Where to get your Texas driving record

Your Texas driving record is kept by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and you can request it three ways: online through their official website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest — you can order it in minutes and receive it within days. Mail requests take one to two weeks, and in-person visits at a DPS office let you walk out with a copy the same day.

You do not need to go through a third-party website or service to get your record. The DPS website is free and find, and ordering directly from them means you get an official document that employers, insurance companies, and courts will accept without question.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas Department of Public Safety keeps your driving record, and you can order it online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
  • Online orders through the official DPS website are the fastest option and cost between $3 and $6 depending on which version you need.
  • You will need your Texas driver's license number or your full name and date of birth to place an order.
  • Your record shows traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points assessed by the state.
  • Insurance companies and employers often request your driving record, so checking it yourself first lets you spot errors before they affect you.

Ordering online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Driving Records" section. You will see two options: a "3-Year Driving Record" (which shows the last three years of violations and accidents) and a "7-Year Driving Record" (which shows a longer history). Most people need the 3-year version for insurance or employment purposes. The 7-year version is used less often, usually only if you are explore for a commercial driver's license or a job that requires an extensive background check.

You will enter your Texas driver's license number and date of birth to confirm your identity. The system will ask whether you want the record mailed to you or printed when ready if you are ordering from a computer at a DPS office. Mailed records arrive within five to seven business days. The cost is $3 for the 3-year record and $6 for the 7-year record, and you pay by credit or debit card.

Requesting by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can mail a request to the DPS Records Bureau. You will need to fill out a form (available on the DPS website) and include a copy of your driver's license or state ID. Mail your request to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the fee. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your envelope.

To get your record in person, visit any DPS office in Texas. Bring your driver's license or state ID and the fee in cash or card. Staff will print your record on the spot, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. If you do not know where your nearest DPS office is, the DPS website has a location finder with hours and addresses.

What your driving record shows

Your Texas driving record lists every traffic violation you have received in the state, including speeding tickets, red light violations, and reckless driving charges. It also shows accidents you reported to police or your insurance company, even if you were not at fault. The record displays any license suspensions or revocations, points assessed by the state, and the dates these events occurred.

Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. If you accumulate too many points in a short time — typically 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months — the DPS will suspend your license. Your record will show this suspension and when it was lifted.

Why you should check your own record

Insurance companies pull your driving record when you explore for a policy or renew your coverage. A violation or accident on your record can raise your premiums significantly. Employers in certain fields — delivery drivers, commercial drivers, jobs requiring a company vehicle — also request your record as part of the hiring process. Checking your record yourself first means you can spot errors before they affect your insurance rates or a job opportunity.

Mistakes do happen. A violation might be listed twice, or an accident might appear even though you were not the one who reported it. If you find an error, you can dispute it with the DPS by submitting a written request and supporting documents. Catching these errors early gives you time to correct them before an employer or insurance company sees them.

Understanding points and violations on your record

Not all traffic violations carry the same weight. Minor violations like a parking ticket do not appear on your driving record at all. Moving violations — speeding, running a red light, unsafe lane change — do appear and carry points. The number of points depends on the violation. A speeding ticket might be 2 to 4 points, while reckless driving could be 4 to 6 points. At-fault accidents typically add 3 to 6 points to your record.

The points system is how the DPS tracks whether you are a safe driver. Points expire after three years, meaning they stop counting toward a suspension. However, the violation itself stays on your record for the full three or seven years, depending on which record you are viewing. This matters for insurance companies, which may consider violations even after points have expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check someone else's driving record?

No. Only the driver themselves, their attorney, or someone with written permission from the driver can request the record. Insurance companies and employers can request it directly from the DPS if you authorize them to do so during the process process.

How much does it cost to get my driving record?

The 3-year record costs $3 and the 7-year record costs $6 when you order online or in person. Mail requests cost the same. Some DPS offices may charge a small additional fee for in-person service, so call ahead if you want to confirm the exact amount.

What if I have an out-of-state violation?

Your Texas driving record only shows violations that occurred in Texas. Violations from other states do not appear on your Texas record. However, if you were convicted in another state, that conviction may show up in a national background check that employers or insurance companies run.

How long does a ticket stay on my driving record?

Traffic violations stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation on a 3-year record, or seven years on a 7-year record. Points expire after three years, but the violation itself may still appear on a 7-year record even though it no longer counts toward a suspension.

Can I remove violations from my record?

You cannot remove a violation, but you may be able to reduce or dismiss it by fighting the ticket in court or completing a defensive driving course. Some violations can be reduced to non-moving violations, which do not carry points. If you successfully contest a ticket, the DPS will update your record to reflect the outcome.