Your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is effectively your “report card” as a driver. Insurance companies use it to set your premiums, employers use it to vet new hires, and the court uses it to determine if your license should be suspended.
Unlike a vehicle title, which proves ownership of an asset, the driving record is a snapshot of your behavior. It details your accident history, demerit points, and current license status. If you are facing a premium hike or a job background check, seeing this document before they do gives you the chance to correct errors or prepare an explanation.
This guide explains how to request a Certified or Non-Certified copy of your record using Form DSMV 505 and the specific privacy laws that protect this data.
How to Request Your New Hampshire Driving Record (All Available Methods)
New Hampshire offers three ways to access your record. Unlike the address change process, which requires paper forms, the state has modernized this specific service to allow for instant online access.
Method 1: Get Your NH Driving Record Online (Instant Download)
This is the fastest way to view and print your record.
- Access the Portal: Visit the NH DMV “Driver Record” service online.
- Verify Identity: You will need your Driver License number and your Date of Birth.
- Pay the Fee: The cost is $15.00, payable by credit card.
- Download: You will receive a PDF copy immediately.
Method 2: Get Your New Hampshire Driving Record In Person
If you need an official stamp or do not have access to a printer, you can visit any DMV substation.
- Form: You must complete Form DSMV 505 (Release of Motor Vehicle Records).
- ID: Bring your current driver’s license.
- Wait Times: While some offices accept walk-ins, the most efficient way to get your document without spending your morning in a waiting room is to secure a DMV appointment before you go.
Method 3: Request Your NH Driving Record by Mail (Out-of-State Requests)
If you no longer live in New Hampshire but need your NH record for a new state’s application:
- Mail Form DSMV 505: Send the completed form to NH Dept. of Safety, DMV — FR/Driving Records, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305.
- Payment: Include a $15.00 check made out to “State of NH-DMV.”
- Processing: Allow up to two weeks for the return mail.
Certified vs Non-Certified New Hampshire Driving Records
When filling out Form DSMV 505, you may need to specify the type of record you need.
| Record Type | Best Used For |
| Non-Certified | Personal review, insurance quotes, or casual employment checks. This is what you typically get online. |
| Certified | Court appearances, legal reinstatement hearings, or official government background checks. This carries an official DMV stamp. |
Who Is Allowed to Request a New Hampshire Driving Record?
New Hampshire adheres to the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). Your record is not public information.
- You: Can request your own record at any time.
- Insurance Companies: Can request your record to assess risk (usually looking back 3 to 5 years).
- Employers: Can request your record only with your signed consent if driving is part of the job description.
Crucial Note: If you are requesting the record of a spouse or child, you cannot simply ask for it. You must have their notarized signature on the release form, or the request will be denied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, insurance companies look at the last 3 years for minor violations and 5 to 7 years for major offenses like DUIs. However, the DMV retains the data permanently.
If you spot a violation that should have been removed or an accident that wasn’t your fault listed incorrectly, you must contact the Bureau of Financial Responsibility immediately. Uncorrected errors can cost you hundreds of dollars in excess insurance premiums over time.
If your MVR shows a status of “Suspended” or “Revoked,” you cannot legally drive. You will need to identify the specific cause—usually unpaid fines or accumulation of demerit points—and begin the reinstatement process immediately.
Conclusion:
Your driving record is the blueprint of your legal standing on the road. Don’t wait for a denied job application or a rate hike to look at it. Spend the $15.00 annually to review your file and correct any mistakes.
Once you have confirmed your driving privileges are secure, you can address other specific access needs. If you or a passenger require closer parking due to a medical condition, the next step is to review the qualifications for a New Hampshire DMV handicap placard.
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