Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a certified driver’s record online?
Yes, the Texas DPS allows you to obtain a certified online driving record through their website. The Texas Department of Public Safety offers a couple of different certified records – one contains your driving history from the past three years, while the other includes information pertaining to your entire record.

For more information: Your Texas Driving Record

Do I need to attend traffic school if I get a speeding ticket?
Depending on your violation, you may have the option of completing a defensive driving course approved by the Texas Education Agency to dismiss a ticket and remove points from your driving record. However, in order to take this class, you must first plead guilty to the ticket. Additionally, the course must be approved by the court. Read more about traffic school here.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Texas

How can I pay for my traffic or parking ticket?
You can pay traffic tickets or parking tickets by following the instructions on the ticket itself, or by visiting the county clerk s website of where your ticket was issued. Texas also allows you to get information about your ticket through the Texas DPS Highway Patrol Citation Search page.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Texas

How do I file a complaint when I believe someone has illegally accessed my DMV record?
If you believe your Texas drivers record has been accessed by an unauthorized person, contact the Texas DPS at your earliest convenience and report any suspicious activity you have found. Make sure to have your driver’s license number handy. You can also request a copy of your personal driver’s record for your peace of mind.

For more information: Your Texas Driving Record

How do I get a copy of my driving record?
The Texas Department of Public Safety two ways to check driving record information: online or by mail.

You can get a copy online through the Texas DPS website. If you wish to submit your request by mail, complete an Application for Copy of Driver Record (DR-1) form and send it to the address on the form.

For more information: Your Texas Driving Record

How do I get a traffic ticket dismissed?
You can get a ticket dismissed by taking a state-approved traffic course. You can also hire a traffic ticket attorney to have your ticket wiped away. For more information about your available options, follow the instructions on your ticket or call a traffic ticket lawyer.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Texas

How do I obtain a copy of someone else’s driving record?
You can request a copy of another individual s DMV driving record either online or by mail. For further instructions on how to proceed online, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website. To make your request by mail, fill out an Application for Copy of Driver Record (DR-1) form. The address you need to send your request to is the following:

Texas Department of Public SafetyBox 149008Austin, TX 78714-9008

For more information: Your Texas Driving Record

How do I reinstate my license if I refused to submit a breath/urine/blood test?
Failure to submit to a chemical test will result in a Texas drivers license suspension – a 180-day suspension for your first offense to be exact. You will be required to complete your suspension period and any other requirements before you can become eligible for reinstatement.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Texas

How do I remove points from my driver’s license?
You have the option to remove points from your DMV driving record by completing a state-approved defensive driving school class. These courses focus on improving your knowledge of road rules and teaching drivers safe driving strategies.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Texas

How many points can I get on my driving record before my driver’s license is suspended?
You may face a Texas drivers license suspension if you accrue six points or more in a three-year period. A driver’s license suspension can bring about high fines and fees, as well as jail time and other penalties. You may also be required to complete an alcohol awareness course if you are convicted of driving under the influence. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on your driving record to avoid facing a license suspension.

For more information: Your Texas Driving Record

How many times can I attend a traffic school course to remove points from my driving record?
Texas allows certain drivers to have a traffic ticket dismissed, and therefore avoid points on their driving record upon completion of a defensive driving course. To see if you are eligible to attend traffic school, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Customer Service line at 512-424-2600. For more information about traffic schools, visit this page.

For more information: Your Texas Driving Record

If I lost my traffic or parking ticket, how can I find the information again?
If you lost your ticket, you can quickly find the information online through the Texas DPS Highway Patrol Citation Search. Once there, input the below details to verify your identity and find out about your TX traffic fines:
  • Your first name
  • Your last name
  • Your middle name (if applicable)
  • Your birthday
  • Your driver s license/ID number

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Texas

If my driver’s license was confiscated at the time of my DUI/DWI arrest, how do I get it back?
In order to retrieve your license, complete the suspension period as outlined in your Notice of Suspension, along with any other reinstatement requirements, such as certain fines and fees. You also have the option to request a hearing if you so choose. In these legal matters, though, it is always best to consult the advice of a TX DUI attorney.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Texas

What are the different types of driving records?
The Texas Department of Public Safety offers six types of DMV driving records:
  • Status Record (Type 1) includes your name, birthday, license status and home address.
  • Three-year driving history (Type 2) includes your name, birthday, license status and home address, plus accidents and violations from the past three years.
  • Certified three-year driving history (Type 2A) is a certified version of a Type 2 driving record.
  • Complete driving history (Type 3) includes your name, birthday, license status and home address, plus accidents and violations on record.
  • Certified complete driving history (Type 3A) is a certified version of the Type 3 driving record.
  • Abstract driving record (Type AR) is the certified abstract of your complete driving record.

The fees will vary, depending on the driver record you would like to request a copy of.

For more information: Your Texas Driving Record

What are the penalties of being convicted of driving under the influence?
Penalties of a DUI conviction vary depending on the offense you are charged with and convicted of. Below are a few examples:

First DUI offense

  • Fines that go up to $2,000
  • Jail time that can range from three days to 180 days
  • $1,000 annual fee or $2,000 for three years to reinstate your driver s license
  • Suspension period for up to a year

Second DUI offense

  • Can result in fines that go up to $4,000
  • Jail time that can range from a month to a year
  • $1,000 or $1,500 annual fee or $2,000 for three years to reinstate your driver s license
  • Suspension period for up to two years

Third DUI offense

  • Can result in fines that go up to $10,000
  • Jail time that can range from two to 10 years
  • $1,000 or $1,500 annual fee or $2,000 for three years to reinstate your driver s license
  • Suspension period for up to two years

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Texas

What happens if I get traffic ticket fines and I have a CDL?
If you are a CDL driver who recently was issued a traffic ticket, you are responsible for notifying your employer about this violation as soon as possible. Once you have brought the incident to his or her attention, you then have the option to pay for the traffic ticket or fight charges with a traffic ticket attorney.

By paying the traffic ticket fine, you are admitting guilty to the charge and may see points added to your driving record, depending on the severity of the offense.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Texas

What information does a driving record contain?
Depending on the type of TX drivers record you request a copy of, it may contain any or all of the information below:
  • Your name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your current residential address
  • Your driver s license status
  • Accidents and violations (non-moving and moving)

For more information: Your Texas Driving Record

What is considered the legal alcohol limit?
What is the cost of a DUI?
The cost of a DUI varies, depending on whether this is your first offense or a multiple offense. Nonetheless, a DUI conviction results in high fines, therefore you should avoid getting behind the wheel if you are intoxicated so you are not faced with a suspended drivers license.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Texas

What is the cost of a traffic ticket?
The cost of traffic ticket fines depends on the violation that was committed. Your ticket should contain information about the fines you are responsible for. If you are unable to find this information, visit the Texas DPS Highway Patrol Citation Search page.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Texas

What is the cost to get a driver record?
The fee to check driving record information depends on the type of drivers history report you order and the method you use to place your request. See below for more information.
  • Status Record (Type 1): $4.50 online, $4 by mail
  • Three-year driving history (Type 2): $6.50 online, $6 by mail
  • Certified three-year driving history (Type 2A): $12 online, $10 by mail
  • Complete driving history (Type 3): $7.50 online, $7 by mail
  • Certified complete driving history (Type 3A): $12 online, $10 by mail
  • Abstract driving record (Type AR): $22 online

Be aware that fees are subject to vary.

For more information: Your Texas Driving Record

What is the DUI penalty for a CDL driver?
If you are a commercial driver who is convicted of a DUI for the first time, you will have a revoked drivers license for 12 months. If you operate a commercial vehicle that carries hazardous materials, your suspension period increases to three years. You may also be subject to attending an alcohol awareness course, paying high fines and/or jail time.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Texas

What is the DUI penalty for a minor?
If you are a minor convicted of a DUI for the first time, your drivers license suspension will last 180 days. However, your suspension period increases if it a subsequent offense. For example, a driver who is a minor and convicted of a second DUI offense will face a two-year drivers license suspension. Additionally, you will be required to pay a select fine and complete an alcohol education course.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Texas

What must I do to reinstate my driver’s license as a result of a DUI/DWI?
To reinstate your Texas driver s license, you must comply with rules and requirements set forth in your Notice of Suspension. Some of the suspended driving license penalties you may face include but are not limited to the following:
  • Jail time
  • High fines
  • DUI education course
  • Driver s license suspension that can last a few months or years
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Texas

Where can I find more information about an ignition interlock device?
If you have a suspended drivers license and need to know more about ignition interlock devices (IIDs) in Texas, visit the TX DPS Ignition Interlock Devices page. This DPS-hosted page lists which DPS-approved centers install IIDs and the associated fees.

Keep in mind that an ignition interlock device is often required for those drivers who are convicted of driving under the influence. In the event that you are currently facing a driver’s license suspension, you may also want to seek the advice of legal counsel.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Texas

Where can I find my traffic or parking ticket information online?
If you need to get information about your traffic ticket fines online, visit the Texas DPS Highway Patrol Citation Search page. By providing your citation number, you will be able to access the information you seek.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Texas

Why doesn’t a recent traffic ticket I received appear on my driving record?
Sufficient time may not have passed for a recent traffic ticket to be reflected on your driving record. If you have any queries pertaining to your violation, contact the county clerk s office of the county in which you were issued your ticket. You can also request a personal copy of your driving record in order to review all other information.

For more information: Your Texas Driving Record

Will I have points against my driver’s license if I get a ticket?
Only serious offenses will come with points. Even then, if your ticket is dismissed, you avoid having points added to your Texas driving record. It is recommended that you contact the county clerk of where your ticket was issued for clarification. You may also seek the advice of a traffic attorney.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Texas

Will I have to take an alcohol awareness class to reinstate my driver’s license?
Yes, you may be required to complete an alcohol awareness program, depending on your conviction. A DUI conviction often entails high fines, jail time and a lengthy driver’s license suspension period. It is strongly advised that you seek the advice of a DUI attorney in these instances. For more information, contact the Texas DMV about your particular case.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Texas