So, you need a copy of your OH driving record.
But which type do you need?
And how do you get it?
The great news is that there are many methods to secure a copy. But each one involves different steps.
Don’t worry — we’ll walk you through all these steps in this guide on how to get an Ohio driving record.
Besides that, we’ll also share tips on improving your record, as well as help you understand the point system.
Are you ready?
Let’s begin!
Types of Driving Records in Ohio
There are three types of driving records in Ohio.
- Unofficial Copy (Two-Year)
- Driving Record Abstract (Three-year)
- Driving Record History
Regardless of which one you get, it shows the following information:
- Convictions of moving violations
- Accident involvement reports
- Actions leading to suspensions, revocations, or disqualifications
The main difference between the three is how far back each one goes.
Let’s explore this further.
Your Unofficial Copy of Your Driving Record (Two-Year)
This driving record is for personal use. It’s what you get if you want to check what’s on your history but don’t need to submit it for employment or insurance.
As its name implies, it shows information within two years of request. You can only request an unofficial copy online.
Your Driving Record Abstract (Three-Year)
This driving record provides your violations, convictions, suspensions, revocations, and cancellations within the last three years. You can request it online, by mail, or in person.
However, this only applies to your most recently issued license. So, for example, if you renewed it less than three years ago, you’ll only get the information on your renewed credential.
Your Driving Record History
Your driving record history is similar to your driving record abstract. It has the same limitations — it only covers your most recently-issued Ohio license.
However, at most, you can see up to four or eight years of information, depending on your license validity. There’s only one way to secure a copy — by mail.
How to Get Your Driving Record in Ohio
As we saw, there are three ways to get your driving record in Ohio:
- Online
- In-person
- By mail
The best method for you depends on which record you need. Here’s a snapshot of what’s available per channel:
| Type of Driving Record | Online | In Person | By Mail |
| Unofficial Copy (Two-Year) | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Driving Record Abstract (Three-year) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Driving Record History | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
That out of the way, let’s walk you through the steps for each channel.
How to Get Your Ohio Driving Record Online
To request a driving record online, you must do the following:
- Go to the BMV’s online service portal and select “BMV Record Request”.
- Follow the prompts on the page. It includes:
- Filling out your details
- Confirming whether you’re requesting your own or someone else’s history
- Selecting the type of record you want
- Pay the record fee of $5 through a credit card. There is also a minimum $1.75 service fee.
- Wait for your driving record. You can request a hard copy to be sent via mail or a soft copy to your email.
How to Get Your Ohio Driving Record In Person
If you’re getting a driving record abstract, you have more than one option — and one of them is by visiting a Deputy Registrar License Agency.
If you prefer this method, here’s what you need to do:
- Download a copy of the BMV Record Request Form and fill out the required fields.
NOTE: If you request someone else’s history, don’t forget to include the owner’s details in Section 2.
- Visit a Deputy Registrar License Agency.
- Pay the $5 fee.
- Wait for your driving record to come through mail or email.
How to Get Your Ohio Driving Record By Mail
There is only one way to get a driving record history — and that’s by mail.
This is what you have to do:
- Fill out a BMV 1173 form (Record Request Form).
NOTE: You’ll use the same document to request someone else’s history. However, you must include the owner’s details in Section 2.
- Enclose a check or money order for $5.
- Send everything to the address below:
Ohio BMV
Attn: BMV Records
PO Box 16520
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6520
- Wait for your driving record to arrive.
How to Improve Your Ohio Driving Record
A clean driving record has perks, such as lower car insurance premiums.
MoneyGeek puts the average cost of coverage in Ohio at $803 per year. However, it can go as high as $1,215 or $1,275 if you have a ticket or a DUI, respectively.
Each conviction also adds points to your record. Once you accumulate 6 points, the BMV sends a warning letter. You’ll lose your driving privileges when you reach 12 points within two years.
In Ohio, there is no way to reduce the points on your license. However, attending a state-approved driver improvement course may help you avoid a suspension.
Instead of reducing existing points, completing the program gives you two credit points. That cushion could save you from losing your driving privileges.
If you’re planning to take this program, keep the following guidelines in mind:
- You’re only eligible if the points on your license are between 2 and 11
- You can only enroll in the program once every three years
- You can only undergo the course five times in your lifetime
Besides that, the best strategy to improve your driving record is to avoid adding points. Strictly observing road rules in Ohio can help. The same goes for becoming more familiar with the point system.
Understanding the Ohio Point System
The number of points the BMV assesses toward your license varies depending on your violation. However, it’s always 2, 4, or 6 points.
The table below categorizes different moving violations based on the number of points you’ll get:
| 2 Points | 4 Points | 6 Points |
| Running a stop sign Driving with an unsecured load or dropping items on a highway Disobeying or interfering with an officer’s order Disregarding a traffic light or traffic signs Violating railroad crossing regulations Hit-skip on private property Driving without a license with you Prohibited U-turn Speeding or traveling too slow Tailgating Driving the wrong way on a one-way street, left of center, or on a closed highway Crossing a yellow line Failure to yield to a pedestrian or blind person, emergency vehicle, or a funeral procession Failure to stay within marked lanes Failure to Yield Right of Way Failure to signal a turn or lane change Failure to maintain control Failure to use a child restraint system Failure to maintain an assured clear distance Improper passing or backing Stopped school bus violation Physical control (alcohol-related) Violating restrictions on a temporary permit, including curfew | Reckless operation or reckless driving Underage DUI Speeding by 30 mph beyond the limit or while using a CMV | Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI) Drunk or drugged driving Hit-Skip/Leave Scene/Hit and Run Driving without a valid license Drag or street racing Fleeing an accident scene Eluding an officer or traffic stop Vehicular assault Driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent Vehicular homicide |
The Wrap Up
So, you needed a copy of your Ohio driving record?
Now you know how to get it, depending on the type you need. You also have a guide on how to improve it.
More than that, you understand Ohio’s point system, allowing you to manage your history better.
Remember, it’s always better to be a safe driver.