What a Texas driving record contains and where to request it

Your Texas driving record is a document maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that shows your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, and points assessed against your license. The record does not include parking tickets or violations that occurred outside Texas.

You can request your own driving record directly from DPS, and you do not need a lawyer or third-party service to do so. The state offers three ways to get it: by mail, in person at a DPS office, or online through their official website. Each method takes different amounts of time and costs a small fee.

Your record is public information, but DPS restricts who can see it. You can always view your own record. Insurance companies, employers, courts, and law enforcement can request it under specific circumstances. If someone else requests your record without a valid reason, you have the right to know about it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Texas driving record shows traffic violations, accidents, license actions, and points, but not parking tickets or out-of-state violations.
  • You can request your record online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, with online being the fastest option.
  • The fee for a copy varies by method but is typically between $3 and $11.
  • You can check your record online for free through the DPS website if you only need to view it without a printed copy.

Requesting your record online through DPS

The fastest way to get your Texas driving record is through the DPS online portal. Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Driving Record" section under services. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you your record when ready.

If you want a printed copy mailed to you, you can order it through the same portal. The fee is typically $3 for an electronic copy and $6 for a certified paper copy sent by mail. Payment is by credit or debit card. A mailed copy usually arrives within five to seven business days, though this can vary depending on mail volume.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you encounter technical problems, DPS customer service can help you troubleshoot, but they cannot process your request over the phone.

Getting your record in person at a DPS office

You can walk into any Texas DPS Driver License office and request a copy of your driving record on the spot. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay a fee, usually $6 to $11 depending on whether you want a certified or non-certified copy. You will receive the record when ready and can leave with it the same day.

DPS offices are located in most Texas cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your zip code. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have extended hours or Saturday appointments, so check ahead if you need to visit outside regular hours.

Going in person is useful if you need the record the same day or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. However, offices can have wait times during busy periods, especially early in the morning or around lunch time.

Requesting your record by mail

You can mail a request to DPS with a form and payment. read the "Driving Record Request" form from the DPS website or call their main office to have one sent to you. Fill out the form with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the type of record you want (certified or non-certified).

Mail the completed form along with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. The fee is typically $6 to $11. DPS will process your request and mail the record back to you. This method usually takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your request, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.

Keep a copy of your request for your records. If you do not receive your record within four weeks, contact DPS to check on the status of your request.

Understanding what appears on your record

Your Texas driving record shows several categories of information. Traffic violations include speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and other moving violations. Each violation stays on your record for a set period, usually three years from the date of conviction, though some serious violations remain longer.

Accidents appear on your record if you reported them to law enforcement or your insurance company reported them to DPS. At-fault accidents typically stay on your record for three years. Not all accidents appear — minor incidents that were not reported may not show up.

License actions include suspensions, revocations, and restrictions. These show the reason for the action and the dates it was in effect. Points are assigned for certain violations and accumulate over time. Accumulating too many points can trigger a suspension.

Your record also shows if you have an outstanding warrant related to a traffic matter, if you owe child support that DPS has flagged, or if your license has been suspended for failure to pay traffic fines.

How long violations and accidents stay on your record

Most traffic violations remain on your Texas driving record for three years from the date of conviction. This means if you were convicted of speeding on January 15, 2022, it would drop off your record on January 15, 2025. However, some violations stay longer.

Serious violations like driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license may stay on your record for five years or longer. Accidents typically remain for three years if you were at fault. If you were not at fault, the accident may still appear but will be marked as such.

Points assigned for violations expire at different rates. Most points expire three years after the violation date, but some violations assign points that take longer to clear. You can see the expiration date for each point on your record.

Who can see your driving record and when

Your driving record is not completely private. DPS can release it to certain parties under specific circumstances. Insurance companies can request your record when you explore for a policy or when they review your existing policy. Employers can request it if the job involves driving or if your employment contract allows it. Courts and law enforcement can access it as part of a legal proceeding or investigation.

Rental car companies, lenders, and other businesses may also request your record in some situations. However, they must have a legitimate business reason to do so. If someone requests your record without a valid reason, you have the right to dispute it.

You can place a record restriction on your driving record in certain situations. If you are a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or trafficking, you may be able to restrict access to your record so that only you and law enforcement can see it. Contact DPS to learn whether you may have access to for a restriction.

Correcting errors on your driving record

If your driving record contains an error — such as a violation you did not commit, an accident that was not your fault, or incorrect personal information — you can dispute it with DPS. Start by requesting a copy of your record and reviewing it carefully. If you find an error, gather documentation that supports your claim, such as court records, police reports, or insurance documents.

Contact DPS in writing with your evidence and explain what is incorrect. Include your driver's license number and the specific item you are disputing. DPS will investigate your claim and contact you with the result. If the error is confirmed, DPS will correct your record at no charge. This process can take several weeks.

If you believe a violation was wrongly recorded because you successfully contested it in court, provide a copy of the court order dismissing the charge. DPS will remove the violation from your record once they verify the court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my driving record for free?

Yes, you can view your record for free through the DPS website if you only need to see it on your screen. However, if you want a printed copy or a certified copy, there is a fee of $3 to $11 depending on the type and method of delivery.

How often should I check my driving record?

There is no set schedule, but checking it once a year is reasonable. This helps you catch errors early and monitor what insurers and employers might see. You should also check it before explore for insurance or a job that requires a driving record review.

What if I have violations from another state?

Your Texas driving record shows only violations that occurred in Texas. Violations from other states appear on your record in that state only. However, if you moved to Texas and had violations in another state, those may affect your Texas insurance rates or employment prospects, depending on the employer or insurer's policy.

Can I remove a violation from my record before three years?

No, violations cannot be removed early just because you want them gone. However, if you successfully contest a violation in court and it is dismissed, you can request that DPS remove it from your record by providing a copy of the court order. Some violations may also be may be able to access for deferred adjudication, which can keep them off your record if you meet certain conditions.

How do I know if someone requested my driving record?

DPS does not automatically notify you when someone requests your record. However, you can contact DPS and ask for a log of recent inquiries. If you suspect unauthorized access, you can file a complaint with DPS and request an investigation.