Driving Records in Texas
About Your Texas Driver Record
Your TX driver record shows various elements of your driving history―from basic information like your name and address to more in-depth details like traffic tickets and license suspensions. (In other states, driver records are also called Motor Vehicle Records (MVR).
NOTICE: Driver Responsibility Program Repealed
On September 1, 2019, the state of Texas ended its Driver Responsibility Program (DRP), under which your license could be suspended for failing to pay additional annual surcharges on top of traffic ticket fees. All licenses suspended under the DRP are now reinstated. For a detailed breakdown of what this means for you, visit the DPS' questions and answers on the repeal.
If your license was suspended under the DRP, check your driving record to ensure it reflects your license reinstatement.
Types of TX Driver Records
Below is an outline of the 6 types of driver histories the TX Department of Public Safety provides.
Type 1: Status Record
The Type 1 driver record is a status record and provides information about your:
- Birth date.
- Driver license status.
- Home address.
- The original application date for your TX driver's license.
Type 2: 3-Year History
The Type 2 driver record provides a driving history of 3 years, and includes the following information from the previous3 years :
- All information from the Type 1 record.
- A list of all traffic accidents, if you received a ticket.
- All moving and non-moving violations.
Type 2A: Certified 3-Year History
The Type 2A driver history is exactly the same as the Type 2, except it's certified, meaning you can use it for most official reasons.
Although it's certified, you can't use the Type 2A for a defensive driving course (DDC).
Type 3: All Crashes and Violations
Only you can access your Type 3 driver record.
The Type 3 driver record includes:
- All the information from your Type 1 record.
- A list of all crashes (even if you didn't receive a ticket).
- A list of all moving and non-moving violations.
Like the Type 2A record, this record isn't valid for a DDC.
Type 3A: Certified All Crashes and Violations
The Type 3A driving record is a certified version of the Type 3. Again, this means you can use it for official reasons, and―in this case only―that includes using it for a defensive driving course.
You are the only person who can obtain your Type 3A record.
Type AR: Certified Complete Abstract
Type AR records are certified, complete driver abstracts. They include everything that's currently part of your record.
How Long Does Info Stay On Your Driving Record?
A complete driver abstract includes all non-serious violations that have occurred and serious violations, like driving while intoxicated. These violations can stay on your driving record for forever.
So, if you order a complete abstract ( Type AR), you'll see everything that's happened on your driving history.
However, if you order a history covering the previous 3 years, you'll see only the violations from that period.
Why Order Texas Driving Records?
People order driving records for different reasons.
Employers―especially those who employ drivers―want to know whether their potential workers are up to the task. Car insurance companies want to know whether to insure you and, if they do, how to set your premiums.
You can order a copy of your own driver abstract to keep an eye on important information―which, if listed incorrectly, could hurt you―such as:
- Your driver's license status, and whether your license is suspended or revoked.
- How many driving record points you have, and whether you're getting close to suspension.
- Traffic tickets and violations, and any outstanding fines.
- Car accidents.
- Your driver's license classification and endorsements.
Who Sees Your Texas Driving Record?
The TX DPS doesn't hand over your driving record to just anybody, but you aren't the only person who can see it.
Another person or agency can request your driver history if the requestor can provide proof the information is authorized under state and federal law and will be used in compliance with that law.
Aside from yourself and the DPS, the two most common agencies interested in your driving history are potential employers and auto insurance companies.
Employers and Your Driving Record
Employers like to take a peek at potential employees' driver records, especially if the job requires driving a passenger or company vehicle. Sometimes they look at your driving history as part of an overall background check.
Potential employers often are interested in:
- The number and nature of traffic violations you've had.
- Whether you've been convicted of serious violations like DWI and reckless driving.
- Your driver's license status, i.e. whether it's valid or suspended.
Car Insurance and Your Texas Driving Record
Auto insurance companies look at your driving history to determine your car insurance premium. Traffic tickets, auto accidents, DWI convictions―all these work together to help an agent determine whether you're a high-risk driver. The higher a risk you are, they higher the rate you'll get.
Learn more and find out how to lower car insurance rates at How Driving Record Points Affect Auto Insurance Rates.
How to Get a Texas Driving Record
You can order your TX driving record by mail or online. How you order your driver record depends on which record you want, how quickly you want to receive it, and whether you're ordering your own record or someone else's.
NOTE: Driver records are not available at a driver's license office.
How to Order Your Own Driving Record
Type 1, Type 2, Type 2A, Type 3, and Type 3A Records
Order Driving Record Online
To order your Texas driving record online, visit the Texas DPS Online Driver Record Request System.
You'll need to provide your:
- Driver license number.
- Date of birth.
- Last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- DPS audit number.
You can print your driving record from your computer immediately. Fees for online orders will likely be higher than those listed below for mail-in orders, due to processing fees.
By Mail
To order a Type 1, Type 2, Type 2A, Type 3, or Type 3A driver record by mail, download and complete the Application for Copy of Driver Record (Form DR-1).
You can expect to receive your record in about 3 weeks.
Fees depend on which record you order:
- Type 1: $4
- Type 2: $6
- Type 2A: $10
- Type 3: $7
- Type 3A: $10
Make your check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety and mail it to:
Texas Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 149008
Austin, TX 78714
Type AR Certified Abstract
Online
To order your Type AR Abstract online, visit the Online Driver Record Request System provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Be prepared to enter your:
- Driver license number.
- Date of birth.
- Last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- DPS audit number.
The fee for an online Type AR certified abstract will likely be higher than that listed below for a mail-in order. You can print your record immediately.
By Mail
Order a Type AR certified driver abstract by mail using the Application for Copy of Driver Record (Form DR-1)
The fee is $20.
Mail the completed form and check or money order to the address listed above.
Order Another Person's Driver Record
You can order another person's Texas driver record following the same processes as above, but you must meet one of several requirements.
Each requirement is listed in depth on the order forms, and the lists includes conditions such as:
- Uses related to motor vehicle operator safety, motor vehicle theft, or motor vehicle emissions.
- Employer purposes.
- Government agency purposes, or a private entity carrying out government agency purposes.
- Research for statistical reports.
- Proving information to the owner about vehicle impoundment.
You'll need to mark the requirements that apply to you and provide your signature attesting you meet that requirement.
Driving Records and Third-Party Vendors
Some third-party vendors offer your Texas DPS driving record much faster than the DPS through an online service.
Some of these driving records are official 3A certified records, but not all. If you need a certified copy of your driving record, make sure the third party explicitly states that it will provide the official record you're looking for.
Correcting Information On Your Texas Driving Record
Because there are so many variables to correcting information―such as proving you paid a fine, or completing forms proving you were found not guilty of a violation―the Texas DPS recommends contacting Customer Service at (512) 424-2600, Monday-Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
National Driver Register Record Checks
The National Driver Register (NDR) keeps a record of your driving history on a much larger scale. It includes your driving history from every state that has issued you a driver's license (as long as that state has reported your history to the NDR).
Ordering an NDR record check is a little different than ordering a regular Texas driving record, and the process depends on who's making the request.
Employer-Requested NDR Record Checks
Employers can go beyond just your Texas driver record and order a National Driver Register Record Check. This check gives them information about every driver's license you've had, as long as the state reported the information.
Employers interested in an NDR Record Check can download and complete the Request for National Driver Register File Check on Current or Prospective Employee (Form LI-15) and mail it along with the $4 processing fee to:
License Issuance Bureau
Texas Department of Public Safety
PO Box 15999
Austin, TX 78714-9008
Individual-Requested NDR Record Check
You can order a copy of your own NDR Record Check, too. You will need to send a notarized letter (called a privacy act request) that includes your full name, date of birth, state/driver's license number, weight, height, sex, and eye color.
Send this letter to:
National Driver Register
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20590