What a Texas driving record contains and who can see it
Your Texas driving record is a file maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that shows your driving history for the past three years. It includes traffic violations, at-fault accidents, license suspensions, convictions, and points assessed against your license. The record does not include warnings or tickets that were dismissed.
Texas keeps two versions of your record: the public record, which employers, insurance companies, and others can request with your permission, and your personal record, which you can view anytime. Insurance companies and potential employers are the most common requesters. Some violations stay on your record longer than three years — DWI convictions, for example, remain visible for longer periods.
You can order your own record online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest and costs around $7 to $11, depending on whether you want a certified copy. Certified copies are required for court cases or insurance disputes; uncertified copies work for personal review or most employer requests.
Key Takeaways
- Your Texas driving record shows violations, accidents, and convictions from the past three years, though some violations like DWI stay longer.
- You can order your record online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office for $7 to $11.
- Certified copies are required for court or insurance disputes; uncertified copies work for personal review or most employer requests.
- Traffic violations add points to your license, and accumulating too many points can result in suspension.
- You have the right to correct errors on your record by contacting DPS with documentation of the mistake.
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 section and select "Order Your Driving Record." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system accepts payment by credit or debit card.
After you submit your order, you can choose to have the record emailed to you or mailed to your address. Email delivery typically arrives within one business day. Mailed copies take five to seven business days. If you need the record urgently for a court date or insurance claim, email delivery is your best option.
When you order online, you will receive an uncertified copy by default. If you need a certified copy with an official seal and signature, you must request it specifically during checkout — this costs slightly more and takes the same amount of time to deliver.
Ordering by mail or in person
If you prefer not to order online, you can mail a request to the DPS Records Bureau with a completed form (available on the DPS website), a copy of your driver's license, and a check or money order. Include your return address and allow 10 to 15 business days for processing and delivery.
You can also visit a DPS office in person to request your record. Bring your driver's license and payment. Some offices can print your record on the spot; others may need to mail it to you. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office offers same-day printing, as this varies by location.
Understanding points and violations on your record
Texas assigns points to your license for certain violations. A speeding ticket is typically 1 to 3 points depending on how far over the limit you were. Reckless driving is 4 points. At-fault accidents are 3 points. If you accumulate 6 points within a 36-month period, the DPS will send you a warning letter. At 8 points, your license is suspended for 60 days. At 11 points, suspension is 120 days.
Not all violations add points. Parking tickets, equipment violations, and some minor infractions do not appear on your driving record at all. Violations that result in dismissal or acquittal are also removed from your record, though this can take several months to process after the court notifies DPS.
Points do not stay on your record forever. Once three years have passed from the violation date, the points are removed from your total. However, the violation itself may still appear on your record for insurance or employment purposes — the points just stop counting toward suspension.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If your record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, or a conviction that was overturned — you have the right to request a correction. Contact the DPS Records Bureau in writing with documentation of the error. This might be a court document showing a dismissal, an acquittal letter, or proof that the violation occurred in a different state.
DPS will review your request and contact you within 30 days. If the error is confirmed, they will issue a corrected record. If DPS denies your request, you can appeal through the Texas Administrative Code process, though this is rare when you provide clear documentation.
Do not ignore errors on your record. An incorrect violation can affect your insurance rates, make you ineligible for certain jobs, or cause you to accumulate points you should not have. Review your record at least once a year to catch mistakes early.
How your driving record affects insurance and employment
Insurance companies use your driving record to set your rates. A clean record with no violations or accidents qualifies you for the best rates. Each violation or accident increases your premium. A speeding ticket might raise your rate by 10 to 15 percent; a DWI conviction can double or triple your rate. Some insurers will not cover drivers with recent serious violations.
Employers also review driving records, especially for jobs involving driving — delivery, rideshare, commercial driving, or positions requiring a commercial driver's license (CDL). Many employers have policies that disqualify candidates with certain violations or too many points. Even for non-driving jobs, some employers check records as part of background screening.
You can request that your record be corrected before an employer or insurance company sees it. If you know an error exists, fix it before explore for a job or renewing your insurance. This is much easier than disputing a rate increase or job rejection later.
Violations that stay on your record longer than three years
Most violations fall off your record after three years, but some remain longer. A DWI conviction stays on your record for 10 years in Texas. A conviction for driving with a suspended or revoked license also remains for 10 years. Felony convictions related to driving remain indefinitely.
These longer-term violations affect your insurance rates and employment prospects for years. A DWI from 10 years ago will still appear on your record and can still influence hiring decisions or insurance rates, even though it is no longer recent. This is why DWI convictions are treated so seriously in Texas — they have lasting consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my Texas driving record?
Online orders arrive by email within one business day or by mail in five to seven business days. Mail-in requests take 10 to 15 business days. In-person requests at a DPS office may be printed same-day, but this varies by location — call ahead to confirm.
Can I see my driving record for free?
No. Texas charges $7 to $11 for an uncertified copy and slightly more for a certified copy. There is no free way to view your official record, though you can contact the DPS Records Bureau by phone to ask about specific violations if you have questions.
Will a dismissed ticket appear on my driving record?
No. Dismissed tickets and acquittals do not appear on your record. However, it can take several months after the court notifies DPS for the dismissal to be processed and removed. If you see a dismissed ticket still on your record, contact DPS to request removal.
Does a traffic warning go on my driving record?
No. Warnings do not appear on your driving record. Only citations that result in convictions or guilty pleas are recorded. Warnings are issued at the officer's discretion and have no legal consequence.
What should I do if my record shows points I disagree with?
Contact the DPS Records Bureau with documentation — a court document, dismissal letter, or proof the violation was dismissed or overturned. DPS will review your request within 30 days. If the points were assessed in error, they will be removed from your record.