What a Texas license record shows and where to get it
Your Texas driver's license record is a document maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that shows your driving history, license status, and any violations or suspensions. It includes traffic citations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, and points assessed against your license. You can obtain a copy of your own record by visiting a DPS office in person, ordering online through the DPS website, or requesting it by mail.
The record itself is public information, meaning employers, insurance companies, and courts can request it with your permission or in certain legal situations. Understanding what appears on your record matters because it affects your insurance rates, employment prospects in driving-related jobs, and your ability to renew your license.
Key Takeaways
- Your Texas license record contains your driving history, violations, accidents, and any license suspensions or revocations maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
- You can order your own record online through the DPS website, in person at any DPS office, or by mail using Form DL-43.
- Traffic violations stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction, though serious violations like DWI may remain longer.
- Employers and insurance companies can see your record if you consent or if a court orders disclosure, so knowing what's on it helps you understand why you may be denied employment or face higher insurance premiums.
- Errors on your record can be corrected by submitting documentation to DPS, but you must first obtain a copy to identify what needs fixing.
How to order your record online
The fastest way to get your Texas license record is through the DPS online ordering system at the official Texas DPS website. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The system accepts credit and debit cards, and the record is typically delivered to your email address within one to two business days.
When you order online, you can choose between a certified copy (which carries legal weight and includes an official seal) or an uncertified copy (which is less expensive but may not be accepted by employers or courts). If you need the record for a legal proceeding or employment background check, ask the requesting party which type they need before you order, because ordering the wrong version means paying twice.
Getting your record in person at a DPS office
You can walk into any Texas DPS Driver License office and request your record on the spot. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay a fee in cash or card. The staff will print your record when ready, so you leave with it the same day. This is the best option if you need the record urgently or prefer not to use the online system.
DPS offices are located in most Texas cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead can tell you whether the office is busy. Some offices accept walk-ins only, while others allow you to schedule an appointment online.
Requesting your record by mail
If you cannot visit an office or prefer mail delivery, you can request your record using Form DL-43, which is available on the DPS website. Fill out the form completely, including your driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason for your request. Include a check or money order for the fee (do not send cash), and mail the form to the address listed on the form itself.
Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your request. Include a return address and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If you need the record faster, the online or in-person options are more reliable.
Understanding what violations stay on your record
Most traffic violations remain on your Texas license record for three years from the date of conviction. This includes speeding, running a red light, failure to yield, and other moving violations. Each violation adds points to your license; accumulating too many points in a short period can result in suspension. Your insurance company can see violations during this three-year window and will likely raise your rates.
Serious violations like driving while intoxicated (DWI), reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license stay on your record longer — typically five to ten years depending on the offense. At-fault accidents also appear on your record and affect both your insurance and your license status. Violations that resulted in a conviction are permanent parts of your record, though they become less relevant to insurers and employers after several years.
Correcting errors on your Texas license record
If your record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, or a duplicate entry — you can request a correction from DPS. First, obtain a copy of your record so you know exactly what needs to be fixed. Then gather documentation that proves the error: a court document showing the charge was dismissed, a letter from the court stating the conviction was overturned, or other official paperwork that contradicts what appears on your record.
Submit your documentation to the DPS Driver License Division along with a written request explaining the error and what correction you are requesting. Include your driver's license number and date of birth. DPS will review your request and either correct the record or send you a letter explaining why they cannot make the change. This process can take several weeks, so start it as soon as you discover the error.
Why employers and insurers request your record
Employers in driving-related positions — delivery drivers, commercial truck drivers, taxi drivers, and others — routinely request your license record as part of background checks. They are looking for patterns of violations, suspensions, or DWI convictions that suggest you are a safety risk. Insurance companies request your record to set your premium; violations and accidents directly raise what you pay for auto insurance.
You have the right to know when someone requests your record and why. If you are denied a job or offered a higher insurance rate, you can request a copy of the record that was used to make that decision. This allows you to verify that the information is accurate and correct any errors before they affect future employment or insurance decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do traffic violations stay on my Texas license record?
Most traffic violations remain on your record for three years from the date of conviction. Serious violations like DWI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license stay on your record for five to ten years. After the three-year period, violations no longer count toward license suspension, though they may still appear if someone requests your full record.
Can I remove a violation from my record before three years?
You cannot remove a violation that resulted in a conviction, but you may be able to reduce its impact through defensive driving courses in some cases. If the violation was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you can request that DPS remove it from your record by submitting court documentation showing the dismissal or acquittal.
What is the difference between a certified and uncertified copy of my record?
A certified copy includes an official DPS seal and signature, making it legally valid for court proceedings, employment background checks, and other official purposes. An uncertified copy is the same information but without the seal and costs less. Check with the organization requesting your record to see which type they need.
How much does it cost to get a copy of my Texas license record?
Fees vary depending on whether you order online, in person, or by mail, and whether you request a certified or uncertified copy. Check the current fee schedule on the DPS website or call your local DPS office, as fees change periodically. Payment methods include cash, card, check, or money order depending on how you order.
Can I see what my insurance company or employer saw on my record?
Yes. If you are denied insurance coverage or a job based on your driving record, the company must provide you with a copy of the record they used or tell you how to obtain it. You can then compare it to your own copy to verify accuracy and identify any errors that need correction.