Whether you’re applying for a new job, switching insurance companies, or trying to figure out why your premiums suddenly spiked, knowing exactly what is on your driving record is essential. In Massachusetts, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) maintains a detailed history of your “surchargeable incidents”—a fancy term for accidents and tickets that cost you money.
Checking your record in 2026 is faster than it used to be, but you need to know which of the record types you actually need. Requesting the wrong one can be a $20 mistake.
Choosing the Right Record: Unattested vs. Certified MVR
The RMV offers different levels of detail depending on who is asking for the information. Using the correct version ensures you don’t overpay for an official stamp you might not need.
| Record Type | Cost | Best For… |
| Unattested Public Record | $8.00 | Personal review, checking your SDIP points, or showing an insurance agent. |
| True and Attested Public Record | $20.00 | Official court purposes, government jobs, or legal evidence. |
| Personal Driving History | $20.00 | Full history of every offense, including those no longer affecting insurance. |
The Unattested Public Record is the most common and is available for instant download as a PDF. If you need the True and Attested version, the RMV will mail it to the address they have on file. If you’ve recently moved, you should change of address with the RMV before ordering to ensure your sensitive data isn’t sent to your old home.
Step-by-Step: How to Request Your Record Online via myRMV
The fastest way to access your data is through the myRMV Online Service Center.
- Identity Verification: You will need your Driver’s License number, Date of Birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
- Selection: Choose “Request a Public Driving Record.”
- Payment: You can pay the fee via credit or debit card.
- Instant Access: If you chose the $8.00 unattested record, you must download it immediately. The link often expires after 24 hours.
If you are a new resident transferring an out-of-state license to Massachusetts, the RMV will pull your record from the National Driver Register to ensure you don’t have active suspensions in other states.
Understanding the SDIP Point System and Insurance Surcharges
Massachusetts doesn’t just count tickets; it calculates your risk level using the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP). These points directly dictate how much extra you pay for insurance.
The Point Scale:
- Minor Traffic Violation (e.g., Speeding): 2 points.
- Minor At-Fault Accident: 3 points (claim between $1,000 and $5,000).
- Major At-Fault Accident: 4 points (claim over $5,000).
- Major Traffic Violation (e.g., DUI): 5 points.
The “Clean in 3” Rule: If you have points on your record, the RMV will automatically reduce your point value by 1 for every three years of “clean” driving. If you stay ticket-free for five years, you may qualify for the Excellent Driver Discount.
However, points aren’t the only thing to watch. If you accumulate three surchargeable incidents within a two-year period, you may be required to complete a Driver Retraining Course. If you fail to do so, you’ll likely need to reinstate your suspended license to regain your driving privileges.
When to Visit an RMV Service Center (Complex Issues and Hearings)
While online is best for personal records, you must schedule an RMV appointment at a Service Center (like Danvers or Haymarket) if you need to discuss a complex error on your record with a hearings officer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For insurance purposes (SDIP), incidents usually affect your rates for six years. However, for criminal or “major” violations like a DUI, the conviction remains on your permanent driving history indefinitely.
Standard employers can generally only see your “Public” record. A “Full Certified Driving History” is typically reserved for the driver themselves or authorized government/law enforcement agencies.
Yes. Massachusetts is a member of the Driver License Compact. If you get a speeding ticket in another state, they will notify the RMV, and it will appear on your Massachusetts record as if it happened locally.
Conclusion:
Monitoring your record is the only way to catch errors before they lead to a suspension or massive insurance hikes. If you notice an accident on your record that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to appeal the surcharge through the Board of Appeal.
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