Where to check your Texas driver's license points
You can check your driver's license points through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by phone, or in person. The fastest way is online through the DPS public records portal, which shows your current point total and the violations that caused them. You do not need to create an account — you can look up your record using your driver's license number and date of birth.
If you prefer not to go online, you can call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 during business hours, or visit a local DPS office in person with your driver's license. The phone line can take longer during peak hours, and in-person visits may require a wait, but both methods give you the same information.
Key Takeaways
- Texas tracks points on your license for traffic violations, and too many points can result in suspension.
- You can check your current points free of charge through the DPS website, by phone, or at a DPS office.
- Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation, then drop off automatically.
- If you have six or more points, your license may be suspended, and you will need to complete a defensive driving course or pay a reinstatement fee to get it back.
How points work on a Texas driver's license
Texas uses a point system to track traffic violations. Each type of violation carries a specific number of points — for example, speeding carries one to three points depending on how far over the limit you were, while reckless driving carries four points. These points accumulate on your record and affect your insurance rates and your license status.
The state suspends your license automatically if you reach six or more points within a 12-month period. This is not a choice by DPS — it is a mandatory consequence built into the system. The suspension lasts for a set period, usually 30 to 90 days depending on how many points you have and whether you have been suspended before.
Points remain on your driving record for three years from the date of the violation. After three years, they drop off automatically — you do not need to do anything. However, if you accumulate new violations before old points fall off, your total can climb quickly.
What to do if you have too many points
If your license has been suspended because of points, you have two main paths to reinstatement. The first is to complete a defensive driving course approved by the state. This course removes up to three points from your record and may reduce your insurance rates as well. The course is usually four to eight hours long and can be taken online or in a classroom.
The second path is to wait out the suspension period and then pay a reinstatement fee to DPS. The fee varies but typically ranges from $100 to $200. You will also need to provide proof of insurance before your license is restored. If you choose the defensive driving course, you still pay the reinstatement fee, but the course removes points and may lower your insurance costs over time.
If you received a ticket that you believe was unfair, you can contest it in traffic court before the violation is added to your record. Once the violation is on your record and points are assessed, the only way to remove them early is through the defensive driving course.
Understanding the DPS online records portal
The Texas DPS public records portal is straightforward to use. Go to the DPS website, select "Check Your Driving Record," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will display your current points, any suspensions or restrictions, and a list of violations with their dates and point values.
The record you see online is the same record that insurance companies and law enforcement see. It updates within a few days of a violation being processed by the court, though there can be a lag of one to two weeks in some cases. If you recently received a ticket, it may not appear on your online record yet.
You can print or save your driving record from the portal. This is useful if you need to show it to an insurance company, an employer, or a court. Some employers and licensing boards require you to provide a copy of your driving record as part of a background check.
How violations become points on your record
When you receive a traffic ticket in Texas, the violation does not automatically become points. First, you must either pay the fine, plead guilty, or be found guilty in court. Once the violation is adjudicated — meaning the court has processed it — DPS receives the information and adds the points to your record.
If you pay a ticket without going to court, that counts as a guilty plea, and points are added. If you contest the ticket in court and are found not guilty, no points are added. This is why some people choose to fight tickets in traffic court, even if they think they will lose — the court appearance gives you a chance to negotiate with the prosecutor or present a defense.
Violations that result in a license suspension (like driving with a suspended license or a DWI) are processed faster and may appear on your record within days. Minor violations like speeding can take one to three weeks to appear.
Points and your insurance rates
Insurance companies in Texas can see your driving record, including all points and violations. Each point on your record typically raises your insurance premium, and the increase varies by company and by how recent the violation is. A violation from six months ago will cost you more than one from two years ago.
Completing a defensive driving course can lower your insurance rates because it removes points and shows insurers that you took action to improve your driving. Some insurance companies offer a discount just for completing the course, separate from the point removal. Ask your insurance agent whether they offer this discount.
If you have multiple violations or points, shopping for a new insurance company may save you money. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and charge less than others for the same driving record. Your current insurer cannot drop you solely because of points, but they can raise your rates significantly at renewal time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a ticket to show up as points on my license?
Most tickets appear on your driving record within one to three weeks after you pay the fine or are found guilty in court. Serious violations like DWI may appear within days. If you paid a ticket more than three weeks ago and it still does not show up, contact DPS to confirm the court sent the information.
Can I remove points from my license without taking a defensive driving course?
No. The only way to remove points early is through a state-approved defensive driving course, which removes up to three points. Otherwise, points drop off automatically three years after the violation date. You cannot pay a fee to remove them or request that DPS remove them.
What happens if I get a ticket while my license is already suspended?
Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Texas, and the penalties are serious — fines up to $500, possible jail time, and additional points on your record. If you are suspended, do not drive. Use rideshare, public transit, or ask someone else to drive until your suspension is lifted.
Does a defensive driving course remove points from violations that are already on my record?
Yes. A defensive driving course removes up to three points from your record, regardless of when the violations occurred. However, you can only take the course once every 12 months, so if you have more than three points, you will need to wait for some to drop off naturally or accept the suspension.
If I move out of Texas, do my points follow me?
Yes. Your Texas driving record is part of the national driver's license database. If you move to another state and get a license there, the new state can see your Texas violations and points. Some states use different point systems, but your Texas violations will still be visible to insurance companies and law enforcement nationwide.