What a DPS driving record shows and why you need it
Your Department of Public Safety (DPS) driving record is an official document that lists every traffic violation, accident, license suspension, and conviction tied to your driver's license. It is not the same as your credit report or criminal record — it contains only incidents involving a vehicle or your driving privileges. Insurance companies, employers, courts, and rental agencies request this record to verify your driving history.
You may need your DPS record to prove you have a clean history for employment, to show an insurance company before they quote you a rate, to provide to a court, or straightforward to check for errors. Some states also use it to determine whether you are may be able to access for certain license types or programs. The record typically covers the past three to five years, though serious violations like DUIs may appear longer.
Key Takeaways
- Your DPS driving record is an official document showing traffic violations, accidents, and license actions, and you can request it directly from your state's Department of Public Safety.
- Most states allow you to order your record online, by mail, or in person at a local DPS office, with online orders usually arriving within one to three business days.
- You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and sometimes a reason for the request, depending on your state's rules.
- The cost varies by state but typically ranges from no charge to around $10, and some states offer free records to the driver themselves but charge others who request it.
- Check your record for errors — incorrect violations or accidents should be disputed with your state's DPS office in writing.
How to order your record online
Most states now allow you to order your DPS driving record through an official state website. Go to your state's Department of Public Safety or Department of Motor Vehicles website and look for a link labeled "driving record," "abstract," "history," or "transcript." Some states call it a "driving history report" or "motor vehicle record." You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and full name as it appears on your license.
Many states require you to create an account or log in through a state portal before ordering. You may also need to answer security questions or provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once you submit the request, most states send the record to your email or allow you to read it when ready. Processing time is usually one to three business days if it is mailed to your address instead.
Online ordering typically costs between $5 and $10, though some states provide the first copy free to the driver. A few states still do not offer online ordering, so if you cannot find the option on your state's website, move to the mail or in-person method.
Ordering by mail or in person
If you prefer not to order online or your state does not offer it, you can request your record by mail. Contact your state's DPS office to ask for the mailing address and the form you need to complete. You will typically fill out a form that asks for your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason you need the record. Mail the form along with a check or money order for the fee, which varies by state.
Processing time by mail is usually five to ten business days from the date the office receives your request. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the office can mail the record back to you. Some states allow you to pay by credit card if you include the information on the form, but never send cash through the mail.
You can also visit a local DPS office or driver's license office in person and request your record at the counter. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay the fee on the spot. In-person requests are often processed the same day or within a few hours, making this the fastest option if you need the record urgently.
What information you will need to provide
To order your DPS driving record, have the following information ready: your full legal name (as it appears on your license), your date of birth, your current driver's license number, and your state of residence. Some states also ask for your middle initial or middle name to avoid confusion with other drivers who share your name.
You may be asked to provide a reason for the request — for example, "personal review," "employment," "insurance," or "court order." This does not determine whether you can get the record; it is straightforward for the state's record-keeping. If you are requesting someone else's record (such as a household member or employee), you may need written permission from that person or a court order, depending on your state's privacy laws.
Understanding what appears on your record
Your DPS driving record lists violations in chronological order, starting with the most recent. It shows the date of each violation, the type (speeding, failure to yield, reckless driving, etc.), the location, and the outcome (paid, dismissed, conviction, etc.). It also shows any accidents you reported to the state, license suspensions or revocations, points assessed against your license, and any DUI or DWI convictions.
The record does not include parking tickets, since those are handled by local municipalities, not the state. It also does not include arrests that did not result in a driving-related conviction. Some states show points that have expired or been removed, while others remove them from the record entirely after a certain period. The timeframe varies — minor violations may drop off after three to five years, while serious violations like DUIs can remain for seven to ten years or longer.
Checking for errors and disputing incorrect information
Review your record carefully for mistakes. Common errors include violations attributed to you that you did not receive, accidents listed twice, or violations that were dismissed but still appear as convictions. If you find an error, contact your state's DPS office in writing — do not rely on a phone call. Include a copy of your record, a clear description of the error, and any supporting documents (such as a court dismissal letter or proof of payment).
The DPS office will investigate your dispute, which typically takes two to four weeks. If they confirm the error, they will issue a corrected record. Keep a copy of your dispute letter and the response for your records. If the error involves a conviction, you may also need to contact the court that handled the case to request they send a corrected disposition to the DPS office.
Using your record for insurance, employment, or legal purposes
Insurance companies often request your DPS record when you explore for a quote or renew your policy. They use it to assess your risk and set your premium. If your record shows recent violations or accidents, your rate will be higher. Some insurers offer discounts if your record is clean for a certain period, such as three or five years without violations.
Employers in certain fields — such as commercial driving, delivery, or positions requiring a company vehicle — routinely check driving records as part of the hiring process. A record with serious violations may disqualify you from these jobs. If you are involved in a legal case related to a traffic incident, the court may request your record as evidence. Having an official copy from the DPS is more credible than a printout you make yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a violation stay on my DPS record?
Most minor violations like speeding drop off after three to five years, depending on your state. Serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run can remain for seven to ten years or longer. Some states remove violations automatically after the time period expires; others require you to request removal.
Can I get someone else's driving record?
Most states do not release another person's record without their written permission or a court order, due to privacy laws. If you need an employee's or family member's record, ask them to order it themselves and provide it to you, or obtain a signed authorization form that you submit with your request.
What if my record shows a violation I paid off or that was dismissed?
Paid violations and dismissals should still appear on your record, but they will show the outcome (paid, dismissed, or acquitted). They do not disappear when ready — they remain visible for the timeframe set by your state. If a dismissal is not showing correctly, dispute it in writing with the DPS office and include a copy of the court's dismissal order.
Do I need my record to renew my driver's license?
No, you do not need to provide your record to renew your license. The DPS already has your record in their system. However, if your license was suspended or revoked due to violations, you may need to complete certain requirements (like a defensive driving course) before you can renew.
Is my DPS record the same as my insurance record?
No. Your DPS record is the official state document of your driving history. Your insurance company maintains their own record based on what they find when they check your DPS record and their own claims history with you. The two may not match exactly — for example, an accident you reported to insurance but not to the state may appear on your insurance record but not your DPS record.