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 or revocations, and convictions for traffic offenses. The record does not include minor warnings or citations that were dismissed.

You can request your own driving record in three ways: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest — you can view and print your record the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. In-person requests at a DPS office are processed while you wait, though wait times vary by location.

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 license number, you can use your Social Security number instead. There is a fee for each record request; the amount depends on the method you choose and whether you want certified copies.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Texas driving record shows traffic violations, accidents, license actions, and convictions — but not dismissed citations or warnings.
  • You can request your record online (fastest), by mail, or in person at a DPS office, and each method has a different processing time and fee.
  • The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains your record, and you can view it yourself without needing a lawyer or third party.
  • Your record is used by insurance companies, employers, and courts, so knowing what is on it helps you understand how it may affect you.

How to request your record online through DPS

The Texas DPS website allows you to order your driving record without leaving home. Go to the DPS Records and Fingerprints page, select "Driving Record," and choose whether you want an unofficial copy (for your own information) or a certified copy (for legal or official use). Unofficial copies are cheaper and arrive faster.

You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you a preview of your record before you pay. Payment is by credit or debit card only. Once you pay, you can read and print your record when ready, or request it be mailed to you.

If you do not have a Texas driver's license or cannot remember your license number, you can still order online using your ID number or Social Security number, but the process takes longer because DPS staff must locate your record manually before sending it.

Requesting your record by mail or in person

To request by mail, read the form from the DPS website or call the DPS Records Bureau to have one sent to you. Fill out the form with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the type of record you need. Include a check or money order for the fee and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after DPS receives your request.

For in-person requests, visit any DPS office that handles records requests. Not all DPS offices provide this service, so call ahead or check the DPS website for locations near you. Bring your driver's license or ID and be prepared to pay the fee in cash or by card. You will receive your record before you leave.

In-person requests are useful if you need your record urgently or if you want to ask questions about what appears on it. DPS staff can explain entries and tell you how long violations will remain on your record.

What violations and actions stay on your Texas record

Traffic violations remain on your record for different lengths of time depending on the offense. Most moving violations stay for three years from the date of conviction. Serious violations like reckless driving or driving while intoxicated (DWI) stay longer — typically five years or more. Accidents you reported stay on your record for three years.

License suspensions, revocations, and administrative actions (like failing to pay a fine or missing a court date) appear on your record and affect your driving status. These actions stay visible until they are resolved or the suspension period ends. A suspension that has been lifted will still show on your record, but it will note that it has been cleared.

Dismissed charges and acquittals do not appear on your driving record. If you were cited but the charge was dropped or you were found not guilty, it will not show. However, the arrest or citation may still appear in other public records or court records.

How employers and insurance companies use your driving record

Insurance companies pull your driving record when you explore for auto insurance and periodically while you are a customer. Violations and accidents increase your premium or can result in denial of coverage. A single speeding ticket may raise your rate by 10 to 15 percent, while a DWI conviction can double your premium or cause cancellation.

Employers that require driving as part of the job — delivery drivers, commercial drivers, rideshare drivers — will request your record as part of hiring. Some employers also check records for positions that do not involve driving, as part of a background check. A DWI or multiple violations may disqualify you from certain jobs.

You have the right to know what information is being used about you. If an insurance company denies you coverage or raises your rate based on your record, they must tell you what information they used. If you believe the information is wrong, you can dispute it with DPS.

Correcting errors on your Texas driving record

If your record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, a conviction that was overturned, or incorrect personal information — you can request a correction. Contact the DPS Records Bureau with documentation of the error. For a dismissed charge or acquittal, provide a copy of the court order. For incorrect personal information, provide a corrected ID or birth certificate.

DPS will review your request and contact the court or law enforcement agency that reported the violation to verify the error. This process can take several weeks. Once DPS confirms the error, they will update your record and send you a corrected copy.

If you believe a violation should be removed because it is old enough, you cannot request early removal. Texas law sets the time violations stay on your record, and DPS cannot remove them before that period ends. However, you can request that DPS note on your record if a suspension has been lifted or a fine has been paid.

Understanding the difference between your record and your driving status

Your driving record and your current driving status are related but separate. Your record is a history of everything that has happened. Your driving status is whether you are currently allowed to drive. You can have a clean record but a suspended license, or a record with violations but an active, valid license.

Your driving status is determined by DPS based on violations, unpaid fines, failed tests, or court orders. If your license is suspended or revoked, you will not be able to renew it, and driving during a suspension is a criminal offense. You can check your current driving status on the DPS website or by calling the DPS Customer Service line.

If your license is suspended, you must resolve the underlying issue — pay a fine, complete a defensive driving course, or satisfy a court requirement — before you can restore your driving privileges. DPS will tell you what you need to do and how long the suspension lasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get my Texas driving record?

The fee varies by method and type of copy. An unofficial online copy costs less than a certified copy. In-person requests at a DPS office typically cost between $5 and $10. Mail requests may cost more. Check the DPS website or call the Records Bureau for the current fee schedule.

Can someone else request my driving record?

Yes, but only if you give them written permission. Insurance companies, employers, and courts can request your record without permission if they have a legal reason. You can request your own record anytime without permission. Third parties requesting on your behalf must provide a signed authorization form.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on my Texas record?

Most moving violations, including speeding, stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction. After three years, the violation no longer appears on your record, though it may still be visible in court records. Serious violations like reckless driving stay longer.

Will a dismissed traffic charge show on my driving record?

No. Dismissed charges and acquittals do not appear on your driving record. However, the arrest or citation may still show in court records or other public databases. If a charge was dismissed but still appears on your DPS record, you can request a correction.

Can I remove a violation from my record before the time period ends?

No. Texas law sets how long violations stay on your record, and DPS cannot remove them early. However, if a violation was overturned on appeal or a conviction was dismissed by a court, you can request that DPS remove it by providing the court order.