points.
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