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, and convictions related to driving. Insurance companies, employers, and courts use this record to make decisions about you.
You can request your own record directly from DPS, and you do not need to go through a third party or pay extra fees to get it. The record DPS sends you is the same one they send to others — there is no "private" version that shows fewer violations. What you see is what employers and insurers see.
Texas DPS offers three main ways to get your record: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Each method takes different amounts of time and requires different information from you.
Key Takeaways
- You can order your Texas driving record online, by mail, or in person at any DPS office, and the fastest method is usually the online option.
- DPS charges a fee for each record you request, and the amount depends on whether you want a certified copy or a regular copy.
- You will need your driver's license number or your full name and date of birth to request a record.
- Online orders typically arrive within one to two business days, while mail requests take one to two weeks.
- Your record shows traffic violations, accidents, license actions, and convictions — the same information that insurance companies and employers receive.
Ordering your record online through DPS
The Texas DPS website allows you to order a driving record without leaving home. 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 select the type of record you want and provide your driver's license number or your full name and date of birth.
You can choose between a certified copy (which has an official seal and is accepted by courts and government agencies) or an uncertified copy (which is cheaper and works for most personal uses like checking what insurers see). After you pay the fee by credit or debit card, DPS emails you a link to read the record, usually within one to two business days.
Keep in mind that online orders are sent to your email address, so make sure the email you provide is one you check regularly. If you do not receive the email within two business days, check your spam folder or contact DPS directly.
Requesting your record by mail or in person
If you prefer not to order online, you can mail a request to DPS or visit a DPS office in person. To request by mail, you will need to fill out a form (available on the DPS website) and include a copy of your driver's license or state ID. Mail your request to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the fee.
Mail requests typically take one to two weeks to arrive, depending on postal delays. If you need your record faster, visiting a DPS office in person is usually quicker — you can often receive a printed copy the same day or within a few hours. Find your nearest DPS office on their website by entering your city or zip code.
When you visit in person, bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay the fee. Some offices accept cash, checks, or cards, but policies vary by location, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.
Understanding the fees and types of records
DPS charges different fees depending on what type of record you request. A certified driving record (the kind with an official seal) costs more than an uncertified copy. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the DPS website for current pricing before you order.
If you need multiple copies — for example, one for your insurance company and one for a potential employer — you can order them all at once and may save money by doing so. Ask DPS about bulk pricing if you need more than one or two copies.
Some employers or government agencies require a certified copy specifically, so ask whoever requested the record whether it needs to be certified. If you are unsure, an uncertified copy is usually sufficient for personal use.
What information appears on your driving record
Your Texas driving record includes your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the status of your license (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired). It also lists traffic violations you received in Texas, including speeding tickets, failure to stop, and other moving violations, along with the date and location of each violation.
The record shows accidents you reported to police or insurance companies, license suspensions or revocations (and the reason for them), and convictions for driving-related crimes. It does not include violations from other states unless you have a commercial driver's license, in which case it may include some out-of-state information.
Violations and accidents typically stay on your record for three to five years, though serious violations like DWI convictions remain longer. The exact time frame depends on the type of violation and Texas law.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If you believe your driving record contains an error — for example, a violation you did not commit or an accident that was not your fault — you can contact DPS to dispute it. You will need to provide documentation supporting your claim, such as a court document showing the violation was dismissed or a police report showing you were not at fault in an accident.
Send your dispute to DPS along with copies of your supporting documents. DPS will review your request and contact you if they need more information. The process can take several weeks, so be patient and keep copies of everything you send.
If DPS denies your dispute, you have the right to request a hearing before the DPS director. This is a formal process, and you may want to consult with someone familiar with administrative hearings before proceeding.
Using your record for insurance and employment
Insurance companies request your driving record when you explore for auto insurance or when your policy renews. They use violations and accidents to calculate your risk and set your premium. A record with multiple violations or recent accidents typically results in higher rates.
Some employers, especially those hiring for positions that involve driving, also request your record. They want to know whether you have a suspended license, DWI convictions, or a pattern of violations. A clean record can work in your favor during hiring.
You have the right to know what information DPS has shared about you. If you want to see exactly what an insurance company or employer received, you can request your own record and compare it to what they tell you they saw.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my driving record from DPS?
Online orders usually arrive within one to two business days via email. Mail requests take one to two weeks depending on postal service. In-person requests at a DPS office can be completed the same day or within a few hours.
Can I get someone else's driving record?
No, DPS will only release a driving record to the person whose record it is, unless you have a court order or are a lawyer representing someone. Employers and insurance companies can request records directly from DPS if the person consents.
What if my license is suspended or revoked?
Your record will show the suspension or revocation and the reason for it. You can still request your record at any time. If you believe the suspension or revocation was an error, contact DPS to discuss your options for reinstatement.
Do violations from other states show up on my Texas record?
Violations from other states do not normally appear on your Texas driving record unless you hold a commercial driver's license. If you have a CDL, some out-of-state violations may be included through the Commercial Driver's License Information System.
How often should I check my driving record?
There is no required frequency, but checking your record once a year is a good practice. This helps you catch errors early and understand what insurance companies and employers will see about your driving history.