Did you know your Texas driving record affects insurance, employment, and ticket dismissal? Here’s how to manage it.

Why Your Texas Driving Record Is So Important

If you’ve ever received a traffic ticket in Texas, needed an insurance discount, or had to prove your safe driving history, then your Texas driving record matters more than you think.

Your driving record is much more than a piece of paper. It’s your driving history, including violations, crashes, points, and license status, and courts, employers, and insurance companies regularly check it.

Many drivers don’t realize that mistakes in their record can lead to:

• Higher insurance rates
• Job application problems
• Lost chances to get a ticket dismissed

The good news? You can order your Texas driving record online and use it to your advantage — especially if you need to enroll in a state-approved defensive driving course to dismiss a ticket or reduce insurance costs.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What driving records are
• How to order them step by step
• How do they help with ticket dismissal and insurance discounts?
• Tips for keeping a clean record
• Answers to the most commonly asked questions

Let’s get started.

What Is a Texas Driving Record?

A Texas driving record is an official document maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It acts like a “report card” for your driving history.

It includes:

• Your license information
• Traffic violations or tickets
• Accidents or crashes
• Points assessed against your license
• Suspensions or restrictions

This record is used by:

• Courts
• Insurance companies
• Employers
• You (to check for errors)

Official Source for Records:

The only guaranteed up-to-date and accurate records are available through the Texas DPS online portal — never trust random third-party sites promising free records.

Your record can affect:

• Ticket dismissal eligibility
• Insurance premium rates
• Job opportunities (especially driving jobs)

Most drivers only check their record when they need it — but you benefit more if you check it proactively. Mistakes do happen, and catching them early saves money and time.

Types of Texas Driving Records

Texas offers several types of driving records, and picking the correct one is important. Here are the common types:

Type 1 – License Status Record

Basic info about your current license status (whether it’s valid, suspended, revoked, etc.). Useful for quick checks, not legal proof.

Type 2 – Three-Year Record

Includes violations from the last three years and is good for basic review.

Type 3 – Detailed History

Contains your complete driving history — but often not certified for legal purposes.

Type 3A – Certified Driving Record

This is the official, court-approved version. Type 3A records are required when:

• You need ticket dismissal
• Your employer requests proof
• You need insurance verification
• You’re in court

Type 3A Certified Driving Record is the one most people need — especially when fighting a ticket or enrolling in Texas defensive driving courses.

Why You Need Your Texas Driving Record

You might wonder — “Why do I need my driving record?”

1. Ticket Dismissal

Many Texas courts allow you to dismiss a ticket if you:

• Complete a defensive driving course
• And submit a Type 3A certified driving record

Without the proper record, the court may deny your request.

2. Insurance Discounts

Insurance companies look at your driving history. A clean record (or removal of points) can:

• Lower your premiums
• Show you’re a safe driver

Completing a state-approved defensive driving course often plays a role in earning those discounts.

3. Employment Verification

Jobs that involve driving (delivery, transportation, etc.) may require your driving record. Employers look for:

• Safe driving history
• No major violations
• Certificate of safe driving (if applicable)

4. Self-Checking & Correcting Mistakes

Records aren’t perfect. If there’s an error — such as a ticket that wasn’t yours — you need your record to:

• Spot the mistake
• Submit a correction request to DPS

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

Ordering your record online is quick when done through the official Texas DPS portal. You can also check more details on the driving records page.

Step 1 — Visit the Official DPS Record Portal

Go to the Texas DPS online portal here: https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/txldrcdr/TXDPSLicenseeManager

Important: Only use this official site — third-party sites may be outdated or charge extra.

Step 2 — Enter Personal Information

You will need to enter:

• Your Texas driver’s license number
• Your date of birth
• The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number

This is used for verification and privacy.

Step 3 — Select Your Record Type

Choose the appropriate type:

• Type 3A – Certified Driving Record (most common)
• Type 1 / Type 2 / Type 3 — for personal review

If you are ordering for court or a defensive driving requirement, choose Type 3A.

Step 4 — Pay the DPS Fee

There is a small processing fee (about $10–$12). Payments are secure and accepted online.

Step 5 — Download Your Record

Once the payment is completed:

• You can download the record immediately in PDF
• Or request a mailed copy

Make sure to save the PDF — courts and insurance companies may ask for it.

Tips When Ordering

• Double-check your license number
• Use a desktop/laptop for easier download
• Save the PDF in multiple places

Texas Defensive Driving Course Explained

Now that you’ve got your driving record, let’s talk about how a defensive driving course — fully online and state-approved — can help you. Learn more on Defensive Driving.

What Is Defensive Driving?

A defensive driving course is a state-approved online program that teaches you:

• Safer driving practices
• Traffic law refreshers
• Techniques to avoid collisions
• How to make better decisions on the road

How It Helps You

• Ticket Dismissal — Many traffic tickets in Texas can be dismissed if you complete an approved defensive driving course before your court date.
• Insurance Discount — Insurance companies often reward safe drivers with discounts after course completion. Make sure it’s approved by TDLR – State Approval so your insurance provider accepts it.
• Cleaner Record — Some violations can be reduced or offset via this program.

Who Should Take It?

• Drivers with recent tickets
• Drivers who want lower insurance
• People needing proof of safe driving
• First-time offenders

How to Enroll Online

• Visit an approved Texas driving school website (Defensive Driving)
• Choose your course
• Complete modules at your own pace
• Print your certificate when finished

Most courses are compatible with phones, tablets, and laptops — studying at your own pace.

How to Keep a Clean Driving Record

Nobody wants high insurance rates or legal headaches. Here are practical steps:

1. Follow Traffic Laws

Obey speed limits, signals, and signs to prevent tickets.

2. Avoid Distractions

Texting or phone use is a top cause of collisions and violations.

3. Review Your Record Regularly

Check your record every year. Errors happen, and you should catch them early. If you find a mistake:

• Collect evidence
• Submit correction request to Texas DPS
• Follow up until corrected

4. Complete Refresher Courses

Even if you don’t need it for a ticket, a refresher may help lower insurance or avoid future violations.

5. Pay Fines Promptly

Unpaid fines become defaults and affect your record negatively.

Before You Order: Texas Driving Record FAQs

• Can I order my Texas driving record online? 
• Yes, directly via the Texas DPS Portal.
• How long does it take to get my driving record?
• Online download is immediate. Mailed copies take a few days.
• What is a Type 3A certified driving record?
• Official version accepted by courts, insurance, and employers.
• What do I need to request my record?
• License number, date of birth, last 4 digits of SSN.
• How much does it cost?
•  Around $10–$12 per record.
• Can an employer see my record?
• Yes, if required for a driving job.
• Can completing defensive driving remove points?
• Often, yes — if the court accepts.
• Does this help lower insurance?
• Many insurers offer discounts after approved courses.
• Is there a free way to access my record?
• Not officially — only via DPS. Avoid unverified free sites.
• Can I correct mistakes?
• Yes — submit correction requests to DPS.
• What happens if I don’t order my record on time?
• Missed deadlines can prevent ticket dismissal.
• Can I download the record multiple times?
• Yes, once purchased online.
• Is a defensive driving course mandatory for ticket dismissal?
• Only if the court requires it (Defensive Driving).
• Do points stay on my record forever?
• Most expire in about 3 years, but defensive driving may reduce them.
• Do I need to show my record to get an insurance discount?
• Many insurance companies request proof.

Take Control of Your Texas Driving Record Today

Your driving record isn’t just a list of past mistakes — it’s proof of your history as a driver, and you have the power to manage, improve, and use it to your advantage.

Here’s what to do next:

• Order your Type 3A certified Texas driving record online — click here
• Review it for accuracy
• Enroll in a state-approved defensive driving course if you need ticket dismissal or insurance benefits — visit here
• Keep your record clean by following traffic laws and checking it yearly

You deserve peace of mind knowing your driving history is accurate and working in your favor.

Drive safely — and let your driving record be a positive reflection of you.