Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I request a certified driver’s record online?
- The state of Michigan only allows certified driving records to be obtained in person. There is currently no available option to check your driving record online. If you are obtaining a copy of your own certified record, you must visit a nearby SOS office to complete the process.
For more information: Your Michigan Driving Record
- Do I need to attend traffic school if I get a speeding ticket?
- Eligible drivers may be able to take a Basic Driver Improvement Course in certain situations. Oftentimes, this type of course is ordered by the court or Secretary of State. If you are deemed qualified, you will be notified by the Michigan Secretary of State. In order to obtain more information, contact the SOS at their toll-free number 1-888-767-6424. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Michigan
- How can I pay for my traffic or parking ticket?
- The state of Michigan has its own ticket payment system that allows you to pay for citations online. Through the Michigan government website, you can pay traffic fines for both traffic and non-traffic tickets.
You can also pay for your ticket in person by getting in touch with clerks of court in the county where your ticket was issued. Review your citation for further information, including a phone number you can call.
For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Michigan
- How do I file a complaint when I believe someone has illegally accessed my DMV record?
- Unauthorized use of a Michigan driversrecord may have serious consequences. If you have reason to believe that somebody has obtained your driving record without your permission, contact the Michigan Department of State Record Lookup Unit by calling 517-322-1181. You can also send a written letter to the address below:
Michigan Department of State Record Lookup Unit 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 48918-1502
For more information: Your Michigan Driving Record
- How do I get a copy of my driving record?
- The state of Michigan allows individuals to obtain adriving record by phone, fax, mail or walk-in. The telephone service is only available to those who are requesting their own drivers record.
Fax In order to request a driving record by fax, you will need to have an account set up with the Michigan Department of State. You will then be required to submit a MI DOS Requesting Your Own Record to the fax number 512-322-1181.
By Phone To make a drivers record request over the phone, call 512-322-1624 and have a credit card available for the transaction. Only those individuals with a Michigan Department of State account may use this option.
In Person Visit your local SOS office to complete this process in person.
By Mail Submit a MI DOS Requesting Your Own Record and proper payment to the following address:
Michigan Department of State Record Lookup Unit 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 48918-1502
For more information: Your Michigan Driving Record
- How do I get a traffic ticket dismissed?
- A common way to have a traffic ticket price dismissed is by fighting your citation in court with a traffic attorney. You can hire a traffic attorney to represent you in court and present all the necessary paperwork. In some instances, you may also have the option to attend a Basic Driver Improvement course to reduce the number of points on your driving record.
For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Michigan
- How do I obtain a copy of someone else’s driving record?
- The state of Michigan allows individuals to request another person s DMV driving record by mail, fax or in person.
Fax In order to request a driving record by fax, you will need to set up an account with the Michigan Department of State. Complete and sign a MI DOS Requesting Your Own Record form to the fax number 512-322-1181.
In Person Visit your local SOS office to complete this process in person.
By Mail Submit a MI DOS Requesting Your Own Record and proper payment to the following address:
Michigan Department of State Record Lookup Unit 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 48918-1502
If you need to make a large quantity of requests, then call 1-877-675-6708.
For more information: Your Michigan Driving Record
- How do I reinstate my license if I refused to submit a breath/urine/blood test?
- If you refuse to take a chemical test and it is your first offense, your DWI suspension period will last for 12 months. Your license will be suspended for two years if you have previously refused to submit to the chemical test. In order to begin the reinstatement process, you must follow the terms of your suspension summary and complete any necessary requirements.
For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Michigan
- How do I remove points from my driver’s license?
- You may have the option to attend a Basic Driver Improvement course in order to have points removed from your drivers license. If you are deemed eligible to take this class, you will receive notification from the Michigan Department of State. The state of Michigan does not remove points from a driving record for a period of two years. Most serious offenses can add up to six points on your record.
For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Michigan
- How many points can I get on my driving record before my driver’s license is suspended?
- Different offenses and violations will accrue a ranging number of points on your DMV driving record. If you are unsure whether or not your driving license is suspended, request a drivers record through your local Secretary of State branch. You will be required to make proper payment in the form of a credit card, money order or check to complete your transaction.
For more information: Your Michigan Driving Record
- How many times can I attend a traffic school course to remove points from my driving record?
- In some instances, you may be qualified to complete a traffic school course to reduce the points on your driving record. To find out if you are eligible for a Basic Driver Improvement Course, call the Michigan Department of State and have your drivers license number available. If you are approved to take the aforementioned course, you will have the option to do so in a class setting or online.
For more information: Your Michigan Driving Record
- If I lost my traffic or parking ticket, how can I find the information again?
- If you do not have your citation information available, contact the clerk of courts in the county where you received your ticket. Have your vehicle description and license plate number available, should you need to supply this information in order for them to locate you in their records. You can also visit Michigan s online ticket system to learn more about traffic and non-traffic tickets.
For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Michigan
- If my driver’s license was confiscated at the time of my DUI/DWI arrest, how do I get it back?
- If you are unsure what to do after receiving a drivers license suspension, you will need to complete the terms of your DUIsuspension summary before any reinstatement process. Some of your requirements may include the following:
- Possible imprisonment
- Community service hours
- Completion of an alcohol awareness course
- Payment of reinstatement fees
- Payment of additional court-ordered fees and fines
For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Michigan
- What are the different types of driving records?
- In Michigan, you can get either a certified driving record or a non-certifieddriving record. If you are requesting a certified drivers record, you must visit a local Department of State branch with the proper payment of $9 (fees may vary). However, you can order your own non-certified driving record by mail, fax or over the phone as well.
For more information: Your Michigan Driving Record
- What are the penalties of being convicted of driving under the influence?
- Driving under the influence holds severe consequences in the state of Michigan. Depending on your type of conviction, you can face multiple penalties, such as these listed below:
- Points added to your driving record
- Lengthy suspension period
- High fines and fees
- Possible imprisonment
- Mandatory community service
- Completion of an alcohol awareness course
There are higher penalties in place for those who are driving with a BAC of .17 or higher, as well as minors and commercial drivers.
For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Michigan
- What happens if I don’t pay for my traffic ticket from another state?
- Even though the state of Michigan is not a member of an interstate traffic violation compact, such as the Driver License Compact (DLC) or the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC), it may still report a violation to your home state, while certain traffic offences may be reported to the Michigan SOS Driver License and State ID Department.
Therefore, failure to pay an out-of-state traffic ticket in Michigan may result in points being added to your driving record or even a suspended driving license.
For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Michigan
- What happens if I get traffic ticket fines and I have a CDL?
- If you are a commercial driver who has been convicted of a serious traffic violation, your drivers license may be suspended or revoked. Your drivers license may be suspended for a period of 60 days, or for a longer period. For serious convictions, you may face a drivers license suspension that lasts a year. If you are a CDL driver who transports hazardous materials, your license can be suspended for up to three years. In addition to a drivers license suspension, you may also have points entered on your driving record.
For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Michigan
- What information does a driving record contain?
- A Michigan drivers record will contain information, such as the following:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your drivers license number
- Any accidents you were involved in
- Any violations or offenses you committed
- The current status of your drivers license
If checking driving record by mail or fax, please allow several weeks to receive it at the address you have on file with the SOS.
For more information: Your Michigan Driving Record
- What is considered the legal alcohol limit?
- The state of Michigan has the following Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limits in place:
- Drivers over the age of 21 0.08 percent
- Driver under the age of 21 -0.02 percent
- Commercial drivers 0.04 percent
Under the Michigan Implied Consent law, you are required to submit to a chemical test if you are suspected of driving while intoxicated. Refusal to take this test will result in several DUI-related consequences and high fees.
For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Michigan
- What is the cost of a DUI?
- Fees and fines associated with MI DUI citations will vary, depending on the type of offense you have committed. You will be required to pay certain fines, in addition to a reinstatement fee.
- If your BAC is below .17 percent and it is your first-time offense, you will be issued a $500 fine.
- If your BAC is .17 percent or higher and this is your first-time offense, you will be issued a $700 fine.
If you refuse to take a chemical test, your drivers license will be immediately suspended for a year.
For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Michigan
- What is the cost of a traffic ticket?
- A Michigan traffic ticket price may vary, depending on the type of citation you received. To find out the exact amount you are required to pay, review your traffic ticket. Your traffic ticket contains information about any required fees. You can pay for your citation online for your convenience, or you can fight it in court by representing yourself or with a traffic attorney.
For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Michigan
- What is the cost to get a driver record?
- Depending on the type of MI driving record you need, there are different fees associated with each. The current list of fees is as follows:
- An uncertified driving record – $8
- A certified driving record – $9
These fees may change without notice. When getting your driving record, the MI DOS accepts a credit card, money order or check as form of payment.
For more information: Your Michigan Driving Record
- What is the DUI penalty for a CDL driver?
- If you are a commercial driver who is convicted of aMI DUI for the first time, your drivers license will be suspended for a full year. This suspension period increases to three years if you are a CDL driver who carries hazardous materials.
If you have been previously convicted, and this is your second or third offense, your drivers license will be revoked for at least 10 years.
For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Michigan
- What is the DUI penalty for a minor?
- The state of Michigan has zero tolerance for those under the age of 21 convicted of driving under the influence. As such, the following types of penalties are imposed when it is a first offense:
- You will have a restricted drivers license for 30 days.
- You will be charged a $250 fine and/or up to 360 hours of community service to complete.
- You will have four points added to your drivers record.
- You will be charged a $500 Driver Responsibility Fee for the next two years.
For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Michigan
- What must I do to reinstate my driver’s license as a result of a DUI/DWI?
- Your reinstatement requirements will depend on the offense you have committed. If this is your first driving while intoxicated offense and you are convicted of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), these penalties will go into effect:
- A fine of $100 to $500 with one or more of the following up to 93 days in jail and up to 360 hours of community service
- Suspended drivers license for up to 30 days
- Points added to your driving record
- Required payment of Driver Responsibility Fee
For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Michigan
- Where can I find more information about an ignition interlock device?
- The Michigan Department of State provides a list of ignition interlock manufacturers, along with the following information for each provider:
- A toll-free number
- Physical address
- Manufacturer name
To see this complete list, click here. You must call the individual manufacturers in order to inquire cost and installation.
For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Michigan
- Where can I find my traffic or parking ticket information online?
- To pay traffic tickets online, visit the Michigan government website. If you cannot locate your ticket information, use the District Court Payments Online Ticket Payment System to find your citation. You can conduct a search by entering your last name and date of birth or drivers license number. If you do not have any of these details on hand, you can also obtain further details with your license plate number.
For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Michigan
- Why doesn’t a recent traffic ticket I received appear on my driving record?
- If you were recently issued a traffic ticket, it may not yet be reflected on your MI DMV driving record. In order to get further information about your ticket, including how to submit payment, contact the local court of clerks where your citation was issued. You can also call the Michigan Department of State at 1-888-767-6424.
For more information: Your Michigan Driving Record
- Will I get any points on my record if I received a traffic ticket from another state?
- Even though the state of Michigan is not a member of an interstate traffic violation compact, such as the Driver License Compact (DLC) or the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC), it may still report a violation to your home state, while certain traffic offences may be reported to the Michigan SOS Driver License and State ID Department.
The Michigan Secretary of State follows a point system to track traffic violations and their corresponding penalties. Points are added to your driving record which could result in a suspended driving license. Keep in mind that not all traffic citations result in points being added to your driving record and that different violations are assigned different point values.
For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Michigan
- Will I have points against my driver’s license if I get a ticket?
- Depending on the MI traffic finesyou received, you will have a varying number of points added to your drivers record. To avoid getting points on your record, your ticket must be dismissed by the court. The state of Michigan keeps points on a driving record for a period of two years. In order to find out more information about your citation, visit the clerk of courts in the county where your ticket was issued. You can also visit the Michigan government website to conduct an online search of your ticket.
For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Michigan
- Will I have to take an alcohol awareness class to reinstate my driver’s license?
- Depending on your offense, it may be mandatory for you to complete an alcohol awareness class. You should review your suspension summary and contact the Michigan Department of State for information regarding your drivers license reinstatement. You can call them Monday to Friday at the following toll-free number: 1-888-767-6424.
For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Michigan