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

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 to keep a clean record
• Answers to top FAQs

Let’s dive in.

What’s a Texas Driving Record?

Texas DPS keeps your driving record—it’s the official file on your license history. 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. Everyone slips up sometimes—spotting errors quick saves cash and hassle.

Texas driving record options

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

Type 1 – License Status Record

Quick check on your license status—valid, suspended, revoked, etc. Good for fast peeks, not court stuff.

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

Taking a state-approved defensive driving course can help snag those insurance discounts.

3. Employment Verification

Jobs with driving (delivery, rideshare, etc.) might ask for your record. Employers check:

• 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: order your Texas driving record online

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 class that teaches safe habits.

• Safer driving practices
• Traffic law refreshers
• Ways to dodge crashes
• Smarter choices behind the wheel

How It Helps You

• Clear your ticket—lots of Texas traffic tickets get dismissed if you finish an approved defensive driving course before court.
  Insurance breaks—companies give safe drivers discounts after completing the course. 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 work fine on phones, tablets, or laptops—learn whenever you want.​

How to keep your record spotless

Nobody likes pricey insurance or court drama. Simple steps to stay clean:

1. Obey road rules

Stick to speed limits, signals, and signs—no tickets that way.

2. Steer clear of distractions

Texting or phones cause tons of crashes and tickets.

3. Check your record now and then

Check your record yearly. Mistakes slip in, so grab ’em fast. Spot one?

• 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 to get your 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 ya need for your record?
• License number, DOB, last 4 of your SSN.
• How much it gonna cost ya?
• About $10-$12 each one.
• 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.
• Do I gotta take a defensive driving course to ditch a ticket?
• Only if the court says so (defensive driving).
• Do points stay on my record forever?
• They usually drop off after 3 years, but defensive driving can speed that up.
• Do I need my record to score insurance discounts?
• 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 to start your order.
• Review it for accuracy
• ETake a state-approved defensive driving course for ticket dismissal or insurance perks.
  Stay clean by obeying traffic laws and checking your record 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.