What information Texas stores about your driver license
Texas keeps two separate records on file for every driver license holder: your driving record and your personal information record. Your driving record contains traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and any administrative actions the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has taken. Your personal information record holds your name, address, date of birth, physical description, and the status of your license.
The driving record is what most people mean when they ask about "their record." It shows violations from the past three to five years, depending on the type of violation. Serious offenses like DWI stay longer. Accidents appear whether or not you were at fault, though fault determinations are not recorded by DPS — only that an accident was reported to them.
Texas also maintains records of license suspensions, revocations, and restrictions. If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, failure to maintain insurance, or a medical condition, that suspension is part of your permanent file. Restrictions — such as corrective lenses required or an ignition interlock device required — are noted on your current license and in your record.
Key Takeaways
- Texas DPS maintains your driving record (violations and accidents) separately from your personal information record (name, address, license status).
- You can view your own driving record online through the Texas DPS website for a small fee, or request it by mail or in person.
- Traffic violations typically remain on your record for three to five years; DWI convictions stay much longer.
- Employers, insurance companies, and courts can request your record, but they need your consent or a legal reason to do so.
- You have the right to correct inaccurate information on your record by contacting DPS with documentation of the error.
How to get a copy of your own driving record
The fastest way to see your record is through the Texas DPS online portal. Go to the DPS website, select "Driving Record," and choose the option to order online. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is typically $3 to $5 for an electronic copy, which you receive when ready by email or can print from your account.
If you prefer not to order online, you can request your record in person at any Texas DPS office. Bring your driver license or state ID and be prepared to pay the same fee. Processing is when ready. You can also request a record by mail by sending a completed form (available on the DPS website) along with payment to the address listed on the form, though this takes one to two weeks.
You can also request what is called a "certified driving record," which is an official document with the DPS seal and signature. This costs slightly more but is required by some employers and courts. The process is the same — online, in person, or by mail — but you specify that you need a certified copy.
What employers and insurance companies see
When an employer or insurance company requests your record, they see your driving history but not your personal information like your Social Security number or address (unless you consent to that). They see all traffic violations, at-fault accidents, license suspensions, and DWI convictions. They do not see accidents you reported but were not at fault for, unless your state's rules require that information to be shared.
Insurance companies use your record to set your premium and decide whether to insure you at all. A single speeding ticket may raise your rate slightly; a DWI conviction or multiple violations in a short time can make you uninsurable with standard carriers and force you into high-risk insurance pools. Employers in safety-sensitive roles — commercial driving, delivery, rideshare — often check records as part of hiring.
Both employers and insurers must have your written consent to pull your record. If you are explore for a job or insurance, you will sign a form authorizing them to request it. You have the right to know what they found and to dispute inaccuracies.
How long violations and accidents stay on your record
Texas does not have a formal "expiration date" for violations, but the practical visibility of your record depends on what you are asking about. For insurance purposes, most carriers look back three to five years. A speeding ticket from seven years ago will not affect your insurance rate, but it may still appear on your official DPS record.
Traffic violations typically remain visible to employers and courts for five to seven years. DWI convictions stay on your record indefinitely for DPS purposes, though insurance companies may stop using them after seven to ten years depending on their underwriting guidelines. Accidents you reported stay on file for at least three years.
License suspensions and revocations remain part of your permanent record, even after the suspension is lifted. This is important because future employers or insurers can see that a suspension occurred, even if your license is currently valid.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If you believe information on your record is wrong — for example, a violation you did not commit, an accident you did not report, or a suspension that was already lifted — you can request a correction from DPS. Start by getting a copy of your record so you know exactly what needs to be fixed. Then contact the DPS Driver License Division by phone or mail with documentation of the error.
For a violation you dispute, you will need proof that the ticket was dismissed, that you were found not guilty, or that the citation was issued in error. For an accident, you may need a police report or insurance documentation showing the accident was not your fault. For a suspension that should have been lifted, bring proof that you satisfied the requirement (paid fines, obtained insurance, passed a medical exam).
DPS will investigate your request, which typically takes two to four weeks. If they find the error, they will correct your record and send you a corrected copy. If they do not find an error, they will explain why the information remains on file. You have the right to add a written statement to your record if you disagree with their decision.
Records related to license suspension and reinstatement
If your license was suspended, DPS keeps a record of why it was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it. Common reasons include failure to pay traffic fines, failure to maintain auto insurance (reported by your insurer), accumulation of too many points, or a medical condition. The reinstatement requirements vary by reason.
To reinstate your license, you typically must pay any outstanding fines, provide proof of insurance, pass a written or driving test if required, or provide medical clearance. DPS will send you a notice explaining what you need to do. You can check the status of your suspension and reinstatement requirements on the DPS website or by calling their customer service line.
Once your license is reinstated, the suspension remains on your record, but your license is active again. Some suspensions come with restrictions, such as a requirement to use an ignition interlock device for a set period. These restrictions are noted on your license and in your record.
Your rights regarding your driving record
You have the right to see your own record at any time without restriction. You also have the right to know who has requested your record in the past. Some states offer this as a standard service; Texas allows you to request a list of inquiries, though the process and availability vary.
You have the right to correct inaccurate information, as described above. You also have the right to dispute violations or suspensions through the appropriate legal channels — for example, by contesting a traffic ticket in court or appealing a suspension decision to DPS.
You do not have the right to have information removed from your record straightforward because time has passed, but you can request that DPS consider your overall driving history when making decisions about reinstatement or license status. If you believe DPS has violated your rights or treated you unfairly, you can file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my record if I do not have a Texas driver license anymore?
Yes. You can order your record online using your former license number and date of birth, or request it in person or by mail. DPS keeps records on file for people who no longer hold a license. You may need to provide additional identification if you do not have your old license card.
Do accidents I was not at fault for show up on my record?
Accidents you reported to DPS appear on your record regardless of fault. However, when an insurance company or employer requests your record, they typically see only that an accident was reported, not the fault information. Fault is usually determined by your insurance company or a court, not by DPS.
How much does it cost to get my driving record?
An electronic copy costs $3 to $5 and is available when ready online. A certified copy costs slightly more, usually $5 to $7. In-person requests at a DPS office cost the same as online. Mail requests take longer but cost the same amount.
Will a ticket I got dismissed still show up on my record?
Dismissed tickets should not appear on your driving record. If a ticket you were found not guilty on or that was dismissed still appears, contact DPS with proof of the dismissal (court documents or a letter from the prosecutor) and request a correction.
Can I request someone else's driving record?
No, not without their written consent or a legal reason such as a court order. DPS protects driving records as personal information. Employers and insurance companies can request records only with the driver's permission.