If you are looking for your Utah Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), you might be heading to the wrong website.
Most people assume they need to visit the “DMV.” In Utah, that is a mistake. The DMV handles your car (plates, titles), but the Driver License Division (DLD) handles your driving record.
If you go to the DMV website, you won’t find your record.
This guide will show you the only official government portal to get your personal driving record instantly, explain why you might need a “certified” copy instead, and help you decode the confusing abbreviations on your report.
The “DLD vs. DMV” Rule
Before you start, you must know which agency holds your records.
- Utah DMV (Div. of Motor Vehicles): Handles vehicle registration, license plates, and titles. They do not have your driving history.
- Utah DLD (Driver License Division): Handles driver’s licenses, suspensions, and MVRs (Driving Records).
You must use the DLD’s specific portal to get your record.
How to Get Your MVR Online (Instant Download)
This is the fastest way to see your points, citations, and license status.
- Cost: $8.00 per record.
- What You Get: A non-certified PDF of your driving history. (Suitable for personal use, insurance quotes, or some employers).
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Go to the Official Portal: Navigate to secure.utah.gov/mvr-personal.
- Warning: Do not use third-party sites that charge $20+. Use the official
.govsite.
- Warning: Do not use third-party sites that charge $20+. Use the official
- Enter Your Details: You must verify your identity exactly as it appears on your license:
- First, Middle, and Last Name.
- Driver License Number (9 digits).
- Date of Birth.
- Issue Date: This is the date your current card was printed (found on the front of your license).
- Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
- Select Record Type: Choose “Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)” for a standard license or “Commercial Driver License (CDL)” if applicable.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the $8.00 fee using a credit or debit card.
- Download Instantly: You will be given a link to download your MVR as a PDF. Save this file immediately. The link expires, and you will have to pay again if you lose it.
How To Get Utah MVR “Certified” Copy?
The online record is non-certified. It does not have the official DLD seal.
- Personal Use / Insurance: The Online ($8) record is usually fine.
- Court / Legal / Government Jobs: You typically need a Certified Record.
How to Get a Certified Record: You cannot get a certified record online. You have two options:
- In-Person: Schedule an appointment at a Driver License Division Office. The fee is $10.75 (for up to 15 pages).
- By Mail: You must mail a request form (DLD60) to the Driver License Division in Salt Lake City with a check or money order.
How to Read Your Utah MVR (Decoding the Codes)
Your record will contain codes that explain your violations. Here are the most common ones you need to check:
- Points: Utah uses a point system. If you are 21 or older and accumulate 200 points in 3 years, you face suspension. (Under 21 limits are stricter: 70 points).
- Violation Codes:
- SPD: Speeding. (Points vary by speed: 35 points for 1-10 mph over, up to 75 points for 21+ over).
- FLY: Failure to Yield (60 points).
- ALC: Alcohol-related offense (DUI).
- SUS: Suspension currently active.
Pro-Tip: If you see points on your record, you can remove 50 points by completing a “Defensive Driving Course” once every three years.
FAQs
This usually happens because of the “Issue Date.”You must use the issue date from your most recent physical card. If you renewed your license last week but haven’t received the new card yet, the system might still be looking for the old date, or the new one. Try both. Also, ensure you are not including dashes in your license number.
No. The online portal requires you to certify that you are the person on the record. Accessing someone else’s MVR without their written consent is a violation of the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). If you need a record for an employee or family member, you must use the mail-in form with their notarized signature.
A standard Utah MVR typically shows a 3-year history of moving violations and a 5-year history for major offenses (like DUIs). However, some alcohol-related offenses can remain on your record for 10 years or even a lifetime depending on the severity.
The MVR will show that you are suspended, but it might not give you the full “to-do list” for reinstatement. For that, you should check your license status on the DLD website or call the DLD directly at 801-965-4437.
Conclusion
Getting your Utah MVR is simple if you remember the golden rule: Go to the DLD, not the DMV. For 90% of users, the $8.00 online download at secure.utah.gov is the perfect solution. It’s instant, cheap, and gives you all the info you need for insurance or personal verification. Just remember to save the PDF immediately, or you’ll have to pay the fee again!


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