What Texas calls a driving record and where to request it

Texas calls your driving record a driving history or motor vehicle record (MVR). It shows your license status, traffic violations, accidents you reported, suspensions, and convictions. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains these records and is the only place that issues official copies.

You can request your own record in person, by mail, or online through the DPS website. You cannot get an official record from a third party or through a private service — those sites may charge extra fees and still send you to DPS anyway. If you need the record for insurance, a job, or court, you want the version that comes directly from DPS, because that is the one employers and insurers recognize as official.

The record you receive will show your name, license number, date of birth, and a complete history of violations and convictions for the past three to five years, depending on the offense. Some violations stay on your record longer than others — a DWI conviction, for example, stays visible for longer than a speeding ticket.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS is the only source for an official driving record, and you can request it online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
  • Online requests through the DPS website are the fastest option and usually arrive within one to two business days.
  • You will need your Texas driver's license number or ID number to request your record, and you must provide a valid form of identification when you pick it up in person.
  • The cost varies by request method — online requests cost less than mail or in-person requests — and DPS accepts credit cards, debit cards, and checks.
  • Your record shows violations and convictions for three to five years depending on the offense type, and some serious violations like DWI stay longer.

Requesting your record online through the DPS website

The fastest way to get your driving record is through the Texas DPS online portal. Go to the DPS website, find the "Driving Records" section, and select "Order Your Driving Record Online." You will need your Texas driver's license number or ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using this information.

Once you complete the form and pay the fee with a credit or debit card, DPS will email your record to the address you provide. Most records arrive within one to two business days. If you need the record urgently, this is your best option — it is faster than mail and does not require you to go to an office. You will receive a PDF that you can print, save, or send directly to an employer or insurance company.

Keep in mind that the online system is available 24 hours a day, but processing happens during business hours. If you submit a request late on a Friday, expect it Monday or Tuesday. Weekends and state holidays add time to the queue.

Requesting by mail or in person at a DPS office

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request your record by mail. read the form from the DPS website (form DL-43 or the current version listed on their driving records page), fill it out completely, and mail it with a check or money order to the address shown on the form. Include a copy of your driver's license or ID. Mail requests take one to two weeks depending on how busy DPS is and mail delivery time.

You can also walk into any DPS office in Texas and request your record in person. Bring your driver's license or ID and be ready to pay the fee with cash, check, or card — policies vary by office. You will receive your record on the spot or within a few minutes. This method works well if you need the record the same day, but it requires you to travel to an office during business hours, which are usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Find your nearest DPS office on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.

What information appears on your record and how long violations stay

Your Texas driving record shows your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), your license class and any endorsements, and a complete list of traffic violations and convictions. Each entry includes the date of the violation, the offense description, the court or jurisdiction, and the disposition (whether you were convicted, the case was dismissed, or you paid a fine).

How long a violation stays on your record depends on its type. Most traffic violations like speeding, running a red light, or unsafe lane change stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction. At-fault accidents stay for three years. However, serious offenses like DWI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license can stay for five years or longer. Some convictions, particularly felonies involving a vehicle, may stay permanently.

Your record does not show violations that were dismissed, reduced, or expunged — those are removed from the public record entirely. If you had a ticket dismissed in traffic court, it will not appear on your official DPS record.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of your driving record depends on how you request it. Online requests are the least expensive option. Mail requests cost slightly more because DPS has to process and mail a physical copy. In-person requests at a DPS office fall somewhere in between. Exact fees change occasionally, so check the DPS website for the current amount before you submit your request.

DPS accepts credit cards and debit cards for online and in-person requests. For mail requests, you must send a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. Make the check payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you overpay, DPS will refund the difference, but this adds time to your request.

When you need a certified copy versus an unofficial copy

Some situations require a certified copy of your driving record — a version that includes an official seal or certification from DPS. Employers doing background checks, insurance companies investigating an accident, and courts handling traffic cases often ask for a certified copy because it proves the record came directly from the state and has not been altered.

An unofficial copy is straightforward a printout of your record without the seal. It is fine for your own personal use or to understand what is on your record, but it may not be accepted by employers or insurers. When you request your record through the DPS website or in person, ask whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. The DPS staff or website will tell you which one to order, and certified copies may cost a bit more.

What to do if your record contains errors

If your driving record shows a violation you do not recognize, a conviction that was dismissed, or incorrect information about an accident, contact the Texas DPS directly. You can call the DPS Driving Records section or visit a DPS office with a copy of your record and any documentation that proves the error — such as a court dismissal letter or a police report.

DPS will investigate the error and correct it if they find a mistake. This process can take several weeks. In the meantime, if you need your record for a job or insurance, explain the situation to the employer or insurer and provide the documentation showing the error. Many will work with you while DPS corrects the record.

If a violation was dismissed or expunged by a court, send DPS a certified copy of the court order. They will remove it from your record, but you need the official court document to prove it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else request my driving record for me?

No, DPS requires you to request your own record or give written permission to someone else. If you authorize another person, you must sign a notarized form and send it with their request. Some employers or insurers can request your record directly if you sign a release form, but DPS will not give your record to a random person who calls or visits.

How far back does a Texas driving record go?

Most violations stay on your record for three years from the conviction date. Serious offenses like DWI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license stay for five years or longer. Some felonies stay permanently. The record you receive will show everything currently on file, which typically covers the past three to five years.

Will my record show violations from other states?

Texas driving records show only violations and convictions in Texas. If you were cited in another state, that violation will not appear on your Texas record unless you were convicted and the other state reported it to Texas through the Interstate Compact. Your insurance company may see out-of-state violations through their own database, but your official Texas DPS record will not include them.

Do I need my Social Security number to request my record online?

You need the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity in the online system, but you do not have to provide your full number. DPS uses this information to confirm you are who you say you are before releasing your record.

What if my license is suspended or revoked — can I still get my record?

Yes, you can still request your driving record even if your license is suspended or revoked. Your record will show the current status and the reason for the suspension or revocation. Getting a copy of your record is often the first step in understanding what you need to do to restore your license.