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 traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and other enforcement actions. It does not include parking tickets or violations that happened outside Texas. You can request your own record, or someone else can request it if they have your written consent or a court order.

DPS keeps two versions: your personal record (what you see) and your commercial record (what insurers and employers see). The commercial version may include more detail about violations and their outcomes. Both are available through the same request process.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request your Texas driving record online through the DPS website, by mail, in person at a DPS office, or by phone, with online being the fastest option.
  • The record costs between $3 and $11 depending on how you request it, with online requests being the cheapest.
  • DPS typically processes online requests within one business day and mailed requests within 5 to 10 business days.
  • You will need your Texas driver's license number or ID number to request your record, and a valid payment method if ordering online or by phone.

Requesting your record online

The fastest way to get your Texas driving record is through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Go to the "Driver License" section and select "Driving Record Request." You will need your Texas driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is $3 for a standard record.

You can pay by credit card or debit card. DPS will email your record to the address on file with your license within one business day, usually within a few hours. If you need a certified copy (one with an official seal), the online fee is $5 instead of $3, and it arrives the same way.

Requesting in person or by mail

You can walk into any Texas DPS Driver License office and request your record at the counter. Bring your driver's license or ID card. The fee is $6 for a standard record or $8 for a certified copy. You will receive the record when ready or within a few minutes.

To request by mail, send a letter to the DPS Records Bureau with your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the type of record you want (standard or certified). Include a check or money order for $6 (standard) or $8 (certified) made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Mail it to: Texas Department of Public Safety, Records Bureau, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0001. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after DPS receives your letter.

Requesting by phone

You can call the DPS Records Bureau at 512-424-2000 to request your record. Have your driver's license number and a credit or debit card ready. The fee is $11 by phone. DPS will mail the record to the address on your license, which takes 5 to 10 business days.

Phone lines are typically busiest during mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. Calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon may mean shorter wait times.

What appears on your record and how long violations stay

Your Texas driving record includes moving violations (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), at-fault accidents, license suspensions or revocations, DWI convictions, and points assessed by DPS. It does not include warnings, citations that were dismissed, or violations from other states (though some states share information with Texas).

Most violations stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction. DWI convictions remain for five years. Suspensions and revocations stay until they are lifted. Points assigned for violations typically expire after three years, but a new violation can reset the clock on older points.

Understanding your record if you need it for insurance or employment

Insurance companies and employers often request your driving record to assess risk. Insurance companies see the commercial version, which may show more detail than your personal record. If you see violations on your record that you believe are wrong — a ticket you paid off, a suspension that was lifted, or a violation from another state that should not be there — contact DPS to request a correction.

Bring documentation of the correction (a receipt showing you paid a fine, a court order lifting a suspension, or proof the violation occurred out of state) to a DPS Driver License office, or mail it to the Records Bureau. Corrections can take 2 to 4 weeks to process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my record?

Online requests arrive within one business day, usually within hours. In-person requests are when ready. Mail and phone requests take 5 to 10 business days after DPS receives or processes your request.

Can someone else request my record?

Yes, if they have your written consent or a court order. They will need your driver's license number and date of birth. Some requesters (like law enforcement or courts) can get your record without consent.

What if my record shows a violation I don't remember or believe is wrong?

Contact DPS with documentation of the error — a receipt showing you paid the fine, a court order, or proof the violation was dismissed. Bring this to a DPS office or mail it to the Records Bureau. Corrections take 2 to 4 weeks.

Does my Texas record include traffic violations from other states?

Not automatically. However, some states share violation information with Texas through the Interstate Compact on Driver's License Compact. If you received a ticket in another state, it may appear on your Texas record depending on that state's reporting practices.

Is there a difference between my personal record and the one insurers see?

Yes. Your personal record shows what you request. The commercial record that insurers and employers see may include additional details about violations, their outcomes, and points. You can request the commercial version online or by mail for the same fee.