If you are unsure whether your license is valid, worried about how many points you have accumulated, or need a certified document for a new job, you need to see your driving record. Uncertainty about your license status can be stressful, especially if you fear a suspension is looming.
This guide clarifies exactly how to access your bmv driving record offers, the difference between the free and paid versions, and how to interpret the point system so you can get back on the road with confidence.
Viewable vs. Official: Which Record Do You Need?
Before you log in, it is critical to know that the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offers two distinct types of driving records. Choosing the wrong one could waste your time or money.
| Feature | Viewable Driver Record (VDR) | Official Driver Record (ODR) |
| Cost | Free | $4.00 |
| Certification | Uncertified (For personal use only) | Certified (Legal/Official use) |
| Best For | Checking your own points, verifying license status, or insurance quotes. | Employment background checks, court proceedings, or school admissions. |
| Format | Online viewing/printing. | Certified letter format. |
If you simply want to perform an Indianadriving license points check to see where you stand, the free VDR is sufficient. However, if an employer or insurance company requests your history, they will almost always require the $4 Official Driver Record.
How to Access Your Indiana Driving Record
You can view your record immediately through the state’s online portal.
- Visit myBMV: Go to the official myBMV website and log in. If you haven’t created an account yet, you will need your driver’s license number and Social Security number.
- Select Your Record: Navigate to the “Driver Record” section. You will see options for the free Viewable Record or the Official Record.
- Download/Print: If you choose the VDR, you can view it instantly. If you purchase the ODR, you can download the certified PDF immediately after payment.
Note: If you are unable to access your account because you have moved recently, you may need to update your details. It is often smart to handle an address change with the Indiana BMV before requesting official documents to ensure all data is current.
Indiana Driving License Points System Explained
Indiana uses a point system to track driving behavior. Points are active on your record for two years from the date of the conviction.+1
- Speeding (1-15 mph over): 2 points
- Failure to Signal: 2 points
- Improper U-Turn: 4 points
- Disregarding a Stop Sign/Light: 6 points
- Driving While Suspended: 8 points
When Points Lead to License Suspension in Indiana
If you accumulate 18 active points within a 24-month period, you may face administrative penalties.
- 18 Points: You may be required to attend an administrative hearing.
- 20 Points: Triggers a mandatory 1-month suspension.
If you discover your license is already invalid, you will need to look into the specific requirements for reinstating a suspended Indiana license rather than just checking your points.
How to Remove Points from Your Record
If your point total is creeping close to the suspension limit, you can take action. Indiana allows drivers to complete a BMV-approved Driver Safety Program (DSP).
- Benefit: Completing the course applies a 4-point credit to your driving record.
- Frequency: You can only receive this credit once every three years.
This is a proactive way to protect your driving privileges. However, if you are already dealing with administrative issues, such as needing to register a vehicle while sorting out license troubles, you might need to check if you are eligible for a temporary tag in Indiana to keep your vehicle legal in the meantime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Points remain “active” for two years from the conviction date.However, the conviction itself (the record of the ticket) remains on your permanent driving history for 10 years.+1
Yes, but it is slower. You can mail BMV State Form 53789 to the Indianapolis central office. If you need it urgently, it is faster to book a BMV appointment and request one in person at a branch.
Yes, the data (tickets, suspensions, points) is identical. The only difference is the certification letter included with the Official Driver Record (ODR) that makes it valid for legal use.
No. Disability parking privileges are linked to your person or vehicle registration, not your driving performance history. If you need to manage that aspect of your profile, you must apply separately for an Indiana handicap placard.
Conclusion
Staying aware of your Indiana driving record is the best defense against unexpected suspensions and insurance hikes. By using the free VDR for personal checks and reserving the ODR for official requirements, you can manage your driver profile efficiently. If you found points you didn’t expect, consider enrolling in a Driver Safety Program immediately to apply that 4-point credit. Log in to myBMV today to verify your status and ensure your license remains valid.
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