How to Get A Michigan Driving Record (A Complete Guide)

Great news!

You can now get your Michigan driving record through 3 channels:

Online
By mail
In-person

These options make it a lot easier for you to get hold of your driving record whenever you need it.

However, the steps are somewhat different.

This is why, today, we’re going to give you a complete guide on how to get a Michigan driving record. We’re going to list the steps for each channel.

On top of that, we’ll talk a bit about how to improve your Michigan driving record, as well as the Michigan point system.

So shall we begin?

Types of Driving Records in Michigan

When requesting your Michigan driving record, you can choose between a certified and uncertified copy.

An uncertified copy is your best bet if you’re reviewing it for personal reasons. However, if it’s for official purposes, like submitting it as part of a job application or you have a pending court case, you need a certified one.

Now, regardless of whether you get a certified or uncertified copy, your driving record will contain the following information:

Any convictions for moving violations, whether or not these happened in Michigan
The number of points on your driver’s license
Accidents resulting in convictions
License suspensions or revocations
Any tickets you received for civic violations

Remember that this is the same information that a prospective employer or insurance agency will see. So if your driving record is less than stellar, it may explain why you must pay higher auto insurance premiums or affect an employer’s hiring decision.

How to Get Your Driving Record in Michigan

That out of the way, let’s get to the steps on how to get your Michigan driving record online, by mail, and in person.

How to Get Your Michigan Driving Record Online

Getting a copy of your driving record online might be your best option if you’re always on the go and in a rush.

You can do this from the comfort of your home. You also don’t have to worry about operating hours, which makes it even more convenient.

Here are the steps:

NOTE: You can also create an account if you don’t have one yet. Remember that you’ll need to authenticate your information through the website.

Pay the fee. $11 for an uncertified copy and $12 for a certified one.

NOTE: You must have a credit/debit card or echeck/bank account number to purchase a copy of your driving record online. You cannot use this method if you don’t have one.

View your driving record. You can access your information for 7 days.

NOTE: If you need longer access, it’s best to save a local copy on your computer so you can view it anytime.

And that’s it! As simple and convenient as that.

How to Get Your Michigan Driving Record By Mail

Some drivers don’t have credit/debit cards or echeck/bank account numbers (or are uncomfortable using them for online purchases). Others don’t want to go to a Secretary of State’s office branch.

This is where requesting by mail comes in.

Bear in mind, though, with mail requests, it will take some time before you can secure a copy of your driving record.

If you’re not in a hurry, then here are the steps:

Fill out a copy of the BDVR-154 (Non-Account and Individual Record Request) form.

Enclose your payment. Again, that’s $11 for an uncertified copy and $12 for a certified one.

NOTE: You can only pay using a check or money order made payable to the State of Michigan. Cash is NOT accepted.

Send everything to the address below:

Michigan Department of State

Record Sales Unit

7064 Crowner Drive

Lansing, MI 48918-1502

Wait for your Michigan driving record to arrive via mail

How to Get Your Michigan Driving Record In Person

The last (but certainly not the least) way to get a copy of your driving record is in person.

The good news? You’ll get it on the same day, so it’s a solid option if you need a copy immediately.

However, you’ll need to take the time to visit a Secretary of State’s office.

Here’s what to do during your visit:

Present a valid ID (your driver’s license will be best).

Pay the $12 fee.

NOTE: In-person purchases have the most payment options, such as cash, check, or money order. They also accept debit and credit cards but charge an additional fee.

Get your Michigan driving record.

You’ll notice that you don’t have to indicate what kind of copy you need. That’s because driving records from SoS offices are always certified.

Who Can Get A Copy of Your Michigan Driving Record?

Usually, drivers in Michigan can only secure copies of their own driving records. The only exceptions are as follows:

Commercial users
Government agency users
Organizations that avail of Michigan’s Driving Record Subscription Service

How to Improve Your Michigan Driving Record

A clean record is excellent!

But what do you do if yours is less than ideal?

Unfortunately, Michigan does not have a point reduction program in place. That means whatever points assessed against your license stay there until they expire.

What’s more, convictions for moving violations stay on your record for 7 to 10 years. Some even become a permanent part of it — if a violation resulted in a fatality.

So what’s the next best thing? Take precautions to ensure your record doesn’t become worse.

Here are some strategies to consider:

Review Michigan’s road rules. Being updated with what you can and can’t do while behind the wheel helps you avoid violations.

Attend a Basic Driver Improvement Course. Although it won’t deduct points from your license, it may prevent new ones from being assessed. Remember that this only applies if the court handling your violation hasn’t decided on a conviction yet.

Apply defensive driving techniques. You might not be able to control how other drivers behave on the road, but you can increase your awareness of potential hazards.

Avoid distractions while driving. Mobile phones aren’t the only things that take your attention off the road. Rowdy passengers, loud music, or being exhausted have the same effect.

Don’t drink alcohol if you know you’re driving. Staying sober is essential in keeping you and your passengers safe. If you can’t avoid having a few drinks, ensure you have an alternative way of getting home.

Understanding the Point System in Michigan

As we saw, part of what your driving record shows is how many points you have on your license. Knowing where these come from can help you avoid them in the future.

In Michigan, every traffic violation you commit has a corresponding number of points. Depending on how serious it is, it may be worth two, three, four, or six points.

The table below breaks this down in detail:

Points	Violations
2	Exceeding the allowable speed limit by 6 to 10 mph Violating the open container law Refusing a breath test when under 21 All other traffic violations not resulting in higher points
3	Exceeding the allowable speed limit by 11 to 15 mph Improper passing Failure to obey a stop sign or traffic signal Not stopping for a school bus Disobeying a crossing guard Careless driving
4	Exceeding the allowable speed limit by 16 mph or more Participating in drag racing Driving while impaired Having alcohol in your system when under 21 Not yielding the right-of-way to emergency vehicles
6	Committing a moving violation resulting in a fatality Reckless driving Refusing a chemical or blood alcohol test Committing a hit and run / leaving the scene of an accident Felonies involving a motor vehicle, such as manslaughter or negligent homicide Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated Fleeing from a police officer

The Wrap Up

And that’s all the information you need about your Michigan driving record.

We’ve covered the two types (certified and non-certified) and the three ways to get it (online, by mail, and in person).

Besides that, we included some tips on how you can improve your record. You also received a guide on Michigan’s point system.

Yes, that’s a lot of information to take in. But remember, it’ll come in handy.

Drive safe!