If so, then you need to get a copy of your New York driving record (also known as an abstract).
But how do you get a copy?
Well, our guide details how to get a New York driving record, the different types of records, and how to improve your driving record. We’ll also take a quick look at the point system in New York.
There’s much to cover, so let’s get started right away!
You can request 3 types of driving records in New York, namely:
Let’s see how these are different from one another.
A Standard Driving Record is also known as a Driving Record Abstract. It shows information that the New York DMV considers public records. It also limits the content to only the last couple of years.
You’ll find the following on a Standard Driving Record:
To get a copy, you can request one online, through the mail, or visit a DMV office.
As its name implies, a Lifetime Driving Record shows more extensive and exhaustive information than a standard one.
You find the following details on top of what a standard abstract contains:
If you need a copy of your Lifetime Driving Record, you can only request it online or by mail.
This record type is the one employers and organizations typically request. It shows licensing actions, convictions, suspensions, and revocations — and it covers all vehicles and states.
A CDL Driving Record also provides information specific to commercial drivers, such as their self-certification details and medical certification status.
You can only request a CDL Driving Record through two channels — online or by mail.
As we saw, there are 3 methods to get a copy of your New York driving record:
Let’s see what steps are involved in each method.
The fastest way to get your New York driving record is online. Not to mention it’s the most convenient way, too.
Here’s how to do it:
NOTE: You can create an account using the same page if you don’t have one yet. You will need your permit, driver’s license, or non-driver ID. Besides this, you must also have the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
IMPORTANT! You only have 5 business days to access your online driving record.
Take note that you can only use this channel if you have either of the following:
If you don’t have these credentials, you can use the Records Request Navigator instead. Remember also that there are other channels you can use.
If you don’t have a permit, driver’s license, or non-driver ID, getting your record through the mail is your next best option.
But consider the timeline if you do. Your driving record will arrive via mail in a few days — if you’re in a rush, it’s better to request it early.
Here are the steps:
NOTE: Form MV-15 is the same form you’ll use when requesting someone else’s driving record.
NOTE: Remember that the fee is for every request you make. If you are purchasing several, you will have to recompute the amount.
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, MV-15 Processing
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228
If you don’t want to mail in your request or do it through MyDMV, you still have one other option — going to a DMV office.
But remember that you can only get a Standard Driving Record here.
Here’s how to request a Standard record in person:
NOTE: When requesting someone else’s driving record, you will use the same form but need to complete Sections A and B.
It’s always best to have a clean driving record. But not everyone gets to keep theirs pristine.
Fortunately, you can do several things to improve your New York driving record. Here are some to consider:
Typically, accidents, most traffic convictions, suspensions, and revocations stay on your record for 4 years. However, if the DMV suspends your privileges for refusing a chemical test, it remains on your record for 5 years.
DWIs (Driving While Intoxicated) last for 15 years from your conviction date. A DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired), which results from a lower BAC, remains for 10 years.
Grave violations can stay on your driving history permanently. An example of this is vehicular homicide.
The New York point system suspends your driver’s license if you accumulate 11 points within 18 months.
The table below details the violations and their respective points.
| Violation | Points |
| Having a tinted window Driver/passenger 16 years old not wearing seatbelts Unregistered or uninspected vehicles Unlicensed driver Having faulty equipment | 0 |
| Inadequate Brakes (employer’s vehicle) Most moving violations Failing to signal Making an improper turn Disobeying a traffic signal | 2 |
| Failing to yield the right-of-way Red light violation Disobeying traffic control signals, a stop sign, or a yield sign Improper passing, changing lanes unsafely Driving left of center or in the wrong direction Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in property damage Violating laws on child safety restraint | 3 |
| Reckless driving Failing to stop for a school bus Improper use of a cell phone use Using a portable electronic device (texting) Violating a Railroad Crossing regulation | 5 |
For speeding, the number of points depends on how much you exceeded the allowable speed limit.
| If you exceed the speed limit by… | You earn this many points |
| 1 to 10 mph | 3 |
| 11 to 20 mph | 4 |
| 21 to 30 mph | 6 |
| 31 to 40 mph | 8 |
| Over 40 mph | 11 |
And there you have it — all the information on your New York driving record.
So make sure you know what type of driving record you need.
From there, you can choose the right channel to obtain that record.
After that, you can work towards improving your record.
We hope that this article has been a great help!
