What a Texas driver record shows and who can see it
Your Texas driver record is a document maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that lists your driving history — traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and convictions. It does not include your personal information like address or Social Security number when you request it yourself, though law enforcement and certain employers see a fuller version.
The record you can order for yourself shows violations and convictions from the past three to five years, depending on the offense type. Serious violations like DWI stay longer. Minor traffic tickets may fall off after three years if you paid the fine and had no other violations during that period.
Your record is public information, meaning insurance companies, employers, courts, and licensing agencies can request it with your consent or under certain legal circumstances. You can also request your own record at any time to check for errors or to see what others might see about you.
Key Takeaways
- You can order your Texas driver record online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, and the fastest method is the online portal.
- Traffic violations stay on your record for three to five years; DWI convictions and serious offenses remain much longer.
- Your record shows violations and convictions but not personal details like your address when you request it yourself.
- You should check your record periodically to catch errors, which can affect insurance rates or employment decisions.
- Insurance companies and employers can see your record if you consent, and courts can access it without your permission.
How to order your Texas driver record online
The fastest way to get your record is through the Texas DPS online portal at records.txdps.state.tx.us. You will need your Texas driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system accepts payment by credit card or debit card, and you receive a PDF copy by email within minutes.
The online fee is typically $3 to $5 for a standard record, though prices can change. You can print the PDF when ready or save it to your computer. This method works 24 hours a day and does not require you to visit an office or wait for mail delivery.
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to order online, you can call the DPS Records Bureau at 512-424-2600 during business hours to ask about phone ordering, though not all requests can be handled this way.
Ordering by mail or in person
To order by mail, send a written request to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Records Bureau, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0001. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enclose a check or money order for the fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Mail requests typically take 5 to 10 business days to process and return to you. This method is slower than online ordering but works if you do not have a credit card or prefer a paper copy mailed to you.
You can also visit any DPS office in Texas in person to request your record. Bring your driver's license and be prepared to pay the fee in cash, check, or card. You will receive your record on the spot or within a few minutes. DPS office locations and hours are listed on the DPS website.
What violations and convictions appear on your record
Traffic violations on your record include speeding, running a red light, failure to yield, and other moving violations. Each violation shows the date, location, and fine amount. Accidents you reported to police appear as well, though at-fault information varies by how the accident was documented.
Convictions — meaning you were found guilty or pleaded guilty — show the offense, the date, and the sentence or fine. A DWI conviction stays on your record permanently for driving purposes, even though it may not appear on a standard criminal background check after a certain time. Reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and hit-and-run convictions also remain long-term.
Minor violations like a single speeding ticket may drop off after three years if you had no other violations during that time and paid the fine. However, if you accumulate multiple violations, they compound and stay visible longer. License suspensions and administrative actions also appear on your record.
How your record affects insurance and employment
Insurance companies request your driving record when you explore for auto insurance or when your policy renews. A record with recent violations or accidents typically raises your premium or may cause an insurer to decline coverage. A clean record — no violations or accidents in the past three to five years — usually qualifies you for the best rates.
Some employers, particularly those hiring for positions that involve driving or handling sensitive information, request your record as part of the background check process. You will be asked to consent before they can see it. A DWI conviction or multiple violations can disqualify you from certain jobs, especially commercial driving positions or roles requiring a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft also check driving records and typically decline drivers with recent violations or serious convictions. Insurance companies and employers see a more detailed version of your record than you do, including your address and full violation details.
Correcting errors on your Texas driver record
If you find an error on your record — a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, or a conviction that was dismissed — you can dispute it. Contact the Texas DPS Records Bureau at 512-424-2600 with details of the error and any supporting documents, such as a court dismissal order or proof of payment showing the violation was resolved differently than recorded.
The DPS will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process can take several weeks. If the violation was dismissed in court, obtain a certified copy of the dismissal order from the court that handled the case and send it to the DPS Records Bureau with a letter explaining the error.
If you believe an error is affecting your insurance rates or employment decisions, keep copies of all correspondence with the DPS and provide the corrected record to the insurance company or employer once the correction is made.
Understanding suspension and reinstatement status
Your driver record also shows whether your license is currently suspended, revoked, or under any restrictions. A suspension is temporary — your license will be reinstated after you meet certain conditions, such as paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. A revocation is more serious and typically requires you to reapply for a license after a waiting period.
If your record shows a suspension or revocation, you can contact the DPS to learn what steps are required for reinstatement. Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you accumulate too many points in a short time, Texas will suspend your license. Others result from a court order, such as a DWI conviction or failure to pay child support.
You cannot legally drive while your license is suspended or revoked. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense and will add to your record. Check your status before getting behind the wheel, especially if you have had recent violations or legal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do traffic violations stay on my Texas driver record?
Most traffic violations remain on your record for three years from the date of the violation. However, if you receive another violation during that three-year period, both violations stay on your record longer. DWI convictions, reckless driving, and serious offenses stay much longer — often permanently for insurance and licensing purposes.
Can I see what my insurance company or employer sees on my record?
Not exactly. When you order your record online or by mail, you receive a version without your address and some personal details. Insurance companies and employers see a more complete version that includes your address and full violation history. You can ask the insurance company or employer to share what they received, though they are not required to do so.
What if I was found not guilty of a traffic charge?
If you were acquitted or the charge was dismissed, the violation should not appear on your record. However, errors do occur. If you see a dismissed or acquitted charge on your record, contact the DPS Records Bureau with a certified copy of the court dismissal order and request a correction.
Does my record show accidents I was not at fault for?
Accidents you reported to police appear on your record regardless of fault, though the record may note whether you were found at fault. Insurance companies use this information to assess risk. If an accident was not your fault, your insurance company should have that information in their file, which may help keep your rates lower than if you were at fault.
How do I check if my license is currently suspended?
You can check your license status on the DPS website or by calling 512-424-2600. Your driver record will show any active suspension or revocation. You can also visit a DPS office in person. If your license is suspended, the record will explain the reason and what you must do to have it reinstated.