What a Texas driving record contains and who can see it
Your Texas driving record is a document maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that shows your history as a driver in the state. It includes traffic violations you received, accidents you were involved in, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and any convictions related to driving. The record also shows when your current license was issued and when it expires.
Not everyone can view your driving record. You can request your own record at any time. Insurance companies, employers, courts, and law enforcement can access it under specific circumstances. If you are explore for a job that involves driving, your potential employer may request permission to view your record. If you are involved in a lawsuit or criminal case, the other party's attorney may obtain it through legal discovery.
Texas distinguishes between a three-year record and a seven-year record. The three-year version shows only recent violations and is what most employers and insurance companies receive. The seven-year version includes older violations and is typically used by courts and law enforcement. Some violations, like DWI convictions, may remain on your record longer than seven years.
Key Takeaways
- You can obtain a copy of your own driving record from the Texas DPS online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office without providing a reason.
- Traffic violations add points to your license; accumulating too many points within a set time period triggers a suspension.
- Accidents appear on your record whether or not you were at fault, and they can affect your insurance rates.
- You have the right to dispute inaccurate information on your record by submitting a written request to the DPS with supporting documentation.
- Some violations can be removed from your record through deferred adjudication or other legal processes, but this requires court action.
How to get a copy of your own Texas driving record
The fastest way to obtain your record is through the Texas DPS website. Go to the DPS public records portal, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and pay a small fee (typically $3 to $5 depending on which version you request). You will receive a digital copy when ready that you can print or save.
If you prefer not to order online, you can visit any DPS office in person with your driver's license or state ID. Bring cash or a debit card for the fee. You will receive your record on the spot. You can also request a record by mail by completing the appropriate form, including a copy of your ID, and sending it to the DPS address listed on their website. Mail requests take one to two weeks.
When you order your record, you will be asked whether you want the three-year or seven-year version. The three-year record is cheaper and is what most employers and insurers see. The seven-year record costs slightly more but shows a longer history and is what you should request if you are disputing something or need the complete picture for legal purposes.
Understanding points, violations, and how they affect your license
Texas uses a points system to track driving violations. Each type of violation carries a specific point value. A speeding ticket might be 2 points, while reckless driving could be 4 points. Accumulating 6 points within a 36-month period triggers a warning letter from the DPS. At 8 points, your license is suspended for 60 days. At 11 points, suspension lasts 120 days. At 16 points or more, suspension lasts 180 days.
Not all violations add points. Parking tickets, for example, do not appear on your driving record at all. Equipment violations (like a broken taillight) typically do not add points if you fix the problem and show proof to the court. However, moving violations — anything involving how you operate the vehicle — almost always add points.
The points system resets over time. Points from a violation drop off your record after 36 months, meaning they no longer count toward suspension. However, the violation itself may still appear on your seven-year record for insurance and employment purposes even after the points expire.
Accidents and how they appear on your record
Every accident you report to police or your insurance company will appear on your driving record, regardless of who was at fault. If you were found to be at fault, the accident may result in points being added to your license. If you were not at fault, the accident still appears on your record but typically does not add points.
Accidents remain on your three-year record for three years from the date they occurred. They may stay on your seven-year record longer, depending on whether citations or convictions resulted from the accident. Insurance companies use accident history heavily when calculating your rates, so even an accident where you were not at fault can increase your premiums.
If you believe an accident was recorded incorrectly — for example, if you were listed as at fault when you were not — you can dispute it. You will need documentation such as a police report, insurance adjuster's information, or court judgment showing the correct fault assignment. Submit this documentation in writing to the DPS along with a request to correct your record.
Disputing errors on your Texas driving record
If your driving record contains inaccurate information, you have the right to request a correction. Common errors include violations you did not commit, accidents attributed to you incorrectly, or violations that were dismissed in court but still appear on your record.
To dispute an error, send a written request to the Texas DPS Records Bureau. Include your driver's license number, a description of the error, and supporting documentation. Supporting documentation might be a court order showing a case was dismissed, a letter from the prosecutor stating charges were dropped, or an insurance company's information that you were not at fault in an accident. The DPS will investigate and respond within 30 days.
If the DPS denies your dispute, you can request a hearing before a DPS hearing officer. This is a formal process, but you do not need an attorney. You present your evidence, the DPS presents theirs, and the hearing officer decides whether the record should be corrected. If you disagree with the hearing officer's decision, you can appeal to district court.
Violations that stay on your record longer than seven years
Most violations fall off your record after seven years, but some do not. DWI (driving while intoxicated) convictions remain on your record for life in Texas. This applies whether it was your first offense or a repeat conviction. A DWI will affect your insurance rates indefinitely and will be visible to employers, courts, and law enforcement permanently.
Felony convictions related to driving — such as vehicular assault or hit-and-run causing injury — also remain on your record permanently. These are separate from your driving record in a technical sense; they appear in criminal records databases. However, they will be discovered by anyone conducting a thorough background check.
Habitual traffic offender status, which results from accumulating too many violations in a short period, also stays on your record indefinitely until you petition the court to have it removed. This status makes it illegal for you to drive in Texas, and it affects your ability to obtain a license in other states.
How employers and insurance companies use your driving record
Employers who hire drivers — delivery companies, rideshare services, commercial trucking firms, and others — routinely request the three-year driving record as part of the hiring process. They use it to assess whether you are a safe driver and a liability to their business. A record with multiple violations or accidents may disqualify you from positions involving driving.
Insurance companies pull your driving record when you explore for auto insurance and periodically while you are a customer. Violations and accidents directly affect your premium. A single speeding ticket might increase your rate by 10 to 15 percent. An at-fault accident can increase it by 25 percent or more. A DWI conviction can double or triple your premium, and some insurers will not cover you at all if you have a recent DWI.
You have the right to know what information an employer or insurer obtained about you. If you are denied a job or quoted a high insurance rate, you can request a copy of the record they used to make that decision. This allows you to verify that the information is accurate and dispute any errors before they affect your opportunities.
Removing violations from your record through legal processes
In some cases, violations can be removed from your driving record through legal action. If you received a ticket and the case was dismissed, you can petition the court to have the violation removed. This is called an order of nondisclosure or expungement, depending on the type of case. Once granted, the violation no longer appears on your record.
Deferred adjudication is another option for certain violations. If you are charged with a minor traffic offense, the court may allow you to complete a defensive driving course or probation period instead of going to trial. If you successfully complete the requirements, the charge is dismissed and can be removed from your record. This option is typically available only for first-time offenders and minor violations.
To pursue removal of a violation, you will need to contact the court that handled your case or consult with a traffic attorney. The process varies depending on the type of violation, whether you were convicted, and how long ago the violation occurred. An attorney can advise you on whether removal is possible in your specific situation and handle the paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a speeding ticket stay on my Texas driving record?
A speeding ticket remains on your three-year record for three years from the date of the violation. It may stay on your seven-year record longer, depending on the speed and circumstances. The points associated with the ticket drop off after 36 months, but the violation itself may still be visible to insurers and employers for the full seven years.
Can I check someone else's driving record?
No, you cannot obtain someone else's driving record without their written permission or a legal reason. If you are an employer, you can request a record if the person has authorized it. If you are involved in a lawsuit or criminal case, an attorney can obtain records through legal discovery. Insurance companies can access records only for people who have applied for coverage.
Does a ticket I paid off still appear on my record?
Yes. Paying a ticket does not remove it from your record. The payment straightforward means you satisfied the financial obligation. The violation itself remains on your record for the full retention period. The only way to remove a violation is through a court order dismissing the case or granting deferred adjudication.
What happens if my license is suspended due to points?
If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Texas. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that can result in additional fines and jail time. You can request a hearing to contest the suspension, and you may be able to reinstate your license early by completing a defensive driving course or paying a reinstatement fee.
How do I know if my record has been corrected after I dispute it?
The DPS will send you written notice of their decision within 30 days of receiving your dispute. If they correct the record, they will provide you with an updated copy. You can also order a new copy of your record online or in person to verify the correction has been made. Keep the DPS's written response for your records.