The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) maintains WA drivers’ motor vehicle records. This state agency says that a driving record contains a history of violations, convictions, collisions, and departmental actions incurred by a driver over a period of time. A copy of the record is referred to as an Abstract of Driving Record (ADR).

According to the DOL, most convictions and violations as well as forfeitures of bail, or court findings stating an infraction was committed is kept on a Washington State driving record for 5 years from conviction or adjudication date. So a minor offense conviction for a speeding ticket would normally fall under this category and thus remain on a WA driving record for 5 years.

Alcohol-related convictions are kept on the driver’s history for 15 years from the conviction date. Vehicular Assault and Vehicular Homicide convictions are kept for life (99 years) in Washington State.

Failure to appear or respond to a traffic citation or notice of infraction served by a law enforcement officer is kept on a driver’s record for 10 years from the date the court informs the WA DOL.

Departmental actions, such as suspensions, revocations, or disqualifications are kept for 5 years from final release date.

Finally information regarding collisions is also placed on a WA driver's MVR. Collision records show involvement, not fault, number of vehicles involved, whether they were legally parked or moving, whether the vehicles were occupied at the time of the collision, and whether the collision resulted in any injury or fatality. This information is placed on a Washington state’s driving record for 5 years from collision date for a non-commercial vehicles and 10 years from collision date for commercial vehicles.

For a copy of your Washington State driving record you can contact the WA DOL in person or by mail. If you request a copy by mail it usually takes 10 to 14 days for the copy to be sent after they have received your request and accompanying $10 fee.