Driving Records

A driving record is a collection of information maintained by the Motor Vehicle Division. A record consists of information compiled in five major categories:

• personal history information
• licensing information
• conviction/accident history
• driver license sanctions
• motor vehicle accident history

Your driving record maintains important details about your application for a driver license; the examination process; the subsequent issuance, denial, revocation, suspension or cancellation of a license; driver performance; and any other action taken in response to unsafe driver performance or other legal requirements.

A "History not on file" notation may be temporarily placed on your driving record to indicate that information has not yet been entered into the Motor Vehicle Division database. Once that information is entered in the system, the notation is removed from your driving record.

Your driving record is data compiled throughout the lifetime of a driver. Changes in legislation, computer systems, data sources, court cases and judicial rulings all affect the appearance and information included in your record. For additional details, read Understanding the Montana Driving Record or call the Montana Motor Vehicle Division Customer Service Center at (406) 444-3933.

Sections 33-18-210(9) and 61-5-208 of the Montana Code Annotated restrict how some aspects of a driving record may be used.

• While convictions older than three years may not affect your insurance rates, convictions for second or subsequent DUI will affect your record for five years between the date of the prior offense and the most recent offense.
• Conviction points remain on a driving record for three years from the conviction date. While the points are removed after three years, the convictions become a permanent part of a driving record.
• Completing a defensive driving class does not remove points from a driving record.
• If Montana drivers are convicted of a driving offense in another state, those convictions appear on their Montana driving records.
• If a driver with an out-of-state license is convicted of a driving offense in Montana, the conviction record is sent to the state in which the driver is licensed.
• All of the information on your motor vehicle record remains part of your permanent driving record.
• From year to year and from state to state, your driving record stays with you.

How to Request a Driving Record

Note: If you request more than a few records, they may not be available on the same day you request them.

In Person

1. Complete a Release of Driving Records (Form 34-0100) for each record requested, providing the full name, date of birth and license number of the driver. This form must be either notarized or you must bring a copy of your state or government issued photo identification, such as a driver license, identification card or passport with you. This photo identification cannot have been expired for more than four years.
2. Bring the form to:
   Motor Vehicle Division Office
   Scott Hart Building, Second Floor
   303 N. Roberts
   Helena
3. Pay the $4 fee for each record requested.

By Mail

1. Complete a Release of Driving Records (Form 34-0100) for each record requested, providing the full name, date of birth and license number of the driver. This form must be either notarized or you must attach a copy of your state or government issued photo identification, such as a driver license, identification card or passport. This photo identification cannot have been expired for more than four years.
2. In addition to the form, be sure to enclose:
   1. copies of the required identification (if the form is not notarized)
   2. the $4 fee for each record requested
   3. a stamped, self-addressed envelope
   (Alternately, if you would like the record sent via fax, enclose an additional $3 for each record and do not send a self-addressed envelope.)
3. Mail the required information and fee to:
   Motor Vehicle Division
   P.O. Box 201430
   Helena, MT 59620-1430

Online

For individuals:

1. Go to Driver History Records Service and click on the "Public User" button.
2. To continue, you must accept the Intended Use Statement, certifying that you will use the information only for allowed purposes.
3. You also need a valid credit card to pay the $7.25 fee for each record requested.
4. When you use the online service, the record is provided in an electronic format as soon as you complete the transaction, not through the mail. It can be printed or copied for your records.

For businesses such as insurance agencies and trucking companies that request large numbers of driving records:

1. Become a registered user of mt.gov (requires an annual registration fee) and sign a Restricted Use Agreement for Driving Record Information (PDF) stating that you will use this information only for allowed purposes.
2. Access Driver History Records Service on mt.gov, enter your username and password, and conduct your search.
3. You will then be billed $7.25 fee for each record.

Who Can See a Montana Driving Record?

Under Montana law, a Montana driving record may be released upon request as authorized in accordance with the Montana Driver Privacy Protection Act and a completed Release of Driving Records (Form 34-0100). For more information, see Understanding the Montana Driving Record.