How to Get A North Carolina Driving Record (A Complete Guide)

Fortunately, the process of getting one isn’t complicated. You can even choose between several options, depending on which record you need.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

Let’s start from the beginning.

Here is how to get a North Carolina driving record…

Types of Driving Records in North Carolina

First things first, you need to know what type of NC driving record you need.

For any record, you’ll find the following information:

• Your name and current address
• Driver’s license information (number, status, expiration date, etc.)
• Convictions from motor vehicle-related violations
• Driver control actions (failure to yield or give the right-of-way, among others)
• Information regarding traffic wrecks

However, you can choose between 3 types of NC driving records:

• Certified True Copy
• Complete Extract Copy
• Limited Extract Copy

Let’s go through each of them.

Certified True Copy

This driving record is needed to fulfill a requirement from government agencies and courts (local, state, and federal).

You can use all methods to request it — online, in person, and by mail — for a $15 fee. However, even if you purchase it online, the DMV will mail the copy within 14 business days.

If you’re in a rush, requesting it in person assures you’ll get it immediately if you’re not asking for more than 5 records. If you need more than this, you must request them by mail.

The Complete Extract Copy

This driving record is similar to the first, except that it’s not certified. If you only need your complete history for personal use, it’s best to secure this kind.

A Complete Extract Copy will also suffice if your employer or insurer asks for your driving record.

You’ll pay $10.75 to get a copy. The DMV releases it as a PDF file if you request it online.

Limited Extract Copy

Another type of driving record that a prospective employer or insurance agency may ask for is a Limited Extract Copy. You can choose between one that goes back 3 or 7 years.

However, you cannot purchase limited extract copies online. You can only get this by visiting the DMV office in Raleigh or by mail.

Like the Complete Extract Copy, it costs $10.75.

How to Get My Driving Record in North Carolina

As you already know, there are three ways to get your driving record in North Carolina:

Let’s explore the steps involved for each option.

How to Get Your NC Driving Record Online

If you’re getting a Certified True Copy or Complete Extra Copy, you’re in luck.

You can conveniently purchase it from the comfort of your home.

Here are the steps:

1. Have the following information ready:
   1. Your complete name (as how it appears on your driver’s license)
   2. Your birthdate
   3. Your North Carolina driver’s license or ID card number
   4. Any of the following — Social Security number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or U.S. Visa number
   1. Log on to MyNCDMV. It’s okay if you don’t have an account — you can create one from the same page.
   1. Follow the prompts on the screen.
   1. Pay the appropriate fee:
      1. Certified True Copy – $15
      2. Complete Extra Copy – $10.75

      NOTE: You’ll also spend an additional $3 transaction fee for online requests.

      1. Get your NC driving record.

      NOTE: You can view Complete Extract Copies immediately after completing the transaction. However, Certified True Copies arrive through the mail within 14 business days.

      It’s as easy as that!

      How to Get Your NC Driving Record By Mail

      Let’s say you need a Limited Extra Copy or are getting more than 5 Certified True Copies…

      Well then, you need to request it by mail.

      Here’s what you have to do:

      1. Download a copy of the DPPA-1 form (Driver Privacy Protection Act Request Form). Read it carefully and ensure you fill out all the necessary fields.
      1. Enclose a check or money order payable to NCDMV. The amount depends on the type of driving record you requested:
         1. $15 each for Certified True Copy
         2. $10.75 for Complete Extract Copy and Limited Extract Copy (3-year and 7-year histories cost the same)
         1. Send everything to the following address:

         North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles

         Driver License Records

         3113 Mail Service Center

         Raleigh, NC 27697

         1. Wait for your driving record to arrive by mail. The DMV needs around 10 business days from when they received your request to process it.

         How to Get Your NC Driving Record In Person

         If you’re rushing to get your driving record, requesting in person is the best way to go — especially if you need a Certified True Copy.

         However, remember that you can only make in-person requests if purchasing less than 6 histories. Otherwise, you must mail the form to the DMV.

         Here’s how to do it:

         1. Get a copy of the DPPA-1 form (Driver Privacy Protection Act Request Form) and complete it.
         1. Bring the form to the Raleigh Central Services/License Plate Agency at 4121 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC.

         NOTE: When you get there, ensure you go to the door marked as Vehicle Registration, NOT Driver License.

         1. Pay the appropriate fee:
            1. $15 each for Certified True Copy
            2. $10.75 for Complete Extract Copy and Limited Extract Copy
            1. Receive your NC driving record.

            How to Get Someone Else’s Driving Record in North Carolina

            You can use the same three methods if you need another person’s driving history. However, here are some key reminders:

            • For online requests, you must have the record owner’s details.
            • For mail-in and in-person purchases, you must also fill out a DL-DPPA-2 form (Driver Privacy Protection Act Authorization To Disclose Personal Information Form) on top of DPPA-1.

            How to Improve Your North Carolina Driving Record

            Keeping your driving record clean is crucial.

            Because it provides details of your driving history, it may affect several things.

            For example, it may jeopardize a job opportunity that requires you to drive. You’re also more likely to pay a more expensive insurance premium if you have moving violation convictions.

            One more thing. Violations come with points — and having too many will lead to a license suspension.

            So improving your record (and maintaining it) is something every driver in North Carolina must consider. Here are some strategies to help you:

            • Attend a Driver Improvement Clinic. Drivers with 4 points (on an 8-point scale) or 7 points (on a 12-point scale) can request to take the program. It lessens your total points by 3, saving you from a license suspension.
            • Review the road signs in North Carolina (and obey them). Not only will it help you during renewals, but it can also prevent future violations. And if you don’t receive any violations for 3 years, the points on your record will be removed.
            • Renew your license on time. Driving without a valid credential earns you three points.
            • Understand North Carolina’s point system. Knowing which driving activities earn you points makes you more mindful about making (or avoiding) them.

            Understanding the North Carolina Point System

            In North Carolina, accumulating points on your license is a sure way to get your driving privileges suspended.

            Getting 7 points in 3 years earns you a warning from the DMV. It qualifies you for the Driving Improvement Course, which costs $70 but deducts 3 points from your license.

            12 points get your license suspended for 60 days. Once the DMV reinstates it, you get a clean slate.

            However, if you accumulate 8 points after reinstatement, you get another suspension. This time you lose your driving privileges for 6 months.

            A third suspension lasts for a year.

            Now, knowing where the points come from can help you manage and improve your driving record. Here are some common violations and their respective points:

            Points	Violations
            5	Passing a stopped bus Driving aggressively
            4	Driving recklessly Leaving an accident scene involving property damage Tailgating Driving on the wrong side of the road Illegal passing Failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian or cyclist
            3	Disobeying a stop or yield sign or a red light Exceeding the allowable speed limit by 55 mph Driving without a valid license Not pulling over for a siren Driving without insurance Failure to report an accident Speeding in a school zone
            2	Disobeying child restraint regulations Unlisted violation
            1	Littering

            The Wrap Up

            Do you need a copy of your NC driving record?

            If so, then you now know the different types you can get and the different channels to get them.

            Plus, you know how to improve your NC driving record and understand the North Carolina point system.

            You can use this all to your advantage.

            We hope that this article has helped you!