Where to Request Your Texas Driving Record

You can request your Texas driving record from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) through three main routes: online at their official website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest — you can order and receive your record within minutes if you pay the fee electronically. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person is useful only if you need it the same day and live near a DPS office.

The record you receive is called an official driving record or certified driving record, depending on whether you need it notarized or just as proof of your driving history. Most employers, insurance companies, and courts accept the standard certified version without notarization. You will need to specify which type when you order.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS issues official driving records online, by mail, or in person, with online being the fastest option at a few minutes to a few hours.
  • You will need your Texas driver's license number or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to order online.
  • The standard certified record costs around $11 to $15 depending on the method, and a notarized version costs more but is rarely required.
  • Mail orders take one to two weeks and require a check or money order; online orders accept credit or debit cards and deliver when ready or within 24 hours.
  • If you do not have a Texas license or ID, you can still request a record by mail using your name, date of birth, and driver's license number from any state.

Ordering Online Through the DPS Website

Go to the Texas DPS official website and look for the "Driving Records" section. Click the link to order your record online. You will be asked to enter your Texas driver's license number or ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify this information against DPS records before allowing you to proceed.

After verification, you will choose the type of record you need. Select "certified driving record" unless you specifically need a notarized version (which costs extra and is usually only required for legal proceedings). You will then pay the fee using a credit or debit card. Most online orders are delivered to your email within a few minutes, though some take up to 24 hours depending on the time of day you order.

Print the record when ready when it arrives, as email copies may expire or become invalid after a certain period. If you need a physical copy mailed to you instead, you can request that during checkout, though this adds processing time.

Requesting by Mail

read the DPS form for driving record requests from the Texas DPS website, or call their records office to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Include a check or money order for the current fee (verify the exact amount on the DPS website, as it changes periodically).

Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form, which is typically the DPS Records Bureau in Austin. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the record returned by mail. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your request. If you need it faster, use the online method instead.

Getting Your Record In Person

Visit any Texas DPS office with your driver's license or ID and a payment method (cash, check, or card, depending on the location). Tell the staff member you need an official driving record. They will print it on the spot, usually within 10 to 15 minutes. This is the only method that guarantees same-day receipt, but it requires you to be near a DPS office during business hours.

Not all DPS offices handle record requests, so call ahead to confirm the location nearest you offers this service. Hours vary by location but are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offices closing for lunch.

What Information Appears on Your Record

Your Texas driving record shows your license number, full name, date of birth, address on file, license class and restrictions, and the expiration date of your license. It also lists any traffic violations, accidents, suspensions, or revocations from the past three to five years, depending on the severity of the offense. Minor violations like speeding may fall off after three years; more serious violations like DWI stay longer.

The record does not include personal information like your Social Security number or medical history. It is a factual summary of your driving history as recorded by the state. If you see an error — a violation you did not commit, an incorrect date, or a suspension that was already lifted — you will need to contact DPS directly to request a correction, which involves submitting documentation and waiting for review.

Costs and Processing Times

The cost of a standard certified driving record is typically $11 to $15, depending on whether you order online, by mail, or in person. A notarized version costs more, usually $20 to $25. Expedited processing is not offered by DPS, so there is no way to speed up mail requests beyond the standard one to two weeks.

Online orders are the fastest and most reliable. In-person requests are when ready but require a trip to a DPS office. Mail requests are the slowest but work if you cannot access the internet or prefer a paper form. Plan ahead if you need the record for a job process, court case, or insurance matter — do not wait until the day before you need it.

If You No Longer Have a Texas License

You can still request a record of your Texas driving history even if your license has expired or you have moved out of state. Use the mail method and provide your old Texas driver's license number along with your current name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. DPS will search their records and send you a certified record of your history while you held a Texas license.

If you never had a Texas license but held one from another state and want to know your Texas driving record (for example, if you were cited in Texas), call the DPS records office to ask whether a record exists under your name. They can tell you whether anything is on file and how to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a violation stay on my driving record in Texas?

Minor violations like speeding typically remain for three years. More serious violations like reckless driving or DWI stay for five years or longer. Suspensions and revocations remain until they are lifted. Your record will show the date each violation occurred, so you can calculate when it will age off.

Can someone else request my driving record?

No. Only you or a person with power of attorney can request your record. Employers, insurance companies, and others must request it directly from DPS with your written consent, or they must use a third-party service that you authorize. DPS does not release records to anyone else without documentation of legal authority.

What if I need my record notarized?

Order a notarized certified record directly from DPS when you place your request — it costs more but arrives already notarized. Alternatively, order a standard record and take it to a notary public (often available at banks, UPS stores, or law offices) to have it notarized for a small fee, usually $5 to $15.

Do I need my Social Security number to order online?

You need the last four digits of your Social Security number, not the full number. This is used to verify your identity. If you do not have a Social Security number, use the mail method instead and provide as much identifying information as possible.

What if the record shows violations I do not recognize?

Contact the DPS Records Bureau to dispute the violation. You will need to provide documentation — a copy of the ticket, proof of payment, or a court dismissal letter — to support your claim. DPS will review your submission and correct the record if the violation was recorded in error.