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Michigan Public Driving Records

The Michigan Office of Secretary of State (SOS) is the government agency that provides copies of driving records to those who request them. In most states the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does this. Some information contained in these records is public record, and some are confidential. The state follows all federal and state Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) laws.

The SOS allows requestors to obtain copies of driving records through the state's online portal set up for this very purpose. People can also request records in person at an official government office or through the mail. The requestor can get a certified copy or non-certified. If ordering a record for someone other than the subject listed, the requestor will need to provide a valid, legal reason for needing the information.

Driving records in Michigan contain the driver's name, address, social security number, birth date, and medical information. They will also have the driver's license number, license status, any revocations, suspensions, accidents, criminal driving offenses, civil infractions, and other traffic violations. They also contain CDL information, if applicable.

 

How to Request a State Driving History Report

The state offers a few ways for someone to get copies of a driving history. The first way to get a copy of someone else's report is to use the online system and click the "Record Sales Services" menu option. The user will need to create an account if they don't already possess one.

Records for someone else can also be obtained by visiting any Record Sales Unit at the State Secondary Complex, Secretary of State Building, 7064 Crowner Drive, Dimondale. Requestors must have a completed BDVR-154 or BDVR-153 form and a fee of $11. The price can be paid by money order or check. They can get a certified copy for an additional $1. Requests can take up to 7-10 days.

Someone requesting a copy of their own record can also use the online system and go to the "More Services" hyperlink under the Driver's License and ID section.

Individuals can also get a copy of their own driving record by visiting a branch office and showing their driver's license. All offices accept cash, checks, money orders, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA debit and credit cards. They will need to pay an additional processing fee when paying by credit card.

The state also allows someone to request through the mail. They must first download the order form, fill it out and return it with payment to:

Michigan Department of State
Record Sales Unit or Record Lookup Unit
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918-1502

 

Michigan Motor Vehicle Records Cost

Companies and others looking for copies of another person's report can buy one online or in-person for $11. If they want it certified, they can pay another $1. However, they must set up an account to use the bulk processing service online.

Individuals can get a copy of their own reports by paying a $12 fee online or in person. If paying by credit card, they may also have to pay an additional processing fee.

 

Driving Laws in the State

Someone must be 14 years and eight months old to apply for a Michigan driver's permit. They must pass Graduated Driver Licensing, which consists of two segments of driver training. They must also pass a written and road test. There are a lot of other stipulations during the graduated licensing period before a resident can earn their full license at age 17.

You cannot obtain a driver's license in the state if you have never been issued one in another state or country and you have two or more convictions for moving violations on your driving record within three years of the date that you apply for a license.

The state uses a point system to keep track of driving offenses, accidents, and even minor infractions. If the driver earns six or more one-point violations or 12 or more in a two-year period, they will lose their license. Some examples of driving offenses and their point designations are:

Two Point Violations:

  • Six to 10 mph over the legal speed limit
  • Open alcohol container in vehicle
  • All other moving violations of traffic laws
  • Refusal of Preliminary Breath Test by anyone younger than 21

Three-Point Infractions:

  • Careless driving
  • Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign or improper passing
  • 11 to 15 mph over the legal speed limit
  • Failure to stop at railroad crossing
  • Failure to stop for a school bus or for disobeying a school crossing guard

Four Point Violations:

  • Drag racing
  • Impaired driving
  • Younger than age 21 with any bodily alcohol content
  • 16 mph or more over the legal speed limit
  • Failure to yield/show due caution for emergency vehicles

Some Six Point Offenses (considered very serious) Include:

  • Manslaughter, negligent homicide, or other felony involving the use of a motor vehicle
  • Operating while intoxicated or operating with any presence of a Schedule 1 drug or cocaine
  • Failing to stop and give identification at the scene of a crash
  • Reckless driving
  • Refusal to take a chemical alcohol test
  • Fleeing or eluding a police officer
  • Failure to yield causing death or injury of emergency responder, construction worker, or person operating implements of animal husbandry
  • Moving violation causing injury or death

A driver's license may be suspended or revoked if the following is true:

  • The Secretary of State has reason to believe that you are unfit to drive a motor vehicle or have a physical, visual, or mental condition that makes it unsafe for you to operate a motor vehicle
  • Any crash resulting in a fatality where the crash report indicates that you were negligent or had been drinking
  • You have been in three or more traffic crashes resulting in personal injury or property damage over the past two years
  • You have accumulated 12 or more points within a two-year period
  • You have been convicted of violating the restrictions, terms, or conditions of your license
 

Different Types of Driving Reports in the State

The state has only one type of motor vehicle record in the state. However, they offer a certified version for an additional $1 and a non-certified version for $11. They can be obtained through the mail, online, or in person.

Driving History (certified or non-certified)

A Michigan Driving Report (MDR) includes the driver's name, driver's license number, date of birth, demographic information (sex, eye color, height, & weight), residence and mailing addresses, and credential information broken out by license type (operator, commercial learner's permit, temporary instruction permit, etc.).

It may also include any medical restrictions and endorsements, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background checks, self-certification information, and medical certification information. The report will also show the license status along with convictions, Failure to Appear in court (FAC) issues, Failures to Comply with Judgment (FCJ), Traffic Crashes, 625G Permits, etc. The report also includes any license suspensions, revocations, and restrictions. 

 

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses are serious and usually carry a prison or jail term, steep fines, the loss of a driver's license, and sometimes court-ordered programs for punishment.

Reckless driving is considered a criminal driving offense in Michigan. For example, a first offense is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by 93 days in jail and/or a maximum $500 fine. If someone is hurt by reckless driving, the punishment jumps to five years in prison and/or $1,000 to $5,000 in fines. If someone is killed, the punishment becomes 15 years in prison and/or $2,500 to $10,000 in fines.

Some other examples of criminal driving offenses in the state are:

  • Careless driving
  • DUI/OWI/Wet Reckless
  • Hit and run
  • Drag racing
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Speeding over 15 mph

Criminal driving offenses may also result in an insurance company rate hike.

 

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses in the state are far less serious, usually resulting in only paying a fine or ticket. Some examples include:

  • Not stopping for a red light
  • Not stopping at a stop sign
  • Driving without a license
  • Driving with a suspended / revoked / denied license
  • Failure to dim lights
  • Failure to yield
  • Improper turn
  • Improper passing
  • Speeding, not excessively
  • Not yielding to emergency vehicles
  • Careless driving
 

State Driving Records Statistics

According to the Michigan Secretary of State, some interesting driving statistics include:

  • 314,376 traffic crashes were reported, of which 902 of those were fatal crashes, and 53,380 resulted in personal injuries
  • Crashes in which the driver had been drinking alcohol numbered 9,610, and 1,179 of these drivers also were suspected of using drugs
  • A total of 2,798 crashes resulted from a driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist using a cell phone
  • The number of crashes in which the driver was using a cell phone has steadily increased over the past six years, with 749 crashes reported in 2014 and 2,778 crashes in 2019
  • There were 1,429 people injured and 12 people killed as a result of a vehicle-deer crash. Eight of the fatalities were motorcyclists
  • Licensed drivers ages 16-20 represented 7 percent of Michigan's driving population. This young driver age group accounted for 10.1 percent (54,177) of drivers in all crashes and 8.6 percent (124) of drivers in fatal crashes
  • According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, motor vehicle crashes remain the No. 1 cause of unintentional fatal injuries for children ages 1-14
 

Driving Records Search Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about state driving records.

Who Can Get a Copy of Your Michigan Driving Record?

Anyone with an account that has been approved by the Secretary of State can get a copy. Individuals can get a copy of their own records at any time with a completed form and payment. You can get certified driving records or non-certified.

Can I Order a State Driver's License Records Online?

Yes, and you can also get one in person or through the mail using the downloadable application form.

What Information Do I Need to Get a Report?

When ordering for someone other than yourself, you will need their name, birth date, and driver's license number and license plate number. You also must prove that you are eligible to receive the information. If ordering for yourself, you need only your driver's license.

Does the State Use a Points System?

Yes. The state uses a point system and assigns more points to more severe crimes. If you amass too many points in a short amount of time, your license may be revoked, and then you will have to go through a process to get it back, which may be lengthy and costly.

What if I Move from a Different State?

You should apply for a Michigan license as soon as you have established residency.

You will need to bring the following documents to a Secretary of State office.

  • Proof of a Social Security number
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence
  • Proof of your identity
  • Proof of Michigan residency

What is the Graduated Licensing Program?

Although you can start learning to drive when you are almost 15 years old, you cannot get your full license until age 17. You must go through three steps, and each step has specific requirements like education, tests you must pass, and supervised driving time. There are also stipulations you must follow. Each level brings you closer to your actual license.

 

Helpful State Driving Record Links

Below are some helpful state driving record links.

Disclaimer: The materials presented here are for informational purposes only. The information is taken from state and local resources, and is current as of the most recent site update. Changes made by state and local departments and agencies after our latest update may render some information and fees outdated, and may cause links to break and forms to be unavailable. Infotracer strongly encourages you to visit the relevant state and local resources to ensure you have the most recent information.