What a Texas driving record shows and where to request it
Your Texas driving record is a document maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that lists your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, and conviction details. The record does not include arrests that did not result in convictions, and it does not show your personal information like your Social Security number or address.
You can request your record directly from the DPS Driver License Division in three ways: online through their official website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest — you can receive your record within minutes if you order it electronically. Mail requests typically take 5 to 10 business days, and in-person requests are processed the same day.
The cost varies by the type of record you request. A standard three-year record costs less than a seven-year or lifetime record. You will need to provide your driver's license number or your full name and date of birth. If you request the record in person, bring a valid ID.
Key Takeaways
- Texas driving records show traffic violations, accidents, and license actions, but not arrests without convictions.
- You can order your record online from the DPS website and receive it in minutes, or request it by mail or in person.
- The cost depends on how many years of history you request — a three-year record is cheaper than a lifetime record.
- Insurance companies, employers, and courts may request your record, so knowing what is on it helps you understand decisions made about you.
Why employers and insurance companies request your record
Employers in certain industries — particularly those involving commercial driving, transportation, or positions of trust — routinely request driving records as part of background checks. They use the record to assess whether you have a pattern of violations or suspensions that might affect your ability to do the job safely or legally.
Insurance companies request your record when you explore for auto insurance or after an accident. They use violations and at-fault accidents to calculate your risk level and set your premium. A record with multiple violations or serious convictions will result in higher rates or denial of coverage. Some insurers also request records periodically during your policy term if you have been in an accident.
Courts may request your record in connection with a traffic case, a license suspension hearing, or a criminal matter. If you are contesting a ticket or a suspension, the court will have access to your full record to make decisions about penalties or restoration of your license.
How violations and accidents appear on your record
Traffic violations are recorded with the date, location, violation code, and whether you paid a fine, contested the ticket, or were convicted. Moving violations — such as speeding, running a red light, or reckless driving — stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction in most cases. Non-moving violations like parking tickets do not appear on your driving record at all.
At-fault accidents appear on your record if you reported them to DPS or if law enforcement filed a report. The record shows the date, location, and whether injuries or property damage occurred. Accidents typically remain visible for three years, though they may affect your insurance rates for longer. Accidents where you were not at fault may still appear on the record but will be marked as such.
License suspensions and revocations are recorded with the reason — whether due to unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, accumulation of points, or a serious violation like DUI. These actions remain on your record for the duration of the suspension or revocation, and often for several years after your license is restored.
How to read the codes and abbreviations on your record
Texas driving records use standardized codes to describe violations and actions. For example, "SPEEDING" will show the miles per hour over the limit, and "FAIL TO OBEY TRAFFIC CONTROL" indicates you ran a light or stop sign. DUI convictions appear as "DWI" (driving while intoxicated) or "DWAI" (driving while ability impaired).
License actions are abbreviated as well: "SUS" means suspension, "REV" means revocation, and "CANC" means cancellation. The reason code follows — for instance, "SUS-FTA" means suspension for failure to appear in court. If you are unsure what a code means, the DPS website includes a glossary, or you can call the Driver License Division directly.
Point accumulation is also shown on your record. Texas uses a point system where minor violations add points, and accumulating too many points in a short period triggers a suspension. Your current point total is listed, along with the date each point expires (typically three years from the violation date).
Correcting errors on your Texas driving record
If your record contains an error — such as a violation you did not commit, an accident you were not involved in, or a suspension that was already lifted — you can request a correction from the DPS. Start by obtaining a copy of your record so you have documentation of the error.
Contact the DPS Driver License Division in writing or in person with the specific error and supporting evidence. If the error involves a traffic conviction, you may need to provide court documents showing the conviction was dismissed or overturned. If the error involves an accident, provide a copy of the police report or insurance documentation showing you were not at fault.
The DPS will investigate your request and respond within a reasonable timeframe. If the error is confirmed, they will issue a corrected record. Keep copies of all correspondence and the corrected record for your files, as you may need to provide it to insurers or employers who received the incorrect version.
How long violations stay on your record
Most moving violations remain on your Texas driving record for three years from the date of conviction. This means the violation is visible to insurers, employers, and courts during that period. After three years, the violation is no longer displayed on routine record requests, though it may still be accessible through a more detailed historical search in some cases.
Serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license stay on your record longer — typically five to ten years depending on the specific offense. A second DUI within five years may result in a longer retention period or more severe consequences.
License suspensions and revocations remain on your record for the duration of the action plus several years after restoration. For example, a suspension for unpaid fines stays on your record until the fines are paid and the suspension is lifted, then remains visible for an additional period.
Requesting your record for specific purposes
If you need your record for a specific reason — such as a job process, insurance quote, or court case — you may want to request a certified copy rather than a standard copy. A certified copy includes an official seal and signature from the DPS and is accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies as proof of your driving history.
When you order online, you can choose whether you want a certified or non-certified copy. Certified copies cost more but are necessary if you are submitting the record as legal evidence or to a government agency. Non-certified copies are sufficient for most insurance and employment purposes.
If you are requesting your record on behalf of someone else, you will typically need written permission from that person, along with their driver's license number or identifying information. Some requests — such as those from law enforcement or courts — bypass this requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my Texas driving record?
Online requests are processed in minutes and you can print your record when ready. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days from the date the DPS receives your request. In-person requests at a DPS office are completed the same day, though wait times vary by location.
Can I remove a violation from my record before three years?
No, violations cannot be removed early. However, if you were convicted of a minor traffic offense and have completed any required conditions (such as traffic school), you may be able to request that the conviction be dismissed in court, which can prevent it from appearing on your record in some cases. This requires a separate legal process and varies by the specific violation and court.
Will a ticket I paid show up on my driving record?
Yes, if you were convicted — meaning you pleaded guilty or no contest, or were found guilty in court — the violation appears on your record even if you paid the fine. If you paid a ticket without going to court, you likely pleaded guilty, which results in a conviction. Paying the fine does not remove the violation from your record.
Do I need to order my record if an insurance company requests it?
No. Insurance companies can request your record directly from the DPS using your driver's license number. You do not need to order it yourself unless you want to see what information they are receiving or if you suspect an error on your record.
What is the difference between a three-year and lifetime record?
A three-year record shows violations and actions from the past three years only. A lifetime record shows your entire driving history in Texas, including violations that are no longer displayed on a standard record. Lifetime records are sometimes requested by courts or for serious matters, but most employers and insurers use the three-year version.