How long does an accident stay on my record?

It varies by state.  In some states, accidents don’t even go on your driving record, or only appear if you were deemed at fault and ticketed for a traffic infraction.  In other states, accidents go on your record and stay anywhere from one to five years.  You’ll have to contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to find out if the accident will go on your record and how long it will stay there.