In order to take a Texas Defensive Driving Course to dismiss a ticket or lower your insurance rate, you will first need a Texas driving record. This record is a requirement because it documents your driving history, including all your penalties, accidents, and current standing of your driving license.

At Drive Defensively Texas, we make this process simple and stress-free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to order your driving record online — step by step, without confusion.

What Exactly Is a Texas Driving Record?

The Texas Department of Public Safety carefully maintains these driving records.Every Texas driving record is kept on file by the DPS for security and verification. It includes all your tickets, any accidents, and other driving history, including points on your license and the range of any suspensions.

In Texas, there are different driving records, but for the purposes of defensive driving, the most common is the Type 3A Certified Driving Record. This document is acceptable to all Texas courts and all Texas insurance companies.

Typically, when you complete a defensive driving course with Drive Defensively Texas, you will submit this certified record to the court along with proof of course completion.

Ready to clear your record or lower your insurance rates?

Start your Texas Certified Drive Safety Course today with Drive Defensively Texas and get your certificate fast!

Why Do You Need Your Driving Record?

You might wonder — why is this record even necessary?

Here are a few important reasons why you may need to order a driving record in Texas:

1. To dismiss a traffic ticket – Most Texas courts require you to submit your certified driving record when applying for ticket dismissal after completing a defensive driving course.

2. To reduce insurance premiums – Insurance providers often review your Texas driving record before offering discounts.

3. For employment verification – Some companies request driving records when hiring for positions that require driving.

4. In order to assess your own record – There are always surprises regarding your record, and it is wise to check it before any license renewals and job applications.

You can get your driving records Texas easily if you follow the simple process.

Step-by-Step: How to Order Your Texas Driving Record Online

This brief step-by-step guide orders your Texas driving record online efficiently: 

Step 1: Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety)

• Access the official Texas Department of Public Safety website.

• Locate the prompt titled "Driver Record Request" and select. 

Pro Tip: Fake sites often appear first in search results, so confirm the URL belongs to the official DPS.

Step 2: Get Logged In and Verified

You’ll have to confirm your identity through the following:

• Your driver’s license number

• Date of birth

• The last 4 digits of your Social Security number

This record validation step reinforces the security of your record.

Step 3: Select Your Record Type

You may select the following as driving records available to order in Texas. These are the more common:

• Type 1: Basic record showing personal details

• Type 2: Record of license status and violations

• Type 3: Detailed history of violations and accidents

• Type 3A (Certified): The official version accepted by Texas courts

If you’re taking a defensive driving course with Drive Defensively Texas, you’ll need the Type 3A Certified Record. Make sure to select this option before moving forward.

Step 4: Pay the Fee Online

The DPS charges a small fee (usually around $10–$12) for your Texas driving record.
You can pay securely using a credit or debit card. Once payment is confirmed, your record will be processed instantly.

Step 5: Your Record is Received and Downloaded

You will be emailed the confirmation of your record. The confirmation email includes a secure link to download your record.

Be sure to download, save, and print the document. This will be necessary to submit along with the defensive driving course certificate to dismiss a ticket

That’s it! You’ve successfully learned how to order your driving record online in just a few easy steps.

How Drive Defensively Texas Helps You

At Drive Defensively Texas, we make things simple for Texas drivers. Once you’ve ordered your record, you can start our Texas state-approved defensive driving course anytime. It’s fully online, approved by TDLR, and designed to fit your schedule.

Our course is:

• 100% online and self-paced

• This program is officially approved by the TDLR in Texas

• Compatible with all devices — mobile, laptop, or tablet

We also include clear instructions on how to submit your Texas driving record to the court along with your completion certificate.

Tips to Keep a Clean Driving Record

Getting your driving records in Texas is one thing — keeping it clean is another.
Use these proven tips to protect your driving reputation and stay penalty-free:

• Traffic signals aren’t suggestions — treat them as your guide to safe and lawful driving.

• Concentrate on driving — don’t text or call.

• Take time to refresh your understanding of traffic laws through an approved course.

• Responsible drivers don’t delay payments — handling fines quickly helps protect your driving privileges.

Keeping your driving record clean ensures long-term safety and lower costs. Records will be maintained, and most importantly, you will save money.

Need your driving record before enrolling?

Follow our simple guide above to order your driving record online — it takes just minutes, and you’ll be ready to start your course right away!

Drive smarter, not harder.

Join the thousands of Texas drivers who’ve chosen Drive Defensively Texas for fully accredited, safe, flexible online learning.

Final Thoughts

Your Texas driving record is proof of your road responsibility. It is just a document, and ordering it online is a good first step to safe driving. At Drive Defensively Texas, we make it simple to protect your driving record and future.

Take charge of your road safety — Order Your Driving Record now and drive with confidence.