The driving record a person carries can influence employment, insurance rates, and legal clarity. Understanding the difference between an attested (certified) driving record and an unattested (unofficial) one helps individuals present the right document for the right purpose. This article explains what each type is, how they are created, where they are accepted, and how to request and verify them in the United States.
What Is a Driving Record and Why It Matters
A driving record, or Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), is a compilation of an individual’s driving history maintained by state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs). It typically includes license status, suspensions, revocations, traffic violations, at-fault accidents, and sometimes alcohol or drug-related offenses. For employers, insurers, lenders, and sometimes landlords, the driving record provides a standardized snapshot of risk and responsibility on the road. The accuracy, timeliness, and type of record presented can greatly affect decisions and costs.
Attested Versus Unattested: Core Difference
Attested driving records are official, legally recognized documents issued directly by a state DMV or a state-authorized authority. They carry an official seal or watermark and, in most cases, a signature or digital verification indicating authenticity. Unattested driving records, also called unofficial records, are copies or printouts that may originate from a DMV portal or third-party aggregators but lack formal certification. They are useful for personal review or preliminary checks but may not be accepted for legal or formal purposes.
When Attested Records Are Required
- Job applications in regulated fields: Positions in transportation, warehousing, or roles requiring a clean driving history often require an attested record to verify accuracy.
- Legal or administrative proceedings: Court petitions, license reinstatement, or state corrections processes typically demand a certified document.
- Insurance and licensing compliance: Some insurers and professional licenses rely on certified records to ensure the record reflects the official DMV data.
- Background checks for government contracts: Certain government or federally funded programs require attested records for verification.
When Unattested Records Are Useful
- Personal review: An unofficial record helps individuals track recent changes between official communications.
- Preliminary screening: Employers or individuals may review an unofficial record before requesting an attested version to save time.
- Cost and turnaround: Unofficial records are typically faster and cheaper to obtain than official certified copies.
- Discrepancy detection: If someone notices potential errors on an unofficial record, they can address them with the DMV before requesting a certified copy.
How These Records Are Obtained
Obtaining an attested record generally involves submitting a formal request to the state DMV either online, by mail, or in person, and paying a fee. The DMV verifies identity, confirms license status, and issues a certified document that bears official marks and, often, a tamper-resistant format. Unattested records can be accessed via the state DMV’s online portal as an unofficial printout, via third-party background-check providers, or through consumer-accessible summaries, usually at a lower cost and with faster delivery.
Key Differences in Content and Format
- Certification status: Attested records are certified as true and legally admissible; unattested records are not formally certified.
- Official markings: Attested records display DMV seals, watermarks, or digital signatures; unattested records may lack these features.
- Use case: Attested for legal, employment, and licensing matters; unattested for personal use and initial reviews.
- Access channel: Attested through DMV channels; unattested can come from DMVs, portals, or third-party aggregators.
Accuracy, Timeliness, and Discrepancies
Driving records are updated as new information becomes available, such as new tickets, suspensions, or license reinstatements. Delays can occur between incident dates and record updates, and some databases may reflect different details if multiple states are involved. When accuracy is crucial, obtaining an attested record helps ensure the data is the official, current record. If a discrepancy appears, individuals should contact the DMV to rectify errors and request corrected certified documentation.
How to Verify and Use Each Type Effectively
- Verification steps: For attested records, verify the record has a certificate number, official seal, or digital verification code. For unattested records, cross-check with the DMV and request a certified copy if a formal purpose requires it.
- Storage and security: Keep attested records in a secure file, as they are legally sensitive. Do not share attested copies unless required by the recipient and ensure you are sending to legitimate entities.
- Submission best practices: When a request asks for an official record, attach the attested copy and provide any required forms or notarization if specified. If only an unofficial copy is requested, indicate its nature clearly and provide context.
- Common pitfalls: Submitting an unofficial record when a certified copy is required can cause delays, denial, or additional costs. Always confirm the document type requested by the recipient.
Practical Tips for Consumers
- Know the purpose: Identify whether the audience requires an official, certified document or if an unofficial copy suffices.
- Check timing: Plan ahead for orders of certified records, which may take longer than unofficial copies.
- Protect privacy: Only share driving records through secure channels and with trusted entities to minimize identity theft risks.
- Prepare for corrections: If errors surface, contact the DMV promptly to request correction and reissue of an attested record.