Where to request your Texas driving record at no cost
You can get a copy of your Texas driving record free from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) by mail or in person. The DPS maintains your record and releases it to you without charge when you request it yourself — you pay only if you need it rushed or if a third party (like an insurance company or employer) requests it on your behalf.
The free option takes about two weeks by mail. If you need it faster, DPS offers paid expedited services, but the standard free request is the route most people use when there is no urgent important date.
Key Takeaways
- Request your own driving record by mail or in person at a DPS office and you will not pay a fee.
- By mail, the process takes roughly two weeks; in person at a DPS office, you can often get it the same day.
- You will need your driver's license number, full legal name, and date of birth to request your record.
- Third-party requests (from employers, insurance companies, or lawyers) carry a fee; only personal requests are free.
Requesting by mail: the free standard route
To request your record by mail, read the DPS Form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website or call the DPS Records Bureau at 512-424-2600 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form with your driver's license number, full legal name, date of birth, and current mailing address. Sign and date it.
Mail the completed form to: Texas Department of Public Safety, Records Bureau, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0001. Include a copy of your driver's license or another form of identification. The DPS will mail your record to the address you provide, typically within 10 to 14 business days. There is no fee for this request when you are requesting your own record.
Keep in mind that mail delivery adds time on both ends — your form has to reach Austin, and your record has to reach you. If you are working toward a important date more than three weeks away, mail is usually fine. If you need it sooner, visit a DPS office in person.
Getting your record in person at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas DPS Driver License office with your driver's license and request a copy of your driving record. Bring a second form of ID if possible (passport, state ID, or utility bill). You will fill out a short form on site, and staff will print your record while you wait — usually within 15 to 30 minutes. There is no fee.
To find the DPS office nearest you, visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool, or call 512-424-2600 for the address and hours. Hours vary by location, and some offices close for lunch, so calling ahead or checking online before you go saves a trip.
The in-person route is fastest if you need your record the same day. It also lets you ask questions on the spot if something on your record looks wrong.
What information appears on your Texas driving record
Your Texas driving record includes your name, date of birth, driver's license number, address on file, license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), and any traffic violations, accidents, or convictions from the past three to five years. The exact time frame depends on the type of violation — minor traffic tickets may fall off sooner than DWI convictions or major accidents.
The record also shows if you have any points on your license. Texas uses a points system: minor violations add points, and if you accumulate too many in a short time, your license can be suspended. Your record will show your current point total.
If you spot an error — a violation you do not remember, an accident that was not your fault, or a name misspelling — you can dispute it. Contact the DPS Records Bureau at 512-424-2600 to start a correction request. Bring documentation (police report, court records, or insurance paperwork) to support your claim.
When you might need to pay for a driving record
You pay a fee only when someone other than you requests your record. If your employer, insurance company, or a lawyer requests it, they will be charged. The fee varies depending on whether they want a standard copy or a certified copy (which includes an official seal and is needed for court or legal proceedings).
If you are the one requesting it — even if you are requesting it for an employer or insurance company to pick up — you can still get it free and hand it to them yourself. The fee applies only when the third party submits the request directly to DPS.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If your record shows a violation, accident, or conviction that you believe is wrong, contact the DPS Records Bureau at 512-424-2600 or submit a written dispute to the address listed above. Explain what is incorrect and why, and include supporting documents — a police report showing you were not at fault, court records showing a case was dismissed, or insurance paperwork proving the accident was resolved differently than your record states.
The DPS will review your dispute and contact you within 30 days. If they find an error, they will correct it. If they disagree, they will explain why and tell you how to appeal. Some disputes take longer if they require coordination with courts or law enforcement agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back does a Texas driving record go?
Most traffic violations stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. DWI convictions, major accidents, and serious violations may stay longer — up to five years or more. Your record will show the date of each violation, so you can see when it will drop off.
Can I request someone else's driving record?
No, not for free. Only the driver can request their own record at no charge. If you need someone else's record — for a legal case, insurance claim, or employment check — that person must request it themselves and give it to you, or you must go through a third-party records service (which charges a fee).
What if my license is suspended or revoked?
You can still request your driving record. In fact, you should — your record will show the reason for the suspension or revocation and the date it will be lifted (if applicable). This information is useful if you are working to restore your license or need to understand what steps come next.
Does my driving record show insurance claims?
No. Your driving record shows violations, accidents, and convictions reported to DPS by law enforcement or courts. Insurance claims are separate and appear only on your insurance company's internal records. Your insurer may use your driving record to set rates, but the record itself does not include claim history.
Can I get my record sealed or removed?
Not automatically. Some violations may fall off after a certain time period, but you cannot remove them early. If a case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you may be able to request an order to seal or expunge the record, but this requires a court petition and is a separate legal process from requesting your record from DPS.