How to Get Your MVR in California
California driving records are issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV). Order yours directly from the state for $5.00 — no reseller markup — and use it for your driver qualification file or your truck insurance quote.
California Record Types and Fees
| Record | History | Certified | Fee | DQ file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Driver Record (printout, not certified) | 3-year | No | $2.00 | — |
| Certified Driver Record (by mail or in-person) | 3-year | Yes | $5.00 | ✓ |
| 10-Year Driver Record (2-point violations, DUI) | 10-year | Yes | $5.00 | ✓ |
Fees last verified 2026-08 against the official CA ordering page. States change fees — the official page always controls.
Order Online — Immediate (view and print online only)
- Go to dmv.ca.gov and log in to or create your MyDMV account
- Navigate to 'Request Your Driver's Record'
- Verify identity with driver license number and personal information
- Pay $2.00 by credit or debit card
- View and print your record immediately (online-only — no mailed copy; not certified)
Order by Mail
Form: INF 1125 - Request for Your Own Driver License Record (download)
- Download Form INF 1125 from dmv.ca.gov
- Complete with your full name, driver license number, date of birth, and mailing address
- Include a check or money order for $5.00 payable to 'DMV' (no cash)
- Mail completed form and payment to DMV Headquarters address on the form
- Allow 2-4 weeks to receive certified record by mail
Mail to: Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 944247, Sacramento, CA 94244-2470
Turnaround: 2-4 weeks
Order In Person
Form: INF 1125 (download)
- Locate nearest DMV field office at dmv.ca.gov/portal/field-office
- Bring your driver license or photo ID
- Complete Form INF 1125 at the counter and pay $5.00
- Receive certified record same day
Mail to: Any California DMV field office statewide
Turnaround: Same day
Good to Know — California Quirks
The $2 online record is a printout that drivers can view and print themselves — it is NOT certified and does NOT satisfy employer or insurance DQ file requirements. The $5 certified record (by mail or in-person using Form INF 1125) is the correct version for trucking DQ files. California Vehicle Code §1808 governs what is reportable. Most traffic violations show for 3 years; DUI and 2-point violations show for 10 years; commercial/hazmat collisions show for 10 years.
Why You Need This Record
If you drive a commercial vehicle, your MVR does two jobs. First, FMCSA rule 49 CFR 391.23 requires a driving record from every state where you held a license in the last 3 years in your driver qualification (DQ) file — within 30 days of hire and annually after that. Owner-operators under their own authority keep a DQ file on themselves. Second, insurance carriers pull an MVR on every listed driver before releasing a quote; bringing a California record dated within 30 days speeds up underwriting and avoids surprises at bind time.
Get a Truck Insurance Quote →Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a California driving record cost?
- $2.00 for an online printout (not certified) or $5.00 for a certified copy by mail or in person.
- Can I use the $2 online California DMV record for my trucking DQ file?
- No. The $2 online record is an unofficial printout. For a FMCSA driver qualification file (49 CFR 391.23), you need the certified $5 record requested via Form INF 1125 by mail or in person.
- How far back does a California driving record go?
- Most violations show for 3 years from the violation date. DUI convictions and 2-point violations remain for 10 years. Commercial vehicle and hazmat collisions also show for 10 years.
- How long does it take to get a California MVR by mail?
- Allow 2-4 weeks after DMV receives your Form INF 1125 and $5 payment.
- Can a trucking company pull my California driving record without my permission?
- Yes, under DPPA permissible use — but they must have a DMV requester code and document a permissible use (employment). Many employers use the California Pull Notice Program for ongoing CDL driver monitoring.