Whether you are applying for a high-stakes driving job, trying to negotiate a lower insurance premium, or simply making sure a past mistake has finally dropped off your file, your Connecticut driving history is the ultimate “report card.” In the background check industry, this document is known as a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), and it contains far more than just a list of tickets—it is a live map of your legal standing with the state.
Unlike other states that offer “unofficial” summaries, Connecticut provides Certified Driving Histories as the standard, ensuring the document you hold carries the full weight of the DMV’s seal. Here is exactly how to pull yours today.
Choosing the Right Method for Your Needs
The Connecticut DMV offers three distinct paths to obtain your record. Your choice should depend on how quickly you need the document and whether you require a physical or digital copy.
1. Online Request: The Fastest Way to Get Your CT Driving Record
Most current and former Connecticut drivers can access their records through the Connecticut DMV online services. This is the only method that offers instant gratification.
- The Cost: $20.00 (Payable by credit or debit card).
- The Access: Once purchased, your record is available to download and print immediately. Crucial Note: Your history remains accessible for 30 days in the portal for no additional fee. Save the PDF immediately to avoid paying twice.
- Requirements: You must provide your first and last name exactly as they appear on your license, your street number, and your Social Security Number.
2. In-Person Requests: Visiting a CT DMV Branch
If you prefer a physical hand-off or are having trouble with the online portal, you can visit a branch. However, you cannot simply walk in.
- The Process: You must first schedule a DMV CT appointment in Connecticut specifically for “Copy Records.”
- Locations: Not all offices provide this service. In-person records are typically handled at the Stamford DMV or participating Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union locations.
- Documentation: You must bring an original photo ID and a completed Form J-23 (Copy Records Request).
3. Mail-In Requests: For Out-of-State Drivers & Employers
If you have already moved out of the state or are an employer requesting a record for a potential hire, mail is your primary option.
- Address: > Department of Motor Vehicles60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161Attention: Copy Record
- Timeline: Expect a wait of 2 to 3 weeks for the certified document to arrive in your mailbox.
What Information is Included in Your CT Motor Vehicle Record?
Understanding your Connecticut driving record is the first step in protecting your license. The document isn’t just a list of dates; it’s a coded history of your behavior.
| Section | What it Shows |
| Personal Data | Full name, current address, and license class. |
| Current Status | Clear indicators of whether your license is Valid, Suspended, or Disqualified. |
| Moving Violations | Speeding, running red lights, and reckless driving convictions. |
| Administrative Actions | Points accrued, safety course completions, and insurance lapses. |
| Look-back Period | While the DMV tracks data indefinitely, most records show 7–10 years of significant history. |
Note: If your address on the record is incorrect, it may cause a delay in receiving mail-in documents. Ensure you perform a Connecticut DMV change of address before requesting a hard copy.
Using Your Driving History for CT License Reinstatement
If you are currently off the road, your driving history is the “instruction manual” for your return. Many drivers pay their fines but forget that the DMV requires a separate Connecticut license reinstatement fee.
When you pull your record, look for the Suspension Section. It will often list the “Restoration Requirements,” such as attending an operator retraining program or paying a specific fee. Without this record, you are essentially guessing at what the DMV needs from you.
FAQ’s
Unlike some states that offer $5.00 summaries, Connecticut focuses on Certified Histories for $20.00. While some third-party websites claim to offer cheaper “background checks,” only the DMV’s certified record is legally accepted by employers and courts.
Points stay active on your record for 24 months from the date of the assessment. However, the conviction itself (the ticket) will remain visible on your history for much longer, often up to 10 years for insurance purposes.
The Connecticut “Clean Slate” law primarily targets criminal convictions. While some misdemeanor traffic offenses might eventually qualify for erasure, most standard moving violations and DUIs remain on your driving history because they are administrative records, not just criminal ones.
Connecticut records all reported accidents where there was a fatality, injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000. The record lists the occurrence of the accident, not necessarily the “fault” or “liability” for insurance purposes.
Conclusion
Your driving history is a powerful document that directly impacts your insurance rates and employment eligibility. By pulling your Connecticut driving record today, you can spot errors before they become problems—such as a “pending suspension” you didn’t know about or a ticket that should have fallen off your active point count. If your record shows you are currently ineligible to drive, your immediate next step is to review the specific “stops” on your file and initiate the Connecticut license reinstatement process.
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