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How To Get Your Driving Record

There are many reasons you may want your driving record. Some companies require employees to have a clean driving record or you may be in the market for new insurance and want to be sure there are no surprises. If you live in New Jersey, these are the steps you need to take to get your driving record.

Request Your Record Online

New Jersey allows you to request a copy of your driving record online. In order to do so, you will need to set up a user ID and password. You will also need a copy of your New Jersey driver’s license or state-issued identification. There is a $15 fee that must be paid by credit or debit card.

Request Your Record by Mail

If you prefer requesting your driving record by mail, you must complete Form DO-21, Driver History Abstract. You can access the form and fill it out online or you can print the form and fill it in by hand. You can also receive copies of the following using the DO-21 form:

  • Order of Suspension
  • Schedule of Suspension
  • Restoration Notice
  • Mailing List
  • Summons
  • Accident Report

Accident reports cost $5 while all other reports are $15. You will need to provide dates for each of the reports requested. You must also supply a copy of your New Jersey driver’s license. You must also include a check or money order for $15, payable to NJMVC. The application must be mailed to:

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Abstract Unit
225 East State Street
PO Box 142
Trenton, NJ 08666-0142

 

Visit the Motor Vehicle Commission Office

You may also get a copy of your driving record by visiting a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office. You will need to bring your New Jersey driver’s license, a $15 fee in the form of cash, check, money order, debit or credit card. You can complete the Application for Driver History Abstract prior to going to the office or you can fill it out once you arrive. Offices are located in the following towns:

  • Baker’s Bason
  • Bayonne
  • Camden
  • Cardiff
  • Delanco
  • Eatontown
  • Edison
  • Flemington
  • Freehold
  • Lodi
  • Newark
  • North Bergen
  • Oakland
  • Paterson
  • Rahway
  • Randolph
  • Rio Grande
  • Salem
  • South Plainfield
  • Toms River
  • Vineland
  • Wayne
  • West Deptford

Third-Party Vendors

Another method for obtaining your driver’s license in New Jersey is through third-party vendors. You can find many vendors online who will obtain your driving record for you. The cost is usually higher than if you obtained the record directly from DMV and it may not be as accurate. However, many companies will send you the record immediately. It can take several days to get your record from the Motor Vehicle Commission. If you are under a time limit, using a third-party vendor may be the best option.

Insurance Agent

Your insurance agent may also be able to provide you with a copy of your driving record. Agents have the ability to access driving records and may be willing to print an extra copy for you. If you need a certified copy, however, this will not work as the agent will be unable to certify it even though it came directly from the agency.

Understanding Your Driving Record

Once your driving record arrives, you may find that you have difficulty understanding the information included. The top five lines of the driving record are identifying information such as your name, address, driver’s license number and the type of license you hold. Below that information is any event that was documented against your license. These events are listed in order from most recent to oldest. The first column shows the date the event occurred. The next two columns are the code used by either the state or municipality to designate the charge. A written description of the event follows. The next column is used by the state. IF there is an “X” in the CMV column, the offense was committed in a commercial vehicle. If there is an “X” in the HZM column, the offense was committed in a vehicle carrying hazardous materials. An “X” under FTL indicates there was a fatality and one under PA means that the offense is being appealed. The final column is the date the charge was posted by the state.

Common Codes Used by New Jersey

The code “SUS” indicates that the state has taken a suspension action against you while RES indicates they are in the process or have restored your driving privileges. DMV means that the state is in the process of taking action, ISS means you have an insurance surcharge and CIS means compulsory insurance. The last code is normally found in charges related to an accident. Download Explanation for Abstract of Driver History Record

Common Violation Descriptions

Because the state has limited space for the description, they are often abbreviated. Common events found on driving records include Failure to Wear Seatbelt, Operating During a Suspension Period, Speeding, Reckless Driving, Failure to Appear, and Failure to Comply with a Court Installment Order. The last violation indicates that you failed to make payments on a fine as stipulated by the courts.

Correcting a Mistake

If you see a mistake on your driving record, there are steps you can take to correct them. For example, if an accident that was determined to be no-fault is listed with you at-fault, you can usually clear that up with a simple police report submitted to the Motor Vehicle Commission. If there is an error, you need to try to correct it as soon as possible.

Your driving record contains a significant amount of personal information. It is critical that you protect it as much as possible. A poor driving record can lead to high insurance costs and may keep you from getting a dream job. Knowing what is on your driving record can protect you from a surprise in the future. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we know mistakes happen and are here for you should you be involved in an accident. Schedule your appointment today by calling or filling out the easy online form.

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