Where to Request Your Texas Driving Record

You can request your Texas driving record from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which maintains all records for drivers licensed in the state. The DPS offers three main ways to get your record: in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through their official website.

The fastest method is usually online through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. You can order your record when ready and receive it within minutes as a digital file. If you need a physical copy mailed to you, the DPS processes mail requests within 5 to 10 business days. In-person requests at a DPS office are typically completed the same day, though wait times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains all driving records and is the only official source for your record.
  • Online ordering through dps.texas.gov is the fastest option and gives you a digital copy within minutes.
  • You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to order your record, plus a valid payment method.
  • Mail and in-person requests take longer but produce official printed copies that some employers or courts may require.
  • Your record shows traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and points on your license for the past three years.

Ordering Your Record Online

Go to the DPS website and select "Driver Records" from the main menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number or Social Security number, your date of birth, and your Texas driver's license number. The system will verify your identity and show you a preview of your record before you pay.

The fee for an online record is typically $7 to $10, though the exact amount changes occasionally. You can pay with a credit card or debit card. Once payment is processed, you receive your record as a PDF file that you can read, print, or save. This digital copy is an official record and is accepted by most employers, insurance companies, and courts.

If the online system cannot verify your identity, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. This sometimes happens if your address on file does not match your current address or if there is a discrepancy in your personal information.

Requesting Your Record by Mail

read the DPS form DL-43 from the DPS website or request it by phone at 1-800-521-2424. Fill out the form with your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and current mailing address. Include a check or money order for the current fee (usually $7 to $10) made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form. The DPS processes mail requests in the order received, typically within 5 to 10 business days. Your record will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. If you need the record faster, the online method is your better option.

Getting Your Record in Person

Visit any Texas DPS office with your valid driver's license or state ID. You can find the nearest office location on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Bring cash, a check, or a debit card to pay the fee at the time of your request.

Tell the DPS staff member that you need a copy of your driving record. They will verify your identity using your license, process your request, and print your record on the spot. Most offices complete this within 15 to 30 minutes, though busy locations may have longer waits. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and ask about current wait times.

What Information Appears on Your Record

Your Texas driving record shows your current license status, any traffic violations from the past three years, at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, and points assessed against your license. It also displays any restrictions on your license, such as requirements to wear corrective lenses or use an ignition interlock device.

The record does not include minor violations that resulted in no points, parking tickets, or accidents where you were not at fault. Insurance companies and employers often request this record to assess your driving history. If you see errors on your record, you can contact the DPS to dispute them, though this process requires documentation and can take several weeks.

Understanding Different Types of Records

The DPS offers two versions of your driving record: a three-year record and a complete record. The three-year record shows violations and accidents from the past three years and is what most employers and insurance companies request. The complete record shows your entire driving history in Texas and is sometimes needed for court cases or professional licensing.

When you order online or by mail, specify which version you need. If you do not specify, you will receive the three-year record by default. The fee is the same for both versions. Some employers or courts will tell you which version they need before you order, so ask them first if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a traffic ticket stay on my Texas driving record?

Traffic violations remain on your record for three years from the date of the violation. After three years, they no longer appear on your standard driving record, though they may still be visible in court records. At-fault accidents stay on your record for three years as well.

Can I order someone else's driving record?

No. Texas law restricts access to driving records. You can only order your own record unless you have a court order or are a business with a legitimate need (such as an insurance company or employer). Even then, the person whose record you are requesting must usually consent in writing.

What if my record shows information that is not correct?

Contact the DPS directly at 1-800-521-2424 to report errors. You will need to provide documentation supporting your claim, such as court records showing a ticket was dismissed or proof that an accident was not your fault. The DPS investigates disputes and can update your record if the error is confirmed.

Do I need an official certified copy or will a regular printout work?

Most employers and insurance companies accept a regular printout or digital copy from the DPS website. However, some courts or government agencies may require a certified copy with an official seal. When you order, ask the organization requesting the record whether they need certification. If they do, the DPS can provide a certified version for an additional fee.

How much does a Texas driving record cost?

The fee is typically $7 to $10 depending on the method and type of record. Online orders are usually at the lower end of that range, while certified copies may cost more. Fees can change, so check the DPS website or call 1-800-521-2424 to confirm the current price before you order.