This will be going on your permanent record.
A Montana basic driver record is a compilation of a person’s lifetime driving history, and includes personal history, licensing information, convictions, sanctions, and motor vehicle accident history.
Myth – Once three years pass with no new traffic violations, a driver has a “clean” driving record.
Reality – Traffic convictions stay on your driving record for life.
Where can I request a driving record?
Online
The service you will use depends on whether you're an individual purchasing a few records or a business purchasing a large number.
Individuals
Go to our online service page and click the driving records link.
You will need a valid credit card to pay the associated fee for each record requested and a printer to print the record.
When you use the online service, the record is provided in an electronic format as soon as you complete the transaction. You will need to print the record immediately after you complete the transaction. The record is not mailed to you and it cannot be saved or copied from the electronic file.
Businesses
For businesses such as insurance agencies and trucking companies that request large numbers of driving records:
Become a registered user and complete a Registered User Agreement stating that you will use this information only for allowed purposes by contacting (406) 285-8280 or [email protected].
Access Driver History Records Service on mt.gov, enter your username and password, and conduct your search.
You will then be billed the appropriate fee for the number of records requested.
By Mail
Complete a Release of Driving Records (34-0100) for each record requested, providing the full name, date of birth and license number of the driver.
Mail the required information and fee to: Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59602-1430
In addition to the form, be sure to enclose:
- the associated fee (as outlined on the request form) for each record requested – cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards are accepted
- a stamped, self-addressed envelope
(Alternately, if you would like the record sent via fax, enclose the appropriate payment for each record (as outline on the request form) and do not send a self-addressed envelope.)
What are the basic contents of a driving record?
- A driving record is a collection of information maintained by MVD
- Your driving record is data compiled throughout your lifetime as a driver
- 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 record covers the examination process; denial or issuance; revocation, suspension or cancellation of a license; driver performance; and any other action taken in response to unsafe driver performance or other legal requirements
- Your record also contains changes in legislation, computer systems, data sources, court cases, and judicial rulings, all which affect the appearance and information included in your record
- 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 the information is entered in the system, the notation is removed from your driving record
How can my driving record be used?
§ 33-18-210(9), MCA and § 61-5-208, MCA 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