What Texas Driver's License History Shows
Your Texas driver's license history is a record kept by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that shows every license you've held, when each one was issued and expired, and any suspensions or revocations. It also includes traffic violations, accidents you reported to DPS, and points assigned to your record. This history follows you as long as you drive in Texas, and it affects your insurance rates, your ability to renew your license, and whether you can get certain jobs that require a clean driving record.
The history is separate from your actual license card — it's a file maintained by DPS that employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement can request with your permission. Understanding what's in your record matters because errors do happen, and you have the right to correct them.
Key Takeaways
- You can view your own Texas driver's license history for free through the DPS website using your license number and date of birth.
- Your history includes traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points, and stays on your record for varying lengths of time depending on the violation type.
- Points from traffic violations typically stay on your record for three years from the conviction date, not from when you paid the ticket.
- If you find an error in your history, you can request a correction through DPS by mail or in person with supporting documents.
- Employers and insurance companies can see your driving record only if you give them written permission to request it.
How to Look Up Your Own Driving Record Online
The fastest way to see your Texas driver's license history is through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Go to the "Driver License" section and select "Check Your Driving Record." You'll need your Texas driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will display your current record when ready, showing violations, points, and any active suspensions.
This online lookup is free and shows you exactly what DPS has on file. Print or save the results if you need them for a job process, insurance inquiry, or to dispute an error. The record updates within a few days of DPS receiving court disposition information, so if you recently resolved a ticket, it may not appear when ready.
What Information Stays on Your Record and for How Long
Texas driver's license history is not wiped clean after a set time — different items stay for different periods. Traffic violations and their associated points remain on your record for three years from the date of conviction, not from the date you received the ticket or paid the fine. An accident you reported stays on your record for three years. A license suspension or revocation stays until it's lifted, which can be years depending on the reason.
Serious violations like DWI convictions stay much longer. A first DWI stays on your record for life in Texas, though it may not affect your driving privileges after a certain period. This is why your history can show violations from years ago — they're not automatically removed. If you're explore for a job that requires a background check, an employer will see violations from the full three-year window.
How Points Are Assigned and What They Mean
When you're convicted of a traffic violation in Texas, DPS assigns points to your license based on the type of violation. A speeding ticket is typically 1 point. Reckless driving is 2 points. At-fault accidents are 3 points. These points accumulate on your record for three years from the conviction date.
If you accumulate 6 points within a 36-month period, DPS will suspend your license for a minimum of 30 days. At 8 points, the suspension is 60 days. At 11 points or more, the suspension is 90 days. This is separate from any suspension ordered by a court for a specific violation like DWI. You can request a defensive driving course, which removes up to 1 point from your record if you complete it within 30 days of conviction.
Requesting a Copy of Your Record for Employers or Insurance
If an employer or insurance company asks for your driving record, you can request an official copy from DPS. You have two options: order it online through the DPS website for a fee (usually $5 to $10), or request it by mail by sending a form to your local DPS office. Online orders are typically processed within one business day. Mail requests take longer, usually 5 to 10 business days.
You can also authorize an employer or insurance company to request your record directly from DPS on your behalf — they'll need your written permission and your license number. Some employers and insurers handle this step themselves once you give consent. The record they receive will be the same as what you see online, showing your complete driving history.
Correcting Errors in Your Texas Driving Record
If you find an error in your history — a violation that wasn't yours, an accident you didn't report, or a point that shouldn't be there — you can request a correction. Start by gathering evidence: a court document showing the ticket was dismissed, a police report, or a letter from the other driver if the accident was misreported. Then contact your local DPS office in person or by mail with your evidence and a written request for correction.
DPS will investigate your claim, which can take several weeks. If they find the error, they'll update your record. If the error involves a court conviction, you may need to provide a certified court document showing the conviction was overturned or dismissed. Keep copies of everything you send, and follow up if you don't hear back within 30 days.
Understanding Suspensions and How to Reinstate Your License
A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid — you cannot legally drive. Suspensions happen for several reasons: accumulating too many points, failing to pay a traffic fine, not showing up for a court date, or being convicted of DWI. Your history will show the reason for the suspension and the date it began.
To reinstate your license after a suspension ends, you must visit a DPS office in person with your license and proof that the suspension period has passed. For point-based suspensions, you straightforward wait out the suspension period. For suspensions related to unpaid fines or court failures, you must resolve those issues first — pay the fine or appear in court — before DPS will lift the suspension. Some suspensions require you to pass a written test or pay a reinstatement fee before you can drive again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a traffic ticket stay on my Texas driving record?
A traffic violation stays on your record for three years from the date you were convicted, not from when you received the ticket or paid the fine. The conviction date is when the court entered the judgment, which may be months after you got the ticket. After three years, the violation and its points are removed from your active record.
Can I remove points from my driving record?
You can remove up to 1 point by completing an approved defensive driving course within 30 days of your conviction. You can take this course only once every 12 months. The course costs money (typically $25 to $50) and takes four to eight hours. This is the only way to reduce points; paying a fine does not remove them.
Will a ticket I got in another state show up on my Texas record?
Yes, if you were convicted. Texas participates in the Driver License Compact, which shares traffic conviction information between states. A conviction in another state will appear on your Texas record and count toward your point total. However, the violation will be shown under the state where it occurred, not as a Texas violation.
What happens if I don't pay a traffic ticket in Texas?
If you don't pay or don't show up for court, DPS will suspend your license. You cannot legally drive until you resolve the ticket — either by paying it, appearing in court, or having it dismissed. The suspension stays in effect until you take action, and you may face additional penalties like a failure-to-appear charge.
Can I dispute a violation on my record if I think it was unfair?
You cannot dispute a violation through DPS if you were convicted in court — the conviction is a matter of public record. However, if the violation is recorded incorrectly (wrong date, wrong violation type, or not your violation), you can request a correction. If you believe the conviction itself was wrong, you would need to appeal through the court system, not through DPS.