Why You Want to Request Your TX Driving Record

Did you know the Texas DPS was keeping track of your driving from the moment you got a learners permit? Each parking ticket you receive, every speeding ticket you get and your time in defensive driving school is all on your driving record.

Your driving record is actually a public record that can be ordered. Some type of driving records can be ordered by anyone. And there also types that are used for official state legal matters that only you can request.

If you’re a licensed Texas driver this is what you need to know about driving records.

Why You May Need a Copy of Your TX Driving Record

Why would a person need a copy of their TX driving record? Turns out there are a few reasons why you might need one.

Defensive Driving School

The court has to verify that you’re eligible to take defensive driving school by checking your driving record. They’ll look to see how many traffic violations have already been dismissed and how many times in the last year you’ve taken a Texas defensive driving course.

Verify Point Removal

After you take a defensive driving course the point for the violation should be removed from your record. Wait a few weeks after completing the course then order a copy of your driving record to make sure the point was removed.

Get a Better Auto Insurance Premium

Ordering a driving record could be a money-saver if you’re a good driver. The record can be used to prove how good a driver you really are and determine your rate.

Court Proceedings

Driving records are also sometimes used in court proceedings. Your past driving record can be used to determine a sentence, prove your safe driving skills or prove you aren’t the safest driver.

Correcting Inaccuracies

Any time you order a driving record give it a once over to make sure the information is accurate and up-to-date. If it’s not you’ll need to reach out to the DPS to get it corrected.

How to Order Your TX Driving Record

If you ever find yourself needing a copy of your driving record, you may order it online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website. The system operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To order a driving record online you’ll need:

To specify the type of driving record you need
Drivers license or ID
Audit Number (on back of licenses/IDs)
Date of birth
Last four digits of your social security number
Visa, Discover, Mastercard or American Express credit card

You’ll also need to have Adobe Reader and the latest version of one of the following browsers:

FirefoxSafari
Internet Explorer
Google Chrome

You can also request your driving record by mail. You can also read more on obtaining a Commercial Drivers License or if needing to Renew a Texas drivers license.

Types of Driving Records

You can request the following types of driving records (fees and requirements for each type of record are listed):

STATUS RECORD (TYPE 1)	Date of birth (DOB), license status, license application date and address	$4.00 fee
3-YEAR HISTORY RECORD (TYPE 2)	Type 1 record info, list of accidents and moving violations on record within past three-year period	$6.00 fee
LIST OF ALL ACCIDENTS AND VIOLATIONS RECORD (TYPE 3)	Type 1 info, list of all accidents, moving violations and non-moving violations on record	$7.00 fee
CERTIFIED 3-YEAR HISTORY RECORD (TYPE 2A)	Certified version of Type 2. This record is not acceptable for Defensive Driving Course (DDC)	$10.00 fee
CERTIFIED LIST OF ALL ACCIDENTS AND VIOLATIONS RECORD (TYPE 3A)	Certified version of Type 3. This record is acceptable for Defensive Driving Course (DDC)	$10.00 fee
CERTIFIED ABSTRACTS OF DRIVING RECORD ("AOR")	Certified abstract of complete driving record with Type 3 info and all license suspensions	$20.00 fee

Receiving Your Requested Driving Record

You can submit your payment online using one of the credit cards accepted by the DPS. The required driving record will be mailed out to the address provided on the application within five days after the submission of the request. Delivery via U.S. Mail takes approximately three business days.

Note: This article was accurate when it was published. Please confirm all details directly with the TX DPS. You can visit the TX DPS website or call 1-512-424-2600 for the drivers license customer service department.

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Texas DPS Information