Texas Driving Record — How to Get Yours from DPS (Complete 2026 Guide)
Order your official Texas driving record online in under 5 minutes through the Texas Department of Public Safety. This guide covers every record type, the exact fees, what you need for defensive driving court dismissal, how to dispute errors, and what employers and insurance companies actually see when they pull your record.
Updated April 2026 · All 6 Record Types · Official DPS Links Only
| Texas Driving Record — At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Issuing Agency | Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) |
| Order Online | txapps.texas.gov — Driver Records |
| Order by Mail | DR-1 Form → Texas DPS, PO Box 149008, Austin TX 78714-9008 |
| In-Person | Not available — DPS does not offer in-person driver record services at any location |
| Record Types | Type 1 (Status) · Type 2 (3-Year) · Type 2A (Certified 3-Year) · Type 3 (Complete) · Type 3A (Certified Complete) · Type AR (Certified Abstract) |
| Cost Range | $4.00 (Type 1) to $20.00 (Type AR) — exact fees by type in table below |
| For Defensive Driving / Ticket Dismissal | You need Type 3A — Certified Complete Driving History ($10.00) |
| Online Delivery | Instant PDF download or email — available 24/7 |
| Mail Delivery | Allow 3 weeks from submission date |
| What You Need to Order Online | Texas DL/CDL/ID number + audit number from your card |
| DPS Customer Service | (512) 424-2600 |
| DR-1 Form (Mail Orders) | Download DR-1 Form (PDF) |
What Is a Texas Driving Record and Why Would You Need One
A Texas driving record — sometimes called a motor vehicle record or MVR — is an official document from the Texas Department of Public Safety that contains your complete driving history within the state. It shows your personal information, license status, traffic violations, accidents, points, and any suspensions or restrictions tied to your license.
Unlike a criminal background check or credit report, a driving record focuses exclusively on driving-related incidents and traffic law compliance. It is a different document entirely from your arrest record, your criminal history, or your vehicle registration records (which are handled by TxDMV, not DPS).
The most common situations where you will need to order one:
- Defensive driving course / ticket dismissal — Texas courts require a Type 3A certified driving record along with your course completion certificate to dismiss a traffic ticket
- Employment background check — delivery drivers, commercial vehicle operators, and many other jobs require a clean MVR as a condition of employment
- Insurance premium assessment — insurance companies pull your record to determine your rate, and you can order your own to verify what they see
- Court proceedings — DUI/DWI cases, license reinstatement hearings, and other legal matters often require a certified driving record
- CDL (Commercial Driver License) compliance — federal DOT regulations require CDL holders to maintain a clean record
- Personal monitoring — checking your own record for errors, verifying that a dismissed ticket was actually removed, or confirming your license status after a suspension
All 6 Types of Texas Driving Records — Which One Do You Actually Need
Texas DPS offers six different types of driving records. Ordering the wrong type is one of the most common mistakes — especially for defensive driving, where courts specifically require Type 3A and will reject anything else. Here is every type, what it includes, who needs it, and what it costs.
Type | Name | What It Shows | Cost | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Type 1 | Status Record | Name, DOB, license status, current address | $4.00 | Quick license status check — valid, expired, suspended |
Type 2 | 3-Year Driving History | Type 1 info + all accidents and moving violations from the past 3 years | $6.00 | Personal review, some employer checks |
Type 2A | Certified 3-Year History | Certified version of Type 2 — can be presented in court | $10.00 | Court proceedings — but NOT valid for defensive driving courses |
Type 3 | Complete Driving History | All accidents and all violations (moving and non-moving) — entire history | $7.00 | Comprehensive personal review, employer background checks |
Type 3A | Certified Complete History | Certified version of Type 3 — full history with DPS certification | $10.00 | Required for defensive driving / ticket dismissal |
Type AR | Certified Abstract | Certified abstract of entire record — most comprehensive official document | $20.00 | Attorney use, court evidence, government proceedings, CDL audits |
How to Order Your Texas Driving Record Online — Step by Step
The online method is the fastest and cheapest way to get your driving record. It takes about 3–5 minutes, and you can print or email the PDF immediately after payment. The system runs 24/7 including weekends and holidays.
What You Need Before Starting
- Your Texas driver license, CDL, or identification card number — the number printed on the front of your card
- Your audit number — a 20-digit number printed on your card. On cards issued after 2017, the audit number is on the front, near the bottom. On older cards, it may be on the back. If you cannot find it, order by mail instead (no audit number required for mail orders).
- A credit or debit card for payment
- A printer or email access — driving records are delivered as PDF files. There is no option to have online orders mailed to you.
1 Go to the official Texas DPS Driver Record portal: txapps.texas.gov — Driver Records. This is the only official site. Do not use third-party sites that charge extra fees — you will pay more for the same document.
2 Enter your driver license number and audit number. Both are printed on your physical card. The system uses these to verify your identity and pull your record from the DPS database.
3 Select the record type you need. If you are unsure, see the table above. For defensive driving / ticket dismissal, select Type 3A — Certified List of All Accidents and Violations in Record. For a quick personal check, Type 1 at $4 is the cheapest option.
4 Enter your current mailing address. This is printed on the record — it does not determine delivery. All online orders are delivered as an instant PDF, not mailed.
5 Review your order and pay. Credit or debit cards accepted. After successful payment, the system generates your driving record PDF immediately.
6 Print or email your driving record. Click “Print Driver Record” to download the PDF. You can also choose to receive it by email. The password to open the PDF is your driver license number. Print it before closing the browser window — once you navigate away, you cannot retrieve it without paying again.
How to Order by Mail (When You Do Not Have Your Audit Number)
If you cannot find your audit number — or if you simply prefer a paper copy mailed to your home — you can order by mail using the DR-1 form. This method does not require an audit number but takes significantly longer.
1 Download the DR-1 form: DPS Application for Copy of Driver Record (DR-1 PDF)
2 Complete the form. Fill in your name, date of birth, driver license number, the record type you need, and your mailing address. Sign and date the form.
3 Include payment. Enclose a check or money order payable to “Texas Department of Public Safety” for the amount matching your record type (see fee table above). Do not send cash.
4 Mail to:
PO Box 149008
Austin, Texas 78714-9008
Allow 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your request. For time-sensitive needs (court deadlines, defensive driving submissions), use the online method instead.
How to Read Your Texas Driving Record — What Every Section Means
When you get your driving record back, it can look overwhelming — abbreviations, codes, and dates that do not immediately make sense. Here is what you are actually looking at.
Section | What It Shows | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
Personal Information | Name, DOB, address, DL number | Verify this is correct — errors here can cause background check failures |
License Status | Valid, Expired, Suspended, Revoked, Surrendered | If it shows anything other than “Valid” and you believe it should be valid, contact DPS immediately |
License Class | Class C (standard), Class A/B (commercial), Class M (motorcycle) | Employers verify this for commercial driving positions |
Restrictions & Endorsements | Corrective lenses (A), HAZMAT (H), Tanker (N), etc. | CDL endorsements are listed here — critical for commercial employment |
Moving Violations | Speeding, running red light, failure to signal, etc. with dates and court details | Each violation adds points. Insurance companies use this for rate calculations |
Non-Moving Violations | Expired registration, inspection failure, parking violations (if reported) | Generally less impactful on insurance but still visible on Type 3/3A/AR records |
Accidents / Crashes | Date, location, whether at-fault | At-fault accidents can increase insurance premiums for 3–5 years |
Suspensions / Revocations | Dates, reason (DWI, points accumulation, failure to appear, no insurance) | Active suspensions mean driving is illegal — reinstatement required before driving again |
Defensive Driving Completions | Course completion dates and associated ticket numbers | Courts check this to verify you have not used defensive driving for the same offense type in the last 12 months |
How to Dispute Errors on Your Texas Driving Record
Mistakes happen — a ticket dismissed by the court still showing on your record, an accident wrongly attributed to you, or a conviction reported under the wrong name. Here is how to fix each type of error.
Wrong Conviction on Record
Contact the specific court that filed the original conviction report. Request that the court issue a correction to DPS. You may need to provide documentation proving you are not the individual in question. Once DPS receives the correction from the court, allow 21 business days for the record to update.
Crash Wrongly Listed
Contact the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Crash Records Information System — not DPS. TxDOT maintains crash data. Request removal of the crash record with your evidence (police report, insurance documentation).
Dismissed Ticket Still Showing
Contact the court that dismissed the ticket and ask them to send an updated disposition to DPS. Courts are responsible for reporting changes — DPS only records what courts submit. If the court confirms they sent the update, call DPS at (512) 424-2600 to verify receipt.
What Employers and Insurance Companies See When They Pull Your Record
When an employer or insurance company requests your driving record, they do not see the same thing you see when you order your own. There are legal restrictions under both federal law (the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2721) and Texas Transportation Code Chapter 730 that govern who can access what.
Employers must have your written consent before pulling your driving record. They cannot do it without telling you. Most commercial driving employers (delivery companies, trucking firms, rideshare platforms) require consent as part of the application process. They typically order a Type 2A or Type AR record.
Insurance companies can access your record as part of policy underwriting and renewal without your explicit consent for each check — you consented when you signed the policy application. They use it to calculate your premium based on violations, accidents, and claims history.
What employers specifically look for: DWI/DUI convictions, multiple speeding violations, at-fault accidents, license suspensions, and whether your license class matches the position requirements. A single minor speeding ticket rarely disqualifies anyone. A pattern of violations or any DWI conviction within the past 3–5 years is usually a dealbreaker for commercial driving jobs.
Special Situations — CDL, Out-of-State Violations, and License Reinstatement
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Records
CDL holders have stricter reporting requirements under federal DOT regulations. Violations in a commercial vehicle are tracked separately, and some violations that would be minor for a Class C license (like speeding 15+ over the limit) become serious CDL violations that can lead to disqualification. CDL holders should order a Type 3A or Type AR record for the most complete picture, especially before DOT audits or employer reviews.
Out-of-State Violations
Texas participates in the Interstate Driver License Compact, which means traffic violations from other states are typically reported back to Texas DPS and appear on your Texas driving record. If you received a ticket in another state and it does not appear on your Texas record after 60 days, it may still be in transit between jurisdictions — or the other state may not be a member of the compact. Either way, it will likely surface eventually.
License Reinstatement After Suspension
If your license was suspended — for unpaid tickets, unpaid surcharges, no insurance, DWI, or points accumulation — you must complete the reinstatement process before driving again. Check your current eligibility status at the DPS online services page. Reinstatement fees vary from $100 to $250 depending on the reason for suspension. Driving on a suspended license in Texas is a Class C misdemeanor (first offense) and can escalate to a Class B misdemeanor with penalties up to $4,000 and 180 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Texas driving record cost?
Fees depend on the type: Type 1 (Status) is $4.00, Type 2 (3-Year History) is $6.00, Type 2A (Certified 3-Year) is $10.00, Type 3 (Complete History) is $7.00, Type 3A (Certified Complete) is $10.00, and Type AR (Certified Abstract) is $20.00. These are DPS direct prices. Third-party sites charge additional service fees — order directly from DPS to pay the lowest price.
Which driving record type do I need for defensive driving / ticket dismissal?
You need a Type 3A — Certified Complete Driving History ($10.00). Courts will NOT accept Type 2A. The court needs your complete violation history to verify you have not already used defensive driving for the same type of offense in the past 12 months.
Can I get my driving record in person at a DPS office?
No. DPS does not offer in-person driver record services at any location. You must order online or by mail. The online method is instant; mail takes approximately 3 weeks.
What is the audit number and where do I find it?
The audit number is a 20-digit number printed on your Texas driver license or ID card. On cards issued after 2017, it is on the front near the bottom. On older cards, check the back. You need this number to order your record online. If you cannot locate it, order by mail using the DR-1 form instead — mail orders do not require the audit number.
How long do violations stay on my Texas driving record?
Most moving violations remain visible for 3 years from the violation date. DWI convictions may remain visible longer. Accidents stay for 3 years. However, even after a violation drops off the 3-year view (Type 2), it still exists in the complete history (Type 3/3A/AR). Serious offenses like vehicular manslaughter remain permanently.
Do out-of-state tickets show on my Texas driving record?
Usually yes. Texas participates in the Interstate Driver License Compact, which means violations from other member states are reported to Texas DPS. They may take 30–60 days to appear on your record after the out-of-state court processes them.
Can my employer check my driving record without my permission?
No. Under federal law (Driver’s Privacy Protection Act) and Texas Transportation Code Chapter 730, employers must obtain your written consent before requesting your driving record. This consent is typically part of the job application for any driving-related position.
How do I dispute an error on my driving record?
For a wrong conviction, contact the court that filed the original report and request a correction. For a crash wrongly listed, contact TxDOT Crash Records. DPS cannot correct information on its own — it only records what courts and agencies submit. After the court sends a correction, allow 21 business days for DPS to update your record.
What happens if I drive on a suspended license in Texas?
Driving while license suspended (DWLS) is a Class C misdemeanor on first offense — up to $500 fine. A second offense can be a Class B misdemeanor with penalties up to $4,000 and 180 days in jail. Additionally, the suspension period resets, making reinstatement take even longer. Check your license status at the DPS online services page before driving if you have any doubt about your status.