What Your Texas Driving Record Contains
Your Texas driving record is a file maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that shows your driving history within the state. It includes traffic violations you received, accidents you were involved in, license suspensions or revocations, and any convictions related to driving. The record also shows when your license was issued and when it expires.
DPS keeps this record for a set number of years depending on the type of violation. Minor violations typically stay on your record for three years, while more serious offenses like DWI convictions can remain for much longer. Your record is used by insurance companies, employers, courts, and licensing agencies to assess your driving behavior.
Understanding what appears on your record matters because it directly affects your insurance rates, your ability to get certain jobs, and whether you can renew your license without complications. If you have not checked your record recently, inaccuracies or outdated information may be sitting there without your knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- You can view your Texas driving record online through the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth, or request it by mail or in person at a DPS office.
- Traffic violations, accidents, suspensions, and convictions all appear on your record, and different violation types remain on file for different lengths of time.
- Insurance companies and employers regularly check driving records, so errors or outdated information can affect your rates and job prospects.
- If you find mistakes on your record, you can dispute them through DPS by submitting documentation and a written explanation of the error.
- Certain violations can be removed from your record through a process called expungement, though may be able to access depends on the type of offense and when it occurred.
How to Request Your Driving Record Online
The fastest way to see your Texas driving record is through the DPS online portal. Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Driving Records" section. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
Once you enter this information, the system will display your current record when ready. You can view violations, accidents, license status, and any administrative actions taken against your license. Most people can print or read this record right away, which you can then use for insurance claims, employment verification, or your own records.
The online record is usually updated within a few business days of a violation being reported or a court case being resolved. If you just received a ticket or were in an accident, it may not appear when ready, so check back after a week if you do not see it yet.
Requesting Your Record by Mail or In Person
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request your driving record by mail. Contact your local DPS office or the DPS Records Bureau and ask for a certified copy of your driving record. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and current mailing address.
There is a fee for a certified copy of your record, which varies depending on whether you want a single record or multiple copies. Payment is typically made by check or money order. Processing by mail usually takes one to two weeks, depending on how busy the DPS office is.
You can also visit a DPS office in person to request your record. Bring your driver's license and be prepared to wait, as DPS offices can have long lines. Some offices can print your record on the spot, while others may need to mail it to you. Call ahead to ask what your local office offers.
Understanding Violations and How Long They Stay on Your Record
Not all violations carry the same weight or remain on your record for the same length of time. Minor violations like speeding or running a red light typically stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. After three years, they drop off automatically, though they may still be visible to insurance companies for a longer period.
Serious violations like reckless driving, driving without a license, or at-fault accidents remain on your record for five years. DWI convictions stay on your record for life in Texas, meaning they will always appear when someone pulls your driving history. This is why DWI convictions have such a significant impact on insurance rates and employment prospects.
License suspensions and revocations also appear on your record. A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, after which you can get it back. A revocation is more serious and means your license is cancelled; you have to go through the process of getting a new license, which may include taking a driving test again.
What to Do If You Find an Error on Your Record
Mistakes on your driving record do happen. A violation might be listed twice, a ticket you paid might still show as unpaid, or an accident might be attributed to you incorrectly. If you spot an error, do not ignore it — inaccurate information can raise your insurance rates or cause problems when you renew your license.
To dispute an error, contact the DPS Records Bureau in writing. Include your driver's license number, a detailed explanation of what is wrong, and documentation that supports your claim. For example, if a ticket is listed as unpaid when you have proof of payment, include a copy of your receipt or cancelled check. If a violation was dismissed in court, include a copy of the court order.
DPS will investigate your dispute and contact you with the outcome. This process can take several weeks. If DPS agrees the information is wrong, they will correct your record. If they disagree, you have the right to request a hearing to present your case in front of a DPS official.
Removing Violations Through Expungement or Nondisclosure
In some cases, you may be able to have a violation removed from your record entirely through a legal process. Expungement means the record is destroyed and you can legally say the violation never happened. Nondisclosure means the record still exists but is sealed and hidden from most employers and the public, though law enforcement and government agencies can still see it.
Not all violations are may be able to access for removal. Generally, you can only pursue expungement or nondisclosure if your case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or you received a pardon. Certain offenses, particularly violent crimes or sex offenses, cannot be expunged. DWI convictions cannot be expunged, though you may be may be able to access for nondisclosure after a waiting period if specific conditions are met.
To start the expungement or nondisclosure process, you will need to file a petition with the court that handled your case. This usually requires hiring an attorney, as the process involves legal paperwork and court appearances. Once approved by the court, DPS will be notified and your record will be updated accordingly.
How Your Driving Record Affects Insurance and Employment
Insurance companies pull your driving record regularly, and violations directly impact your rates. A single speeding ticket can raise your premium by 10 to 15 percent, while a DWI conviction can double or triple your rates. Some insurance companies will not insure you at all if you have recent serious violations, and you may have to use a high-risk insurance pool instead.
Employers also check driving records, especially for jobs that involve driving or positions requiring a commercial driver's license. Even if the job does not involve driving, some employers view your driving record as a reflection of your judgment and responsibility. A clean record can work in your favor during hiring, while violations may disqualify you.
This is why keeping your record accurate and clean matters beyond just following traffic laws. If you have violations on your record that you believe are outdated or incorrect, addressing them now can save you money on insurance and improve your job prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my driving record?
Check your record at least once a year, or whenever you receive a ticket or are in an accident. This helps you catch errors early and understand what information insurance companies and employers are seeing about you. If you are explore for a job that requires a driving record check, pull your record beforehand so you know what will show up.
Can I see my record if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes, you can still view your record online or request it by mail even if your license is not valid. Your record will show the reason for the suspension or revocation and when you become may be able to access to reinstate your license. This information is important for understanding what steps you need to take to get your license back.
Does my record show tickets I paid versus tickets I fought in court?
Your record shows the violation and the outcome, but not necessarily how you resolved it. If you paid a ticket, it shows as a conviction. If you fought it in court and won, it should show as dismissed. If you are unsure how a particular ticket was resolved, contact the court that handled the case or call DPS directly.
How long does it take for a dismissed ticket to disappear from my record?
A dismissed ticket should be removed from your record within 30 to 60 days of the court's decision, though this varies by court and how quickly they report to DPS. If a dismissed ticket is still showing after two months, contact DPS to dispute it and provide a copy of the court order showing dismissal.
Will a ticket from another state show up on my Texas driving record?
Yes, if you were ticketed in another state, it may appear on your Texas record through the Interstate Compact system, which shares driving records between states. Serious violations like DWI are more likely to be reported than minor speeding tickets. Check your record to see what out-of-state violations, if any, are listed.