When ordering an Ontario driving record, you may see the terms certified and uncertified. The information you need and the reason you need the record can determine which version is appropriate.
What is an uncertified driving record?
Ontario says uncertified records meet most people’s needs. For the common 3-year driver record, an uncertified version ordered through the government’s online service can be delivered as a PDF by email.
What is a certified driving record?
A certified record includes a Ministry of Transportation seal. Ontario indicates that certified records are typically required for legal reasons.
Which should you choose?
If an employer or another organization requested your abstract, ask whether an uncertified copy is acceptable. Do not assume that you need a certified copy simply because it sounds more official. Likewise, if the record is being requested for a legal proceeding, confirm whether certification is required.
Check the type of record too
Certification is only one part of choosing the correct document. Ontario has multiple driving-record products, including the common 3-year record, driver’s licence history, longer-term records, and CVOR records. Confirm both the record type and whether it must be certified or uncertified.
Before submitting an order
Double-check the requirements given to you by the employer, insurer, lawyer, government body, or other organization. Ordering the correct record the first time can help avoid unnecessary delays.
GetMyAbstract.ca is a private service and is not affiliated with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.