What a Texas driving record contains and where to request it
Your Texas driving record is a document maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that shows your driving history in the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, and any convictions related to moving violations. The record does not include parking tickets or violations that occurred outside Texas.
You can request your driving record in three ways: in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the official Texas DPS website. The online method is fastest — you receive the record within minutes. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. In-person requests are processed the same day.
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. The DPS charges a fee for each record request; the amount varies depending on which type of record you need (a standard record costs less than a certified copy).
Key Takeaways
- Texas driving records show traffic violations, accidents, and license actions, but not parking tickets or out-of-state violations.
- You can request your record online for the fastest turnaround, by mail in 5 to 10 business days, or in person at a DPS office the same day.
- The Texas DPS charges a fee that varies by record type; certified copies cost more than standard records.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and full name to request a record.
Requesting your record online through the Texas DPS website
The online request process is the quickest option. Go to the Texas DPS website and select the driving record request option. You will be asked to 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 display your record when ready.
You can view the record on screen and print it, or pay a small fee to have an official certified copy mailed to you. If you only need to see the information yourself, the free viewing option is sufficient. If you need to show the record to an employer, insurance company, or court, you will likely need the certified version.
The online system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you encounter an error during the request, the Texas DPS website provides a phone number to call for technical support.
Requesting your record by mail
To request a record by mail, read the form from the Texas DPS website or call the DPS to have one sent to you. Fill out the form completely 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 — do not send cash.
Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form. The DPS will process your request and mail the record to you within 5 to 10 business days. Keep a copy of the form for your records in case you need to follow up.
If you are requesting a record for someone else, you will need written permission from that person, or you must be a legal representative such as a parent or guardian. The form includes a section for this authorization.
Requesting your record in person at a DPS office
You can visit any Texas DPS driver license office to request your record. Bring your driver's license or state ID, and be prepared to pay the fee in cash or by card. The staff will process your request while you wait, and you will receive the record the same day.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning or mid-week. If you are requesting a record for someone else, bring that person with you or bring a notarized letter of authorization.
Find the DPS office nearest you on the Texas DPS website. The site lists office hours and locations by county.
Understanding what appears on your driving record
Your record shows the date, location, and nature of each traffic violation or accident. Moving violations — such as speeding, running a red light, or reckless driving — appear with the fine amount and whether you paid it. If you contested the ticket in court, the outcome (guilty, not guilty, or dismissed) is listed.
Accidents appear on your record if you reported them to the police or if the other driver reported them. The record shows the date and location but not fault information, unless a court made a ruling. License actions such as suspensions, revocations, or restrictions are clearly marked with the reason and the dates they were in effect.
Points assigned under the Texas Driver Responsibility Program appear on your record. These points accumulate based on certain violations and can affect your insurance rates and license status. The record shows how many points you currently have and when they will drop off (usually after three years from the violation date).
Correcting errors on your Texas driving record
If you find an error on your record — such as a violation you did not commit, an incorrect date, or a violation that should have been dismissed — you can file a correction request with the Texas DPS. Contact the DPS directly by phone or visit a driver license office to report the error.
You will need to provide documentation supporting your claim. For example, if a violation was dismissed in court, bring a copy of the court order. If the violation occurred in a different state, bring proof of that. The DPS will investigate and update your record if the error is confirmed.
Corrections can take several weeks to process. During that time, your record will still show the error. Once corrected, you can request a new copy of your record to confirm the change.
Using your driving record for insurance or employment
Insurance companies and employers often request your driving record as part of their underwriting or hiring process. A certified copy is the official version they will accept. You can request multiple certified copies at once if you need to send them to several organizations.
Your record affects your insurance rates — violations and accidents typically increase premiums. Some violations, such as DUI or reckless driving, have a larger impact than others. Insurance companies can see violations for a set number of years (usually three to five years, depending on the violation type and the insurer's policy).
Employers in certain industries — such as transportation, delivery, or jobs requiring a commercial driver's license — will review your record as part of the hiring process. A clean record is often a requirement for these positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do violations stay on my Texas driving record?
Most moving violations remain on your record for three years from the date of the violation. However, serious violations such as DUI, reckless driving, or at-fault accidents may stay longer. Some violations can affect your record for up to five years or more. The Texas DPS website lists how long each type of violation remains visible.
Can I request someone else's driving record?
You can request another person's record only if you have their written permission or if you are their legal representative (parent, guardian, or attorney). The authorization must be notarized in most cases. The person can also request their own record and share it with you directly.
What is the difference between a standard and certified driving record?
A standard record is an unofficial copy suitable for your own review. A certified record is an official document with the DPS seal and signature, required by employers, insurance companies, and courts. Certified records cost more but are the version most organizations will accept.
Will my driving record show violations from other states?
Your Texas driving record shows only violations that occurred in Texas. Out-of-state violations do not appear on your Texas record. However, serious violations in other states may be reported to Texas through the Interstate Compact, which can affect your Texas license status.
How much does it cost to request a driving record in Texas?
The fee varies depending on the type of record and how you request it. Online viewing is free, but a certified copy mailed to you costs a small fee. In-person and mail requests also have fees. Check the Texas DPS website for current pricing, as fees may change.