Where to find your Texas driver's license record online
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you view your own driver's license record free through their online portal. You do not need to visit an office or pay a fee — you can check your record from home using a computer or phone.
Go to the DPS website at dps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License" section. From there, you will find a link to check your driving record. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to pull up your record.
The record you see online shows your current license status, any suspensions or restrictions, points on your record, and recent violations or accidents. This is the same information that insurance companies and employers see when they run a background check on you.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas DPS website lets you check your own driver's license record free of charge without visiting an office.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to access your record online.
- Your online record shows your current license status, any suspensions, restrictions, points, and recent violations or accidents.
- If you cannot access the online system, you can request a copy of your record by mail or in person at a DPS office for a small fee.
What information appears on your Texas driving record
Your Texas driving record contains several pieces of information that affect your insurance rates and your ability to drive legally. The record shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. It also lists any restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, ignition interlock device required, or commercial driving privileges limited.
The record displays your driving history for the past three years, including traffic violations, at-fault accidents, and convictions. Each violation carries a certain number of points. Accumulating too many points in a short time can trigger a suspension. The record also shows if you have an SR22 on file, which is a certificate of financial responsibility required after certain violations or suspensions.
You will also see if you have any outstanding fines, court costs, or child support obligations that could affect your license. Texas can suspend your license for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid court costs, or failure to pay child support — not just for driving violations.
Why you should check your record before buying insurance
Insurance companies pull your driving record when you get a quote. If your record shows violations, accidents, or suspensions that you were not aware of, your insurance rate will be higher than you expected. Checking your record yourself first means you will not be surprised by what the insurance company sees.
If you see errors on your record — a violation you did not commit, an accident you were not at fault for, or a suspension that should have been lifted — you can dispute it with the DPS before you shop for insurance. Correcting errors can lower your rates significantly.
Your record also tells you whether you are in a high-risk category for insurance purposes. If you have multiple violations, a recent suspension, or an at-fault accident, you will likely pay more for coverage. Knowing this in advance helps you budget and understand why quotes are higher than you might expect.
How to request a copy of your record by mail or in person
If you cannot access the online system or need an official certified copy of your record, you can request one from the DPS. You can do this in person at any DPS office, by mail, or through a third-party vendor that the DPS has authorized.
To request by mail, send a letter to the Texas DPS with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a check or money order for the fee. The fee varies depending on whether you want a certified copy or a standard copy. Mail requests typically take two to three weeks to process.
To request in person, visit your local DPS office with your driver's license or other photo ID. You can find the nearest office on the DPS website. In-person requests are usually processed the same day, though you may wait in line.
What to do if your record shows a suspension or restriction
If your online record shows that your license is suspended or restricted, you need to understand why before you can drive legally again. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulation of too many points, or a DUI conviction.
Once you know the reason for the suspension, you must take the required action to lift it. This might mean paying outstanding fines and court costs, completing a defensive driving course, installing an ignition interlock device, or serving a waiting period. The DPS website explains what you need to do for each type of suspension.
After you have completed the requirements, you may need to file an SR22 with your insurance company to prove you have liability coverage. The insurance company then files the SR22 with the DPS on your behalf. Your license suspension will be lifted once the DPS receives the SR22 and confirms that all other requirements are met.
Understanding points and how they affect your license
Texas uses a points system to track driving violations. Each type of violation carries a certain number of points. For example, a speeding ticket is typically 2 points, a failure to yield is 3 points, and a reckless driving conviction is 6 points. Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation.
If you accumulate 6 points within a 36-month period, the DPS will send you a warning letter. If you reach 8 points, your license will be suspended for 60 days. If you reach 11 points, your license will be suspended for 120 days. If you reach 16 points, your license will be suspended for 180 days.
You can reduce points on your record by completing a defensive driving course. Texas allows you to take one course every 12 months to reduce up to 3 points. Some insurance companies also offer a discount if you complete a defensive driving course, so it can help both your license status and your insurance rates.
How errors on your record get corrected
If you find an error on your driving record — a violation you did not commit, an accident you were not at fault for, or a suspension that should have been lifted — you can file a dispute with the DPS. Start by gathering documentation that proves the error: a court document showing the case was dismissed, a police report showing you were not at fault, or proof that you paid a fine.
Contact the DPS Driver License Division and explain the error. You can do this by phone, mail, or in person at a DPS office. Provide your documentation and ask them to investigate. The DPS will review the error and correct your record if they find that you are right.
Correcting errors can take several weeks. Once the DPS corrects your record, ask them to send you written confirmation. You can then provide this confirmation to your insurance company if the error affected your rates. Some insurance companies will recalculate your premium once they see the corrected record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay anything to check my Texas driving record online?
No. Checking your own record through the DPS website is free. You only pay a fee if you request a certified copy by mail or in person at a DPS office.
How often should I check my driving record?
Check your record at least once a year, or whenever you are shopping for insurance. You should also check it after receiving a traffic ticket or being in an accident to make sure the information was recorded correctly.
What if I cannot remember my driver's license number?
If you do not have your license number handy, you can visit a DPS office in person with your photo ID and request a copy of your record. You can also call the DPS Driver License Division to ask about your record, though they may ask you security questions to verify your identity.
Can I check someone else's driving record?
No. You can only view your own driving record online. If you need someone else's record — for example, if you are hiring a driver — you must request it through the DPS with written consent from that person, or use an authorized third-party vendor.
Will checking my own record affect my insurance rates?
No. Checking your own record does not trigger an insurance inquiry or affect your rates. Only when an insurance company or employer pulls your record does it show up on your record as an inquiry.