Getting Your Texas Driving Record

You can request your Texas driving record through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which maintains records for every licensed driver in the state. The DPS offers three main ways to get your record: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest — you can have your record within minutes — while mail requests take one to two weeks.

Your driving record shows your license status, traffic violations, accidents you reported to police, and any suspensions or revocations. Insurance companies, employers, and courts often request these records. You can order a copy for yourself or, with proper authorization, for someone else.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS online portal is the fastest way to get your record and costs $5 for a single copy.
  • You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to order online.
  • Mail requests take one to two weeks and require a completed form and payment by check or money order.
  • In-person requests at a DPS office are processed when ready but require you to visit during business hours.
  • Certified copies cost more than regular copies and are required by some employers and courts.

Ordering Online Through the DPS Website

The fastest route is the Texas DPS online ordering system at dps.texas.gov. Go to the "Driver License" section and select "Order Driving Record." You will need either your Texas driver's license number or your Social Security number, plus your date of birth and the last four digits of your phone number to verify your identity.

Choose whether you want a regular copy or a certified copy. A regular copy costs $5 and is suitable for personal reference or most insurance purposes. A certified copy costs $6 and includes an official seal; employers, courts, and some government agencies require this version. You can pay by debit card or credit card. Once you complete payment, you can print your record when ready or have it mailed to you within three to five business days.

If you need multiple copies, you can order up to five at once through the online system. Each additional copy beyond the first costs $1 for regular or $2 for certified.

Requesting by Mail

To order by mail, read the DL-43 form from the DPS website or request it by calling the DPS at 1-800-521-2424. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the type of record you need (regular or certified). Specify how many copies you want.

Mail the completed form with payment to the address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order — the DPS does not accept cash through the mail. Include $5 per regular copy or $6 per certified copy. Mail requests typically take one to two weeks from the time the DPS receives your form. If you need your record faster, use the online method instead.

Keep a copy of your form and note the date you mailed it. If you do not receive your record within three weeks, call the DPS to confirm they received your request.

Getting Your Record in Person

You can visit any Texas DPS office to request your driving record and receive it the same day. Bring a valid photo ID and know your driver's license number. Tell the staff member you want to order your driving record and specify whether you need a regular or certified copy.

Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at most offices. The cost is the same as online: $5 for a regular copy or $6 for a certified copy. Processing takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Find your nearest DPS office location on the DPS website under "Driver License Offices."

In-person requests work well if you need your record the same day or prefer to handle it face-to-face. However, DPS offices can have wait times during peak hours, particularly early morning and lunch time. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.

Understanding What Appears on Your Record

Your Texas driving record includes your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), your license class and any restrictions or endorsements, and your driving history for the past three years. Traffic violations appear with the violation date, the offense, and the disposition (whether you paid a fine, went to court, or had the charge dismissed).

Accidents you reported to police show the date and a brief description. If you were cited in connection with an accident, that citation appears in your violation history. Suspensions and revocations are listed with the reason and the effective dates. Points from traffic violations accumulate and can affect your insurance rates or lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many in a short period.

Your record does not include arrests or criminal charges unless they resulted in a traffic conviction. It also does not show parking tickets or violations handled through a municipal court that did not result in a conviction.

Ordering a Record for Someone Else

You can order another person's driving record only if you have their written permission or a legal right to the record. Employers, insurance companies, and attorneys can order records for legitimate business purposes. Parents can order records for minor children.

If you are ordering on behalf of someone else, you will need their driver's license number or Social Security number, date of birth, and written authorization. The online system will ask you to confirm that you have permission. Misrepresenting your authority to order someone else's record is illegal.

Correcting Errors on Your Record

If your driving record contains an error — such as a violation you did not commit, an accident that was not your fault, or incorrect personal information — you can dispute it with the DPS. Contact the DPS Driver License Division at 1-800-521-2424 to report the error and ask what documentation you need to provide.

For traffic violations, you may need to provide court documents showing the charge was dismissed or that you were found not guilty. For accidents, you can provide a police report or insurance documentation. The DPS will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process can take several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my record if I order online?

You can print your record when ready after ordering online. If you choose to have it mailed, it arrives within three to five business days. Mail requests take one to two weeks from the date the DPS receives your form.

What is the difference between a regular and certified copy?

A regular copy is a printout of your record and costs $5. A certified copy includes an official state seal and signature, costs $6, and is required by courts, many employers, and government agencies. Check with whoever requested your record to see which type you need.

Can I order my record if my license is suspended or expired?

Yes. You can order your record at any time, regardless of your license status. Your record will show your current status, including any suspension or expiration.

Do I need to order a new record each time, or can I use an old copy?

It depends on who needs it. Insurance companies and employers often want a recent record, usually from within the past 30 days. Courts may accept older records depending on the case. Ask whoever requested the record how recent it needs to be.

What if I lost my driver's license number?

You can order your record using your Social Security number instead. You will still need your date of birth and the last four digits of your phone number to verify your identity online. By mail or in person, provide your name and date of birth, and the DPS can look up your license number.