When was the last time you got a moving violation? Have you ever been pulled over for speeding? How about running a red light? These are some of the most common violations that end up on your driving record, and the last thing you want to have happen is to find out the hard way that there are some black marks on your driving record. If you’re like me, you are no doubt curious what is on your driving record.
If you aren’t curious, you should be. Knowing what is on your driving record can mean the difference between embarrassment and arrest the next time you are pulled over by the police for a moving violation.
What’s On My Idaho Driving Record?
Every resident of Idaho with a driver’s license has a state-controlled driving record. Your Idaho driving record is a complete history of violations, convictions, accidents, and departmental actions incurred by a driver (in this case, you) over a designated period of time. The department of motor vehicles in each US state refers to your driving record as an Abstract of Driving Record (ADR) in its files. These records can also include information about deferred prosecutions, license suspensions and revocations, and any Failure to Appear notices issued against you.
Who Can Access My Idaho Driving Record?
Your personal driving record can only be accessed by a limited number of agencies. Naturally, you are allowed to access your driving record. Additionally, attorneys, law and criminal justice agencies, and governmental agencies are also allowed to access your Idaho driving record. As motor vehicle insurance is a must for many drivers, insurance agencies can also access your driving record in order to accurately determine the risk factors involved in offering you coverage.
Why Will I Need a Copy of My Idaho Driving Record?
There are several reasons why you need a copy of your driving record.
For personal use, it’s important that you review your driving record to check if there is any inaccurate data. Also, checking it will keep you informed on how many points you’ve accumulated.
Doing so can help you prepare and take actions accordingly to prevent license suspensions. It can also prevent any possible identity theft.
In addition, third-party entities may also request a copy of your driving record.
For example, you may be asked to submit one to be used by the court or law enforcement agency for official and governmental functions.
If you’re applying for a job, businesses and employers may need to conduct a personal background of employees to prevent fraud or to recover debt and security interest. They may ask for a copy of your driving record or they may request for it on their own (it’s best that you know what they see on your record by having a copy of your own).
Your insurance provider may also need it for claims investigation, rating, or underwriting. Although they can request a copy on their own, some insurance companies ask the driver to submit one to them.
What are the Types of Driving Records in Idaho?
In case you were asked to submit your driving record, you must know which type you need to request. There are two types of driving records issued by the Idaho DMV:
- A driver’s license record
- a crash report
Both are available as uncertified and certified copies.
Driver License Records contain your license information and driver history, but you will not find information on accidents that you got involved in on this report. If you need information on your accidents and collisions, request the crash report. You can view it online for only 24 hours or download it for indefinite access.
How Can I Access My Idaho Driving Record?
We’re so glad you asked this question. Accessing your Idaho driving record is as easy as hopping on your computer or visiting an Idaho DMV location near you. Before you waste your time driving around town in search of the right DMV location for your needs, it would be best to consult the Idaho Transportation Department’s website and use the official list of DMV locations. This list includes the location of all DMV offices in the state of Idaho, complete with county, city, address, telephone number, and office hours.
If you don’t feel like dealing with the cranky employees at the DMV and waiting in line for hours for that distinct pleasure, there are two additional options for obtaining your Idaho driving record. If your desire to see your driving record is purely a matter of curiosity, you can submit a written request via snail mail. All you need to do is the Idaho Transportation Department’s website and locate the driving record request form.
Simply print out this form and mail it to the department at the following address:
Vehicle Services/Special Plates
Idaho Transportation Department
P.O. Box 34
Boise, ID 83731-0034
If you prefer to get things done quickly, like most modern individuals, you can always request a copy of your Idaho driving record online as well. The same link listed above takes you directly to the page where you can submit an online request for a copy of your driving record. Simply fill out the information and pay the fee ($9.56) and you’ll receive a printable copy of your driving record right on your computer screen.
What Information Do I have to Provide?
Any request for a copy of your driving record requires a written request form to be filled out. With that form completed, you’ll need to provide three identifiers to DMV employees in order to access your records. You’ll need to offer up your name, driver’s license number, and date of birth. You can find your driver’s license number in one of two places on your state-issued ID, depending upon which version of Idaho’s driver’s license you currently possess. On newer Idaho driver’s licenses, the number is printed horizontally below your name and address. On older IDs, the number is printed vertically and slightly overlaps the right edge of your ID photo.
Final Thoughts
There are multiple reasons for obtaining a copy of your driving record. The best reason to do so is to remain an informed citizen. Black marks on your driving record can result in higher insurance costs at the very least. In a worst case scenario, without looking at your Idaho driving record you might not realize that your license has been suspended or you have been hit with a Failure to Appear notice. Either of those could result in you being arrested on the spot should you have an unfortunate run-in with law enforcement. The choice is yours: pay a small fee to be in the know, or risk spending time with Idaho’s finest.