Your driving record (officially called an Abstract of Driving Record or ADR) is the “report card” of your life on the road. Insurance companies use it to set your rates, employers use it to hire you, and courts use it to suspend you.
In Washington State, you can grab a copy of your own record in about 2 minutes using License eXpress.
This guide explains the difference between the 3-Year Insurance Abstract and the Full Record, how to read the codes (like “FTA”), and why you won’t find any “points” on it.
Washington Driving Record Types: Full ADR vs 3-Year Insurance Abstract
Washington offers several types of abstracts. Ordering the wrong one is a waste of $15.
| Record Type | Purpose | What It Shows |
| Full Record (ADR) | Personal use, Legal defense | Everything. Every ticket, suspension, and accident in your WA history. |
| Insurance Abstract | Auto Insurance Quotes | 3-Year History. Violations, accidents, and convictions relevant to insurance. |
| Employment Record | Job Applications (CDL/Uber) | Full History. Used by employers to verify safety. |
| Alcohol/Drug Record | Treatment Centers | 10-Year History. Specific to DUI/DWI assessments. |
Note: You can generally only buy your own record. You cannot buy your neighbor’s record unless you are their attorney or employer with signed consent.
Instant Washington Driving Record Online: License eXpress Step-by-Step ($15 Fee)
Best For: Everyone. Time: Instant PDF Download. Cost: $15.00.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Log In: Go to License eXpress. (If you don’t have an account, create one using your License Number and SSN).
- Select: Under “Driver’s License,” click “Get a Driving Record.”
- Choose Type: Select “Full Record” (recommended for personal review) or “Insurance Abstract.”
- Pay: Enter your credit/debit card to pay the $15.00 fee.
- Download: Save the PDF immediately. The link may expire.
Moved Recently? If your address is outdated, the system might block you. Update your details first by reading our guide on how to change your address in Washington.
Request Washington Driving Record by Mail: Form DR-500-009 Instructions
Best For: People without internet access. Time: 2–3 Weeks. Cost: $15.00 (Check/Money Order).
- Download Form DR-500-009 (Driving Record Request).
- Fill it out and include a check for $15 payable to “Department of Licensing.”
- Mail to:
- Department of Licensing
- PO Box 3907
- Seattle, WA 98124-3907
Reading Your Washington Record: FTA, DWLS Codes (No Points System)
Washington does not use a point system. You won’t see a score of “12 points.” Instead, the DOL looks at the number of negative events in a short time.
Common Codes & Terms:
- FTA (Failure to Appear): This means you ignored a ticket. It is an indefinite black mark until you pay the court.
- DWLS: Driving While License Suspended. A criminal offense.
- Deferred Prosecution: A legal deal where a DUI is hidden if you complete treatment. It stays on your internal record for life.
How Long Does Stuff Stay?
- Tickets/Accidents: 5 Years.
- Commercial (CDL) Violations: 10 Years to Life.
- Alcohol (DUI/DWI): Life. (Washington is very strict; DUIs never disappear from the Full Record).
Found a Suspension? If your record shows “Suspended” or “Revoked,” you cannot drive. Check our guide on how to reinstate a suspended license in Washington to clear the holds before you get arrested.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A driving record tracks you (the driver). It does not track the cars you bought or sold. If you need proof of ownership, you need a Vehicle Title History. See our guide on Washington title transfers for vehicle-specific paperwork.
Only if you fight it in court before paying it. Once you pay a ticket, it is an admission of guilt and hits your record for 5 years. You cannot “expunge” a driving record in Washington like a criminal record.
Insurance abstracts usually only go back 3 years. If you had a bad accident 4 years ago, your insurance company might not see it, but it will still be on your Full Record for 5 years.
Conclusion
Your driving record is the only document that tells the truth about your license status. Whether you are applying for a job or just double-checking your insurance rates, spend the $15.00 on License eXpress to get the facts. If you see an error, contact the court immediately—the DOL cannot fix court records for you.
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