What's on your Texas driving record and how to get it

Your Texas driving record is a document kept by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that shows your driving history — tickets, accidents, suspensions, and convictions. It's not the same as your driving abstract (a shorter summary) or your criminal record. You can order your own record online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, and you'll receive either a certified copy (which courts and employers accept) or an uncertified copy (which you can use to check for errors).

The record you get depends on which version you order. A certified driving record costs more but has the state's official seal and is accepted by courts, insurance companies, and employers. An uncertified record is cheaper and faster but is mainly for your own review. Both show the same information — it's just the legal weight that differs.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas driving records are maintained by the Department of Public Safety and include tickets, accidents, convictions, and license suspensions for the past three to five years.
  • You can order your record online through the DPS website, by mail with a form and fee, or in person at any DPS office — online is fastest.
  • A certified record has the state seal and is required by courts and most employers; an uncertified record is cheaper and used mainly to check for errors.
  • You should review your record regularly for mistakes, because errors can affect insurance rates and job prospects.
  • Tickets and minor violations typically stay on your record for three years; DWI convictions and serious violations can remain for five to ten years or longer.

How to order your Texas driving record online

The fastest way to get your record is through the Texas DPS website. Go to the DPS Records Bureau page, select "Driving Record Request," and choose whether you want a certified or uncertified copy. You'll need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Payment is by credit or debit card, and the fee varies — certified records cost more than uncertified ones.

After you submit your order online, you can choose to have it mailed to you or, in some cases, pick it up in person at a DPS office. Mailed records typically arrive within five to ten business days. If you need the record urgently, call the DPS Records Bureau directly to ask about expedited options, though these may not be available for all request types.

Ordering by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record by mail. read the DPS form (Request for Driving Record) from the DPS website, fill it out, include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks by mail, so this is the slowest option.

You can also walk into any DPS office in Texas with your driver's license and request your record in person. Bring cash or a check for the fee. Some offices can print an uncertified copy on the spot, though certified copies still require mailing. Call ahead to confirm what your local office can provide when ready.

What violations and incidents stay on your record

Texas driving records show moving violations (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving), at-fault accidents, DWI or DUI arrests and convictions, license suspensions, and administrative actions like points or restrictions. The length of time each item appears depends on its severity and type.

Minor violations like speeding typically remain visible for three years from the date of conviction. More serious violations — including DWI convictions, reckless driving, and at-fault accidents — can stay on your record for five to ten years. Some items, like certain felony convictions or habitual violator status, may appear indefinitely. Texas uses a points system: accumulating too many points in a set time triggers a suspension, and those suspensions are recorded on your driving history.

How to check your record for errors

Order an uncertified copy of your record and review it carefully. Look for tickets you don't remember, accidents you weren't in, or convictions that were dismissed or reduced. Mistakes happen — a ticket might be recorded under the wrong date, or a conviction might not reflect a plea bargain you made.

If you find an error, contact the DPS Records Bureau in writing with details of what's wrong and supporting documents (a court order showing a dismissal, for example). Include a copy of your record with the error highlighted. The DPS will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process takes several weeks, so start early if you need the corrected record for a job or court case.

How your driving record affects insurance and employment

Insurance companies pull your driving record when you explore for or renew a policy. Tickets, accidents, and violations raise your rates or can cause an insurer to drop you. A DWI conviction typically increases premiums significantly and may limit which insurers will cover you. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers, but their rates are much higher.

Employers also review driving records, especially for jobs involving driving (delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking) or positions requiring a clean background. A serious violation or multiple tickets can disqualify you. Even for non-driving jobs, some employers check records as part of background screening. Knowing what's on your record before you explore helps you prepare for questions or decide whether to disclose information upfront.

Requesting someone else's driving record

You generally cannot order another person's driving record without their permission. Texas protects driving records as personal information. However, there are exceptions: law enforcement can access records during investigations, courts can order records for legal proceedings, and insurance companies can request records with the driver's consent.

If you need someone else's record — for example, after an accident or for a legal case — ask them to order it themselves and share it with you, or work through your attorney or insurance company, who may be able to request it on your behalf. Some employers ask job candidates to provide their own records as part of the hiring process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a speeding ticket stay on my Texas driving record?

A speeding ticket typically remains on your record for three years from the conviction date. After three years, it no longer appears on new records you order, though it may still affect your insurance rates depending on your insurer's policy. More serious violations like reckless driving stay longer.

Can I remove a ticket from my record if I completed defensive driving?

Completing a defensive driving course can prevent points from being added to your record and may help with insurance, but it does not erase the ticket from your driving history. The ticket will still appear on your record for three years. Some courts allow you to dismiss a ticket if you complete the course, which removes it from your record entirely — ask the court that issued the ticket.

What's the difference between a certified and uncertified driving record?

A certified record has the state's official seal and is accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies. An uncertified record is the same information but without the seal and costs less. Use certified for official purposes and uncertified to check for errors or personal review.

How far back does a Texas driving record go?

Most records show the past three to five years of violations and incidents. DWI convictions and serious violations may appear longer. Suspensions and administrative actions are shown for the period they were active. If you need information older than five years, contact the DPS Records Bureau directly.

Will a dismissed ticket still show on my driving record?

A dismissed ticket should not appear on your driving record, but errors happen. If a dismissal was entered in court but still shows on your record, order a certified copy of the court's dismissal order and send it to the DPS Records Bureau with a written request to correct your record. Include a copy of your driving record with the error highlighted.