Understanding and Managing Your Driving Record in Everett, Snohomish County

Criminal Defense, Speeding Tickets, Traffic Tickets

Last Updated: August 22nd, 2024

In Everett and Snohomish County, maintaining a clean driving record is crucial for a variety of reasons, from securing lower insurance rates to ensuring employment opportunities. At Merrill Law, we’re dedicated to helping you understand and manage your driving record efficiently.

What is a Driving Record?

According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, a driving record (also called a motor vehicle record or driver abstract) is “a history of violations, convictions, collisions, and departmental actions incurred by a driver over a period of time.” Your driving record contains detailed information about your driving history and status.

Types of Driving Records in Washington

There are several different types of driving records available from the Washington State Department of Licensing, depending on who is requesting the record and for what purpose.

Complete Driving Record

A complete record contains the full history including:

Convictions
Violations
Collisions
Suspensions
Revocations
Disqualifications
Deferred prosecutions
Failures to appear

The following parties are allowed to obtain a complete driving record:

The individual named on the record
Attorneys
Law enforcement and government agencies

Insurance Abstract

An insurance abstract shows the past 3 years of both commercial and non-commercial driving events such as:

Convictions
Violations
Collisions
Failures to appear

Insurance companies and agents can obtain insurance abstracts when creating or renewing auto insurance policies for an individual.

Employment Record

Employment driving records include:

Convictions
Violations
Collisions
Suspensions
Revocations
Disqualifications
Deferred prosecutions
Failures to appear

Current and prospective employers are able to get employment records when hiring drivers or individuals who will operate a vehicle for work purposes.

Alcohol/Drug Assessment Record

Chemical dependency assessment agencies can obtain a record showing any alcohol or drug-related incidents within the last 10 years.

How to Get a Copy of Your Washington Driving Record

There are three main ways for residents of Everett and Snohomish County to request a copy of their own driving record in Washington state:

Visit any local Washington State Department of Licensing in person and request it, providing:
- Photo identification
- $15 fee payment
Order a copy online by providing:
- Washington driver’s license number
- Social security number
- Credit/debit card for $15 fee
Mail in a request form along with:
- $15 check or money order
- Completed driving records request form

No matter which method you choose, be prepared to verify your identity and pay the $15 record fee to the Department of Licensing.

Why You May Need Your Driving Record

Your driving record is more than just a document; it can significantly impact various aspects of your life:

Insurance Rates: Insurers use your driving record to assess risk. A clean record can lead to lower premiums.
Employment Opportunities: Employers, especially those in transportation or delivery services, review driving records as part of their hiring process.
Legal Proceedings: In case of traffic violations or accidents, your driving record can be a crucial piece of evidence.
Correcting Errors: Driving records can sometimes contain incorrect information. Obtaining an official copy allows you to identify and dispute any errors or inaccuracies.

Common Issues and How We Can Help

At Merrill Law, we specialize in addressing common issues related to driving records, such as:

Traffic Violations: Our team can provide legal representation to contest traffic tickets and minimize their impact on your record.
DUI Charges: We offer expert defense for DUI charges to protect your record and your rights.

Local Expertise: With years of experience serving clients in Everett and Snohomish County, our attorneys understand the local laws and court systems. This local expertise enables us to provide tailored legal services that address your specific needs effectively.

Client Testimonials

Our clients trust us with their most critical legal issues. Here’s what they have to say:

“Merrill Law helped me with two infractions about 1 year apart. Both were dismissed with no impact to my driving record. It took minimal participation on my part and was well worth the effort. Thank you Merrill Law.” – Scott Lankford
“I love this place the attorneys here are awesome and do a really good job they have handled all my traffic citations and I appreciate the hard work they have put in towards it again thank you to all the attorneys at Merrill Law.” – Prestons Hernandezs

There are many ways an experienced traffic attorney can fight your ticket for you.

      
   Merrill Law
   717 reviews 
  Write a review     Google    Facebook    Trustindex  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shannon Jackson 
 September 6, 2026
 
 
  He’s like Santa for speeding tickets. Anytime someone says they got a ticket, I always tell them “I got a guy”
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Nathan Turner 
 September 6, 2026
 
 
  My son got his first speeding ticket. We called these guys and sent them a photo of the ticket. They took care of everything and got the ticket dismissed. Lucky kid. Hope he learned his lesson...
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kymberly Hoyle 
 September 3, 2026
 
 
  I have gone through Merrill Law 3 times now for speeding violations and expired tabs and they are efficient and super easy to work with every time. Reece is fantastic and communicative. I highly recommend them as they have saved me a lot of money in the end.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jamie Lee Fada 
 September 3, 2026
 
 
  I have used Merrill Law several times from speeding tickets to HOV violations. Everyone has been dismissed. I can't reccomend them enough.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Laura Taylor 
 August 18, 2026
 
 
  Going to Merrill Law was one of the best decisions I could have made. From start to finish, their team was kind, professional, helpful, and excellent at communicating throughout the process. I truly appreciated their support and would highly recommend Merrill Law to anyone in need of their services.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Xavier Hecker 
 August 17, 2026
 
 
  Second speeding ticket in a row dropped, and I never had to step foot in a court room.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Matthew Matyuk 
 August 15, 2026
 
 
  Great experience, big thanks, ticket dismissal went smoothly.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jordan Cabral 
 August 14, 2026
 
 
  Huge thank you to Reece Merrill for helping me resolve an issue with the Department of licensing. He was so quick to help me fix what seemed to be an overlook on the DOL’s part. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs legal help big or small.
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Alex Nelsen 
 July 28, 2025
 
 
  Reliable, Professional, and Effective Big thanks to Merrill Law for getting my ticket dismissed. I’ve used them before after a friend recommended them, and they’ve made the whole process easy and stress-free every time. It’s a huge relief knowing they’re in your corner, fighting for you. Highly recommend to anyone needing a solid attorney
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Stephan A 
 June 14, 2025
 
 
  Fantastic as always 
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Marc Calague 
 November 5, 2024
 
 
  Merrill Law is fantastic Got my infraction dismissed and all I did was call them. Saved my record, my time, and my money.
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   John Miranda 
 October 24, 2023
 
 
  Great Result.  Dismissed speeding Ticket!! I got a speeding ticket that I presented to Mr Merril.  Very easy to process. Excellent communication.    He called me during the process to l ask my opinion.   He felt there may be a chance that my ticket would not be dismissed and wanted to know if I would be willing to pay a fine, to keep the ticket off of my record.  I agreed and was thankful to be included in the process.  Mr. Merrill went to court, fought for me and WON!  my ticket was dismissed!! Great result.
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Brian 
 August 17, 2023
 
 
  The Best Legal Team I will begin by saying the professional and courteous manner in which they (the whole practice) treat people is second to none. Not only have they kept my driving record impeccable, the cost is fair and they can be counted on 100%. I cant say enough how grateful i am to have been recommended to these guys, here i am doing exactly the same i recommend them beyond plain recommendations haha Thank you to all the people in your firm Rick!!
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Cecilia Jones 
 June 21, 2023
 
 
  Grateful is an understatement! Quick and concise work on the part of the firm, ensuring clear direction of what documentation needed to be submitted in order to dispute. I was given reassurance that once everything was handled id receive an email of the overall outcome of my case. Im happy to say it was a successful favorable outcome and I can continue working without any additional financial hardship thanks to this firm!
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Arteom Lupekha 
 April 14, 2023
 
 
  Excellent Experience Reece and his team worked quite quickly and we’re very responsive. They under promise and over deliver. Excellent experience from 3 traffic violations over a few years. Highly recommend!