What Your Texas Driver's License Record Contains
Your Texas driver's license record is a file the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) keeps about your driving history. It includes every traffic violation you've received, every accident you've been in, every license suspension or revocation, and basic information like your address and license class. When you explore for a job that requires driving, when an insurance company quotes you, or when you're pulled over by a police officer, they're looking at this record.
The record stays active as long as your license is valid. Some violations and accidents fall off after a certain number of years — a minor traffic ticket might disappear after three years, while a DWI conviction stays much longer. Texas law determines what stays on your record and for how long, but you have the right to see what's there.
Key Takeaways
- You can view your own Texas driver's license record free through the DPS website using your license number and date of birth.
- Your record includes traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and conviction details, but not all violations stay on it permanently.
- You can request a certified copy of your driving record by mail or in person at a DPS office if you need it for a job or court case.
- If you find an error on your record, you can dispute it by contacting DPS with documentation of the correction.
How to Check Your Record Online
The fastest way to see your Texas driver's license record is through the DPS website. Go to the Texas DPS Driver's License Records page and select "View Your Driving Record." You'll need your driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will show you violations, accidents, and any license actions taken against you.
This online view is free and when ready. You can print it from your screen, but it won't have the official seal that some employers or courts require. If you need a certified version — one with DPS's official stamp — you'll have to order it separately.
Ordering a Certified Copy of Your Record
A certified driving record is an official document with DPS's seal that proves what's on your record. Many employers, especially those hiring for positions that involve driving, will ask for this instead of letting you print it yourself. You can order one by mail, in person, or through an authorized vendor.
By mail, send a request to the Texas DPS Driver's License Division with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason you need the record. Include a check or money order — the fee varies but is typically under $10. Processing takes about two weeks.
In person, visit any DPS office with your driver's license and ask for a certified driving record. You'll pay the same fee and usually get it the same day. Some DPS offices also offer this service through kiosks if you're in a hurry.
What Violations and Accidents Stay on Your Record
Not everything stays on your record forever. Texas has different retention periods depending on what happened. A minor traffic violation like speeding typically stays for three years from the date of conviction. An at-fault accident stays for three years from the date it occurred. A DWI conviction stays for much longer — usually at least ten years, and sometimes permanently depending on the circumstances.
License suspensions and revocations also remain on your record, though the length depends on why your license was suspended. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, it may come off once you pay. If you were suspended for a serious offense like a second DWI, it stays longer.
The date that matters is not when the incident happened, but when you were convicted or when the accident was reported. If you're unsure whether something should still be on your record, check your online record or call the DPS Driver's License Division to ask.
Disputing Errors on Your Record
If you see something on your record that you believe is wrong — a violation you didn't commit, an accident that wasn't your fault, or a conviction that was dismissed — you can ask DPS to correct it. You'll need documentation: a court order showing the conviction was dismissed, a police report showing you weren't at fault in an accident, or a letter from the court proving the violation was resolved differently than what appears on your record.
Contact the DPS Driver's License Division with your request and the supporting documents. They will review your case and either correct the record or explain why the information is accurate. This process can take several weeks, so start early if you need the correction for a job process or court case.
How Your Record Affects Insurance and Employment
Insurance companies pull your driving record when you explore for car insurance or when your policy renews. Violations and accidents raise your rates; serious violations like DWI can make you uninsurable with standard carriers. Some employers, especially those hiring for delivery drivers, truck drivers, or other positions involving company vehicles, will request your certified driving record as part of the background check.
A clean record — no violations, no accidents, no suspensions — keeps your insurance costs lower and makes you a stronger job candidate. If your record has issues, understanding what's on it and how long it will stay there helps you plan ahead.
Requesting Your Record for Court or Legal Purposes
If you need your driving record for a court case, a lawyer, or a legal proceeding, order a certified copy. Courts and attorneys won't accept a printout from the online system because they need proof that DPS officially issued the document. When you order, tell DPS the reason you need it — they may be able to expedite it or provide it in a specific format the court requires.
Some courts have their own processes for requesting driving records from DPS. If you're involved in a traffic case, ask the court clerk whether you should order the record yourself or whether the court will request it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a speeding ticket stay on my Texas driving record?
A speeding conviction typically stays on your record for three years from the date you were convicted, not from the date of the ticket. If you paid the fine or went to traffic school, the three-year clock starts from that date.
Can I see someone else's driving record?
No. Texas law protects driving records as private information. Only the person whose record it is can view it online for free. Employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement can request records through official channels, but you cannot look up a friend's or family member's record.
What if my license was suspended and I've since paid everything I owed — will that suspension disappear from my record?
The suspension itself will stay on your record, but once you've resolved the reason for the suspension (paid fines, completed a required course, or met other conditions), your license will be reinstated. The record will show both the suspension and the reinstatement.
How do I know if my record has been corrected after I disputed an error?
DPS will send you a letter confirming the correction or explaining why they cannot change it. You can also check your online record again after a few weeks to see if the change appears. If you ordered a certified copy, request a new one after the correction is made.
Does my Texas driving record follow me if I move to another state?
Your Texas record stays in Texas, but states share traffic violation and conviction information through the National Driver Register. If you move and get a license in another state, serious violations like DWI will show up in that state's system. Minor violations may not transfer depending on the other state's rules.