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 within the state. It includes traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, and convictions for traffic offenses. The record shows the date each incident occurred, what happened, and any penalties applied.
You can request your own driving record directly from DPS, and you do not need to go to a physical office to do it. DPS offers three main ways to get a copy: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the record and whether you want a certified copy (one with an official seal that courts and employers accept as proof).
Your driving record is different from your driving license status. The record shows your history; your license status tells you whether you are currently allowed to drive. If you need to know whether your license is suspended or revoked right now, you can check that separately through DPS before ordering the full record.
Key Takeaways
- Texas DPS maintains your driving record and you can request it online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
- A certified copy with an official seal costs more but is required by courts, employers, and insurance companies as proof of your record.
- Online requests through the DPS website are the fastest option and usually arrive within one to two business days.
- You will need to provide your driver's license number, full name, and date of birth to request your record.
- Traffic violations, accidents, suspensions, and convictions all appear on your record and can affect insurance rates and employment.
Ordering your record online through the DPS website
The DPS website at dps.texas.gov has a dedicated section for driving records under "Driver License" or "Records." You can order both certified and non-certified copies online. A non-certified copy is a printout of your record without an official seal; a certified copy includes the DPS seal and signature and is what most employers, courts, and insurance companies require.
To order online, you will need your driver's license number, full name, date of birth, and a payment method (credit or debit card). DPS charges a fee for each copy—the amount varies depending on whether you want a certified or non-certified version. You can usually choose to have the record mailed to you or, in some cases, printed when ready if you are ordering from a kiosk at a DPS office.
Online orders typically arrive within one to two business days if you choose standard mail delivery. Some DPS locations offer expedited printing if you need the record the same day, though this is only available at certain offices and may have an additional fee. Check the DPS website for the office nearest you and whether they offer same-day service.
Requesting your record by mail
If you prefer to request your record by mail, you will need to send a written request to the DPS Records Bureau. The request must include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the type of copy you want (certified or non-certified). You must also include payment—DPS accepts checks or money orders made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Mail your request to the address listed on the DPS website under "Mailing Address for Records Requests." Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so DPS can return your record to you. Mail requests typically take two to three weeks to process, depending on how busy the Records Bureau is at the time you send it.
Keep a copy of everything you mail, including the check or money order number and the date you sent it. If your request does not arrive within the expected timeframe, you can contact DPS to check on the status, and having this information will help them locate your request.
Getting your record in person at a DPS office
You can walk into any Texas DPS Driver License office and request your driving record on the spot. Bring your driver's license or state ID, and let the staff know whether you need a certified or non-certified copy. You will pay the fee at the counter, and in most cases you can receive your record when ready or within a few hours.
DPS offices are located throughout Texas, and you can find the one nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Office hours and wait times vary by location. Some offices are busier than others, particularly in urban areas, so calling ahead or checking online wait times can help you plan your visit.
Going in person is the fastest way to get your record if you need it the same day. However, if you live far from a DPS office or have a busy schedule, ordering online is usually more convenient and still arrives within a day or two.
Understanding what appears on your driving record
Your Texas driving record includes every traffic violation you have received while driving in Texas, including speeding tickets, red light violations, and failure to maintain insurance. It also shows any accidents you reported to police or insurance, though not every accident appears—only those that were reported to DPS or resulted in a police report.
License actions appear on your record, including suspensions, revocations, and reinstatements. A suspension is temporary; a revocation means your license was cancelled and you must reapply to get it back. The record shows the reason for each action and the dates it was in effect. Convictions for traffic offenses, DWI, and reckless driving all appear and remain on your record for years.
Points assigned to your license for violations also show on your record. Texas uses a points system where certain violations add points to your license. If you accumulate too many points within a set time period, DPS will suspend your license. Your record shows your current point total and the violations that contributed to it.
Certified versus non-certified copies and when you need each
A non-certified copy is a standard printout of your driving record with no official seal or signature. It is useful if you want to review your own record, check for errors, or see what information is on file. However, most organizations will not accept a non-certified copy as proof of your record.
A certified copy includes the official DPS seal and is signed by a DPS representative. Courts, employers, insurance companies, and government agencies require certified copies because the seal proves the document came directly from DPS and has not been altered. If you are explore for a job that requires a background check, getting a professional license, or involved in a legal matter, you will need a certified copy.
Certified copies cost more than non-certified copies. The exact fee depends on how many pages your record is and whether you want it mailed or printed in person. Check the DPS website for current pricing, as fees can change. If you are unsure which type you need, contact the organization requesting the record and ask—they will tell you whether a certified copy is required.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If your driving record contains an error—such as a violation you did not commit, an accident that was not your fault, or a conviction that was dismissed—you can file a dispute with DPS. The process begins by contacting the DPS Records Bureau and explaining what is incorrect. You will need to provide documentation that supports your claim, such as a court order showing a conviction was dismissed or a police report showing you were not at fault in an accident.
DPS will review your documentation and investigate the error. If they find that the record is incorrect, they will issue a corrected record. This process can take several weeks. In the meantime, if you need to show employers or courts that the record contains an error, you can request a letter from DPS explaining that a dispute is pending.
Some errors, such as violations attributed to the wrong person due to a name match, require working with the court that issued the conviction. DPS can guide you on what steps to take depending on the type of error. Contact the Records Bureau directly for help with your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a violation stay on my Texas driving record?
Most traffic violations remain on your record for three years from the date of conviction. However, serious violations like DWI, reckless driving, and at-fault accidents stay on your record for longer—typically five to ten years depending on the offense. Your insurance company may also keep violations on record for longer than DPS does.
Can I request someone else's driving record?
No, DPS only releases driving records to the person whose record it is, their attorney, or someone with a court order. If you need someone else's record for a legal matter, you will need a court order or written permission from that person. Employers and insurance companies have their own ways to check driving records with consent.
What if my license is suspended—will that show on my record?
Yes, any suspension or revocation appears on your driving record along with the reason and dates. You can check your current license status separately on the DPS website without ordering your full record if you only need to know whether your license is currently active.
Do I need to order a new record if I have already received one?
Records are current as of the date they are printed, so if violations or actions have occurred since your last record, a new one will show them. If you need the most recent information, order a new copy. For most purposes, a record from within the last few months is acceptable unless specifically requested otherwise.
What if I cannot pay the fee for my record right now?
DPS requires payment at the time of request, whether you order online, by mail, or in person. If cost is a barrier, contact DPS directly to ask about fee waivers or payment options. Some situations, such as legal proceedings, may may have access to for reduced fees or waivers.