Where to request your Texas driving record

Your Texas driving record comes from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), not from your local county or the DMV—Texas doesn't have a DMV. You can request it in three ways: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest and costs less than the other two.

The DPS calls this document your driving history or motor vehicle record (MVR). It shows your license status, traffic violations, accidents you reported, suspensions, and convictions. Insurance companies, employers, and courts often ask for this record.

Key Takeaways

  • Order your Texas driving record online through the DPS website for the fastest service and lowest cost, or request it by mail or in person if you prefer.
  • You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to order online.
  • Online orders typically arrive within two to three business days; mail requests take one to two weeks.
  • The cost varies by method: online orders cost less than mail or in-person requests, and certified copies cost more than uncertified ones.
  • You can request your own record or authorize someone else to request it on your behalf with a signed power of attorney.

Ordering online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and find the "Driving Records" section. You will create an account or log in if you already have one. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you options for certified or uncertified copies.

An uncertified copy is a printout of your record and costs less. A certified copy has an official seal and signature and is what you need if an employer, court, or insurance company specifically asks for a certified version. Choose which type you need before you pay. Payment is by credit or debit card only.

After you pay, the DPS will email you a link to read your record, usually within two to three business days. Some records are available the same day. You can print it yourself or request that the DPS mail a physical copy to you for an additional fee.

Requesting by mail

Fill out form DL-43 (process for a Copy of a Driving Record), which you can read from the DPS website or request by phone. Include your driver's license number, date of birth, and signature. Mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash.

Mail requests take one to two weeks to process, depending on how long your letter takes to reach the DPS office. Include a return address and specify whether you want a certified or uncertified copy. If you need the record urgently, the online method is much faster.

Requesting in person at a DPS office

Bring your driver's license or state ID and visit any DPS driver license office. You can find the nearest office on the DPS website. Tell the clerk you want a copy of your driving record and specify certified or uncertified. You'll pay the fee on the spot and receive your record when ready or within a few minutes.

In-person requests are the fastest way to get a physical copy in your hands the same day, but they require you to travel to an office during business hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours.

Costs and what affects the price

The fee depends on whether you order online, by mail, or in person, and whether you want a certified or uncertified copy. Online uncertified copies are the least expensive option. Certified copies cost more because they include an official seal and are legally valid for court or employment purposes. In-person and mail requests also cost more than online orders.

Prices change occasionally, so check the DPS website for current fees before you order. If you need multiple copies, ordering several at once is usually cheaper than ordering them separately.

What information appears on your driving record

Your Texas driving record shows your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), your license class and restrictions, traffic violations from the past three to five years, at-fault accidents you reported, DUI or DWI convictions, license suspensions and the reason for each, and points on your record. It does not show arrests that did not result in a conviction or traffic warnings.

The record is used by insurance companies to set your rates, by employers to check your driving history for jobs that involve driving, and by courts in traffic cases. If you see an error on your record, contact the DPS to dispute it. You will need to provide documentation of the correction.

Requesting a record for someone else

You can request someone else's driving record only if you have their written permission. The person whose record you are requesting must sign a power of attorney form or a letter authorizing you to request it. Mail or in-person requests require this authorization; online requests may have different rules depending on the DPS system at the time.

Employers and insurance companies can request your record directly if you sign a release form. You do not need to order it yourself and give it to them—they can get it straight from the DPS. Ask them whether they need you to sign a release or whether they will request it on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my driving record?

Online orders arrive within two to three business days, sometimes the same day. Mail requests take one to two weeks. In-person requests are ready when ready or within a few minutes. The DPS website shows current processing times when you order online.

Do I need a certified copy or an uncertified copy?

If an employer, court, or insurance company asks for your driving record without specifying, an uncertified copy is usually fine. If they ask for a "certified" copy or a copy with an "official seal," order the certified version. When in doubt, ask them which type they need before you order.

Can I dispute something on my driving record?

Yes. Contact the DPS and explain what is wrong. You will need to provide documentation—such as a court order, insurance report, or police report—that shows the error. The DPS will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process takes several weeks.

What if my license is suspended or revoked?

You can still request your driving record. The record will show the suspension or revocation and the reason. If you believe the suspension or revocation is an error, contact the DPS to dispute it. If it is correct, you will need to complete the steps to reinstate your license before you can drive legally.

Will ordering my driving record affect my license status?

No. Requesting your record does not change your license status, points, or anything else. It is straightforward a way to see what information the DPS has about you. You can order it as many times as you want without any penalty.