What a Texas driving record shows and where to request it
Your Texas driving record is a document maintained 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, points assessed against your license, and any convictions related to driving. The record does not include arrests that did not result in convictions, and it does not show violations from other states unless Texas has been notified through interstate agreements.
You can request your own driving record directly from the DPS, or you can authorize someone else to request it on your behalf. The DPS maintains two versions: a personal record (which you see) and a commercial record (which insurers and employers see). The commercial version may contain information not visible on your personal copy.
The fastest way to get your record is online through the DPS website. You can also request it by mail, in person at a DPS office, or through a third-party vendor. Each method takes different amounts of time and may cost different fees.
Key Takeaways
- Your Texas driving record shows traffic violations, accidents, license actions, and driving-related convictions, but not arrests that did not result in convictions.
- You can order your record online through the DPS website, by mail, in person, or through an authorized vendor — online is the fastest option.
- You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to request your record, plus a valid form of identification.
- The record typically arrives within one to two business days if ordered online, or five to ten business days if ordered by mail.
- Third-party vendors can request your record on your behalf, but you must sign a release form authorizing them to do so.
Ordering your record online through the DPS
The Texas DPS operates an online system called the DPS Online Services portal where you can order your driving record without visiting an office or waiting for mail. Go to the DPS website, select "Driving Records," and choose "Order a Driving Record." 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 if you have one.
You will then need to verify your identity. The system uses a third-party identity verification service that may ask you security questions based on your credit history or public records. This step usually takes a few minutes. Once verified, you can pay the fee using a credit or debit card. The DPS charges a fee for each record — the amount varies depending on whether you want a certified copy or an uncertified copy, and whether you want it mailed or printed when ready.
After payment, you will receive a confirmation number. If you selected when ready printing, you can read your record right away as a PDF. If you selected mailing, the record will be sent to the address on file with your license within one to two business days.
Requesting your record by mail or in person
If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail by sending a completed form to the DPS. You will need to fill out the DPS Form DL-43 (Request for Driving Record), include a copy of your driver's license or state ID, and send it with a check or money order for the fee to the address listed on the form. Mail requests typically take five to ten business days to process, not counting delivery time.
You can also visit a DPS office in person to request your record. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay the fee in cash, check, or card. The staff will process your request on the spot, and you will receive your record when ready or within a few minutes. To find the DPS office nearest you, use the office locator on the DPS website.
If someone else is requesting your record on your behalf, they will need a signed release form from you. The DPS provides a DPS Form DL-43A (Authorization for Release of Driving Record) for this purpose. The person requesting must also show a valid ID and include a copy of your ID with the request.
Using a third-party vendor to get your record
Several private companies are authorized by the DPS to request driving records on your behalf. These vendors advertise online and often charge a higher fee than the DPS itself, but they handle the paperwork and may deliver the record faster or in a different format. Common vendors include LexisNexis, Chuckles, and others listed on the DPS website.
To use a vendor, you will typically fill out an online form on their website, provide your personal information and driver's license number, sign a digital release form, and pay their fee. The vendor then submits the request to the DPS on your behalf. Turnaround time depends on the vendor but is often one to three business days. The record is usually delivered by email or mail, depending on what you selected.
Be aware that vendors charge more than the DPS does for the same record. Use a vendor only if you need the record in a specific format, need it faster than the DPS can deliver, or need multiple copies at once. Always verify that the vendor is listed as authorized on the official DPS website before providing your information.
What information appears on your record and what does not
Your personal driving record includes your license number, name, date of birth, address, license class, restrictions, and endorsements. It also shows all traffic violations you received in Texas, the date of each violation, the violation code, and whether you paid the fine or contested it. Accidents you reported to police appear on the record, along with the date and a brief description.
The record shows any license suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, including the reason and the dates they were in effect. It displays points assessed against your license for violations — Texas uses a points system where certain violations add points, and accumulating too many points can trigger a suspension. Driving-related convictions, such as DWI or reckless driving, appear on the record.
Your record does not show arrests that did not result in a conviction. It does not include violations from other states unless Texas received notification through the Interstate Compact. It does not show parking tickets or violations that occurred on private property. Insurance claims do not appear on your driving record — insurers maintain their own records of claims.
Understanding points and how they affect your license
Texas assigns points to your license for certain traffic violations. Minor violations like speeding add two or three points. More serious violations like reckless driving or driving with an invalid license add four to six points. A conviction for DWI adds six points. Points remain on your record for three years from the date of the violation, even if you paid the fine.
If you accumulate six points within a three-year period, the DPS will send you a warning letter. If you reach eight points, your license will be suspended for 60 days. If you reach 11 points, your license will be suspended for 120 days. If you reach 16 points, your license will be suspended for 180 days. You can reduce points by completing a defensive driving course — the DPS will remove up to three points if you complete an approved course.
Check your record regularly to know how many points you have. If you are close to a suspension threshold, taking a defensive driving course can prevent a suspension. You can also contest a violation in traffic court if you believe it was issued in error — if you win, the violation and its points will be removed from your record.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If your driving record contains an error — such as a violation you did not commit, a duplicate entry, or incorrect personal information — you can request a correction from the DPS. First, obtain a copy of your record so you can identify the specific error. Then contact the DPS by phone, mail, or in person with documentation supporting your claim.
If the error is a violation you did not commit, you will need to provide proof, such as a court document showing the case was dismissed or you were found not guilty. If the error is a duplicate entry, the DPS can usually remove it once you point it out. If the error is personal information like your address or name, bring a valid ID showing the correct information.
The DPS will investigate your claim and respond within a reasonable timeframe. If they determine the error is valid, they will correct your record and send you an updated copy. Keep documentation of your request and the DPS response in case you need to dispute something with an insurer or employer later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Texas driving record cost?
The DPS charges a fee for each record, typically between $3 and $10 depending on whether you want a certified or uncertified copy and how you receive it. Third-party vendors charge more, usually $15 to $30 or higher. Check the DPS website for current fees, as they may change.
Can I see my driving record for free?
The DPS does not provide free copies of your driving record. However, you can view a summary of your license status and some violations through your online DPS account if you have created one. For a complete official record, you must pay the fee.
How long does a violation stay on my Texas driving record?
Most violations remain on your record for three years from the date of the violation. DWI convictions stay on your record for much longer — typically five years or more depending on the circumstances. Suspensions and revocations remain until they are lifted.
Will my employer or insurance company see the same record I see?
No. Employers and insurance companies see a commercial version of your record that may include information not visible on your personal copy. This version is maintained separately by the DPS and may show more detail about certain violations or convictions.
What should I do if I find a violation on my record that I do not remember?
Contact the DPS with the violation details and ask for clarification. If you believe the violation was issued in error, you can request a correction with supporting documentation. If you straightforward forgot about it, the violation is still valid and remains on your record for three years.