Where to request your Texas driving record
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains all driving records for Texas drivers. You can request your record in three ways: by mail, online through the DPS website, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest — you can receive your record within minutes if you pay the fee by credit or debit card. Mail requests typically take 5 to 10 business days, and in-person requests are processed the same day.
The DPS does not send records to a mailing address automatically. You must initiate the request yourself, whether you need the record for a job, insurance, court purposes, or personal review. Each method has different requirements and costs, which vary depending on whether you want a certified copy (required for legal proceedings) or an uncertified copy (acceptable for most other purposes).
Key Takeaways
- Texas DPS handles all driving records and offers three request methods: online (fastest), by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
- Certified copies cost more than uncertified copies and are required only for court cases, legal proceedings, and some employer background checks.
- Online requests through the DPS website require your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method, with results delivered in minutes.
- Mail requests require a completed form, payment, and your signature, and typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days.
- In-person requests at any DPS office are processed same-day, but office hours and location vary by branch.
Requesting your record online through the DPS website
The DPS online system is the fastest option for most people. Go to the Texas DPS website and locate the driving record request section. You will need your Texas driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using this information before allowing you to proceed.
Once verified, you choose whether you want a certified or uncertified copy. Uncertified copies cost less and are suitable for personal review, employment verification, or insurance inquiries. Certified copies carry the DPS seal and signature, cost more, and are necessary for court filings, legal proceedings, and some government agencies. After selecting your copy type and paying the fee by credit or debit card, your record is generated when ready and can be printed or downloaded as a PDF.
Keep the confirmation number and receipt from your online transaction. If you need to dispute information on your record or follow up with DPS, this documentation proves you made the request and when.
Requesting by mail with the DPS form
Mail requests require you to complete the official DPS driving record request form, available on the Texas DPS website. Print the form, fill in your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the type of record you need (certified or uncertified). You must sign the form — unsigned requests are rejected and returned.
Include payment with your form. The DPS accepts checks or money orders made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash. Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the DPS website; the address may differ depending on whether you are requesting a certified or uncertified copy. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days from the date DPS receives your envelope, not from the date you mail it.
If you need the record urgently, mail is not your best option. The DPS does not offer expedited mail processing, so even if you pay extra, the timeline does not change. Online or in-person requests are faster alternatives.
Getting your record in person at a DPS office
Every DPS office can process driving record requests on the spot. Bring your valid Texas driver's license or state ID, and be prepared to pay the fee in cash, check, or card depending on the office. Some locations accept all payment methods; others accept only cash. Call ahead to confirm what your nearest office accepts.
DPS office hours vary by location. Most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Use the DPS office locator on their website to find the branch nearest you, confirm their hours, and check whether you need an appointment. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but during busy times you may wait 30 minutes to an hour.
In-person requests are processed when ready. You receive your record before you leave the office, whether certified or uncertified. This is the best option if you need your record the same day.
Certified versus uncertified copies and when you need each
An uncertified copy is a printout of your driving record with no official seal or signature from DPS. It shows your driving history, violations, suspensions, and license status. Uncertified copies are sufficient for personal review, insurance companies requesting your driving history, most employers, and loan applications. They cost less than certified copies.
A certified copy bears the official seal and signature of the Texas Department of Public Safety, making it a legal document. Courts require certified copies for traffic cases, license suspension hearings, and civil litigation involving your driving record. Some government agencies, certain professional licenses, and international travel may also require certification. Certified copies cost more but are necessary only in these specific situations.
If you are unsure whether you need certification, contact the organization requesting your record. They will tell you which type they accept. Many will accept uncertified copies and save you money.
What information appears on your Texas driving record
Your Texas driving record includes your name, date of birth, driver's license number, license class, and current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired). It lists all traffic violations from the past three to five years, depending on the violation type. Moving violations, at-fault accidents, and license suspensions all appear. Parking tickets and violations that occurred outside Texas may not appear.
The record shows whether you have any active suspensions or restrictions on your license. It also displays any administrative actions taken by DPS, such as points assessed or license cancellations. Points from violations remain on your record for a set period; minor violations typically drop off after three years, while more serious violations may stay longer.
If you believe information on your record is incorrect — a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, or a cleared suspension still showing as active — you can dispute it. Contact the DPS directly with documentation supporting your claim. Disputes can take several weeks to resolve.
Fees and payment methods for Texas driving records
The cost of a Texas driving record depends on the type and the method of request. Uncertified copies cost less than certified copies. Online and in-person requests may have different fees than mail requests. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the DPS website for current pricing before you submit your request.
Online requests accept credit and debit cards. Mail requests require checks or money orders. In-person requests at DPS offices accept cash, checks, and cards, though some offices may have restrictions. If you are mailing a check, allow extra time for processing. Never send cash by mail.
Some DPS offices charge a small additional fee for in-person requests compared to online requests. This fee covers the staff time to process your request when ready. If cost is a concern, the online method is usually the least expensive option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Texas driving record stay on file?
Your complete driving history is maintained indefinitely by DPS, but violations drop off your record after a set period. Minor violations typically disappear after three years, while suspensions and more serious violations may remain visible for five to seven years. Your current license status and any active restrictions always appear, regardless of age.
Can someone else request my driving record?
No. Only you can request your own driving record through the standard process. Third parties — employers, insurance companies, or attorneys — must request your record directly from DPS with your written consent. You can authorize someone to pick up your record in person at a DPS office by providing them with a signed letter, but they cannot request it on your behalf online or by mail.
What if my name has changed since I got my license?
If you have legally changed your name, update your driver's license with DPS first. Your driving record is linked to your current license name. Once your license is updated, your record will reflect the new name. If you request a record before updating your license, it will show your old name.
Can I request a record for someone else?
No. DPS releases driving records only to the driver themselves or to authorized third parties (such as employers or courts) who submit their own request with proper authorization. You cannot request another person's record, even if you are a family member or have power of attorney.
What should I do if my record contains errors?
Contact the Texas DPS directly with documentation of the error — a court disposition showing a violation was dismissed, proof of license reinstatement, or other official paperwork. Submit your dispute in writing to the address provided on the DPS website. DPS will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process typically takes several weeks.