Where to get your Texas driving record

Your Texas driving record is kept by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and you can view it three ways: online through their official portal, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest — you can see your record within minutes if you have your driver's license number and date of birth. By mail takes 5 to 10 business days. In person at a local DPS office is when ready but requires you to go during business hours.

The online system is called the Texas DPS Driver License Check. You access it through the official DPS website (dps.texas.gov), not through a third-party site. You'll need your Texas driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The record you receive is the same one insurers and employers see — it shows violations, suspensions, and points on your license.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS website lets you check your own driving record online in minutes using your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Your Texas driving record shows traffic violations, at-fault accidents, license suspensions, and points assessed against your license.
  • You can also request a record by mail from DPS or visit a local DPS office in person, though both take longer than the online option.
  • Points stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction, and suspensions appear until they are lifted by DPS.
  • If you find errors on your record, you can dispute them through DPS by submitting a written request with supporting documents.

What appears on your Texas driving record

Your driving record includes every traffic violation you've been convicted of in Texas, as well as violations from other states if they were reported to Texas. This includes speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and driving without a license. It also shows at-fault accidents, license suspensions (and the reason for them), and points assessed to your license.

Points are the key number on your record. Texas assigns points based on the type of violation: a speeding ticket is typically 1 to 3 points depending on how far over the limit you were, while reckless driving is 4 points. If you accumulate 6 points in a 3-year period, your license can be suspended. Points remain on your record for exactly three years from the date of conviction, then drop off automatically.

Your record does not show arrests that did not result in conviction, tickets you received but paid off without a conviction (like a deferred adjudication), or violations from before you turned 17 (unless they were serious felonies). It also does not show warnings or citations that were dismissed.

How to read your Texas driving record online

When you pull up your record on the DPS website, you'll see a list organized by date, with the most recent violation at the top. Each entry shows the violation date, the type of violation, the points assigned, and whether it resulted in a suspension. Some entries will show a conviction date separate from the violation date — this is when you were found guilty or pleaded guilty, which is what matters for your record.

Look for the "Status" column, which tells you whether the violation is still active on your record or has been resolved. A suspension will show an end date once it's been lifted. If you see a violation you don't recognize or believe is wrong, write down the exact date and violation type — you'll need this to dispute it.

Disputing errors on your driving record

If your record shows a violation you didn't commit, or if the information is incorrect (wrong date, wrong violation type, or a duplicate entry), you can file a dispute with the Texas DPS. You must submit a written request to the DPS Driver License Division, not through the online portal. Include your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and a clear description of the error.

Attach supporting documents that prove the error — this might be a court document showing the case was dismissed, a letter from the court correcting the conviction date, or proof that you completed a defensive driving course that should have removed points. Mail your dispute to the address listed on the DPS website under "Contact Us." DPS will investigate and respond within 30 days, though complex disputes may take longer.

If DPS denies your dispute, you have the right to request a hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). This is a formal process and may require you to present evidence in front of a hearing officer, so consider whether the error is significant enough to warrant the time and cost.

Why you might need to check your record

Insurance companies pull your driving record when you explore for a policy or renew one — violations and accidents directly affect your rates. Employers in certain fields (commercial driving, transportation, security) are required to check your record before hiring you. Some professional licenses also require a clean driving record. Checking your own record before these situations happen lets you know what they'll see and whether there are errors you should fix first.

You should also check your record if you've been told your license is suspended or revoked but you're not sure why. The record will show the exact reason and the date the suspension ends (if it's temporary). If you're explore for a job that requires a driving record check, getting your own copy first means you can address any questions before the employer sees it.

Removing points and violations from your record

Points drop off your Texas record automatically three years after the conviction date — you don't have to do anything. However, you can speed up the process by taking a defensive driving course approved by the Texas Education Agency. Completing one removes up to 3 points from your record and may lower your insurance rates. You can take a defensive driving course only once every 12 months and only if you haven't taken one in the past 12 months.

Violations themselves do not disappear from your record — they stay there permanently. What changes is the points associated with them. After three years, the points are gone, but the violation still shows on your record as a historical entry. This matters less than points because insurance companies care most about recent violations and points that affect your license status.

If you were convicted of a traffic offense and later had it dismissed or expunged by a court, you can request that DPS remove it from your record. You'll need a certified copy of the court order showing the dismissal or expungement. Send this to the DPS Driver License Division with a written request to update your record.

What to do if your license is suspended

If your record shows a suspension, the entry will include the reason (too many points, failure to pay a fine, failure to appear in court, or a DUI-related suspension) and the end date. Some suspensions are automatic — accumulating 6 points in three years triggers a 3-month suspension. Others are court-ordered or result from unpaid tickets.

To reinstate a suspended license, you must first resolve the underlying issue: pay outstanding fines, complete a required course, or wait out the suspension period. Then you go to a DPS office in person with proof that the issue is resolved (a receipt showing payment, a course completion certificate, or a court document). You'll pay a reinstatement fee (the amount varies but is typically $100 to $200) and your license will be reinstated on the spot if everything is in order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to check my driving record in Texas?

Checking your own record online through the DPS website is free. Requesting a copy by mail costs around $5 to $10 depending on how many copies you want. Getting a certified copy (needed for some legal purposes) costs more, usually $10 to $15. In-person requests at a DPS office are also free or low-cost.

Can I check someone else's driving record?

No, you cannot check another person's driving record without their permission. Texas law protects driving records as private information. Employers and insurance companies can request records with the driver's consent, and law enforcement can access records for official purposes, but you cannot look up a stranger's or even a family member's record without their written permission.

How long does a traffic violation stay on my Texas record?

The violation itself stays on your record permanently, but the points associated with it drop off three years after the conviction date. After three years, the violation no longer affects your license status or insurance rates, even though it remains in your record history.

What if I got a ticket in another state — will it show on my Texas record?

Yes, if you were convicted of a traffic violation in another state and that state reported it to Texas, it will appear on your Texas driving record. Texas participates in the Interstate Compact on Driver's Licenses, which shares conviction information between states. Out-of-state violations are treated the same as Texas violations for points purposes.

Can I remove a violation from my record before three years?

You cannot remove a violation itself, but you can remove the points by taking a defensive driving course, which removes up to 3 points. You can take one course per 12-month period. The violation stays on your record, but without the points, it has less impact on your license status and insurance rates.