What a Texas driving record shows and where to request it
Your Texas driving record is a document kept by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that lists your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, and convictions for traffic offenses. The record does not include traffic tickets you received but were dismissed or for which you paid a fine without a conviction.
You can request your own driving record in person, by mail, or online through the DPS website. The online method is fastest — you can view and print your record when ready if you pay the fee. In-person requests at a DPS office take a few minutes. Mail requests take one to two weeks.
You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and Texas driver's license number or ID number. If you do not have a Texas license, you can still request a record if you have driven in Texas, but you will need to provide additional identifying information.
Key Takeaways
- Your Texas driving record shows traffic violations, accidents, license actions, and convictions — but not dismissed tickets or paid fines without conviction.
- You can request your record online through the DPS website for when ready access, in person at a DPS office, or by mail.
- The online method costs a fee and is the fastest option; mail requests take one to two weeks.
- You will need your driver's license number, full name, and date of birth to request your record.
- Other people and organizations can request your record only if you give them written permission, with limited exceptions for employers and insurance companies.
How to request your record online through the DPS website
The Texas DPS offers an online portal where you can view your driving record when ready. Go to the DPS website and look for the "Driving Records" section. You will create an account or log in if you already have one, then enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and other identifying information.
After you verify your identity, you can view your record on screen and print or read it as a PDF. There is a fee for this service, which varies depending on whether you want a certified copy (an official version with the DPS seal) or an uncertified copy. A certified copy costs more but is required for some legal or employment purposes.
The online system is available 24 hours a day. Your record will show all violations and actions from the past three to five years, depending on the type of violation. Some serious violations remain on your record longer.
Requesting your record in person at a DPS office
You can walk into any Texas DPS Driver License office and request your driving record at the counter. Bring your driver's license or ID and be ready to pay the fee in cash or card. The staff will print your record on the spot, usually within a few minutes.
This method works well if you need your record the same day and prefer to speak with someone in person. DPS offices are located in most cities and towns across Texas. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your zip code.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning or mid-week. If you go during lunch hours or on Fridays, you may wait longer.
Requesting your record by mail
To request your record by mail, you will need to fill out a form provided by the Texas DPS and send it with payment to the address listed on the form. The form asks for your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason you need the record.
Mail your request to the DPS Records Bureau. Include a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash. The DPS will process your request and mail the record back to you, which typically takes one to two weeks.
This method is slower than online or in-person options, but it works if you do not have when ready access to the internet or prefer not to visit an office. Keep a copy of your request for your records.
Understanding what appears on your driving record
Your Texas driving record lists specific information organized by date. Traffic violations show the date of the violation, the violation code, and whether you were convicted. Moving violations like speeding or running a red light appear on your record. Non-moving violations like parking tickets typically do not.
Accidents you reported to police or your insurance company may appear on your record, even if you were not at fault. License actions — suspensions, revocations, or restrictions — are listed with the reason and the dates the action was in effect. If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, that suspension will show on your record.
Your record also shows if you have taken a defensive driving course, which some people do to reduce points or dismiss a ticket. The course completion date will be noted.
Who can see your driving record and when
Your driving record is not public information. Only you, people you give written permission to, and certain organizations under specific circumstances can see it. Your insurance company can request your record when you explore for a policy or renew one. Employers can request it if the job involves driving, and you typically sign a form allowing this during the hiring process.
Law enforcement can access your record during a traffic stop or investigation. Courts can access it in legal proceedings. The Texas DPS itself keeps the record and can share it with other state agencies for licensing or regulatory purposes.
If someone else needs to see your record — a lawyer, a potential employer, or a court — you will usually need to sign a form giving them permission. Some organizations can request it directly from the DPS if you authorize them to do so.
How long violations stay on your Texas driving record
Most traffic violations remain on your driving record for three years from the date of conviction. This means a speeding ticket or failure to stop at a stop sign will show for three years, then drop off your record.
More serious violations stay longer. A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) remains on your record for five years. A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident also stays for five years. Reckless driving convictions may stay for five years as well.
License suspensions and revocations stay on your record for as long as the action is in effect, plus additional time depending on the reason. Once the suspension ends, the action itself remains visible on your record for a period of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see someone else's driving record?
No, unless they give you written permission. You can request permission from the person whose record you want to see, and they can authorize the DPS to release it to you. Some organizations like employers or insurance companies can request records directly if the person signs a release form during the hiring or process process.
What if my driving record has an error on it?
Contact the Texas DPS Records Bureau and explain the error. You may need to provide documentation, such as a court order showing a ticket was dismissed or a conviction was overturned. The DPS will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process can take several weeks.
Does my driving record include out-of-state violations?
Your Texas driving record shows only violations that occurred in Texas or were reported to Texas by another state. If you received a ticket in another state, it may not appear on your Texas record unless that state reported it through the Interstate Compact system. Some states share violation information; others do not.
How much does it cost to get my driving record?
The fee varies depending on the type of record and how you request it. Online uncertified records cost less than certified copies. In-person and mail requests have different fees. Check the DPS website for current pricing, as fees can change.
Can I remove a violation from my driving record?
Violations cannot be removed from your record, but they do drop off after the time period expires. If a ticket was dismissed or you were found not guilty, that information should be on your record. If a conviction was overturned by a court, you can request that the DPS correct your record with documentation of the court order.