How to Check Your Driving Record in Texas: A Complete Guide
Your driving record is an essential document that reflects your history on the road. In Texas, as in many states, your driving record contains vital information such as traffic violations, accidents, DUI offenses, and the current status of your driver’s license. Having access to your driving record is important for a variety of reasons, ranging from employment purposes to personal monitoring of your driving history. In Texas, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) manages and maintains your driving record, offering various methods through which you can access this information.
Whether you are an individual wanting to verify the accuracy of your record, an employer conducting background checks, or someone checking their driving history for insurance purposes, knowing how to check your driving record in Texas is a crucial first step. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Texas driving records, the different methods available to access them, and the types of records you can request.
Why You Should Check Your Driving Record in Texas
There are many scenarios where checking your driving record in Texas can prove useful. Here are a few examples of why it’s important:
1. Employment Requirements
For those seeking employment, especially in roles where driving is a key responsibility (e.g., delivery drivers, truck drivers, rideshare drivers), employers often require a clean driving record. Many companies, especially those involved in logistics, transportation, or ridesharing, run background checks to verify whether applicants have a history of traffic violations, accidents, or other issues that might affect their ability to perform their duties safely.
Your driving record will be scrutinized by employers looking for candidates who have a good safety record, and a clean driving record can help you secure a job. If your record contains violations or accidents, it might impact your employment prospects, especially if the employer has a policy of hiring only individuals with clean driving histories.
2. Insurance Rates and Eligibility
Insurance companies use your driving record to assess how much of a risk you present as a driver. If your record shows multiple traffic violations or accidents, you may be classified as a high-risk driver, resulting in higher premiums or even the inability to obtain certain types of insurance. On the other hand, a clean driving history can often lead to discounts on your premiums.
Regularly checking your driving record ensures that your insurance rates are being calculated correctly. If there are any discrepancies, such as a misreported accident or an incorrect traffic violation, you can take steps to correct it and potentially lower your rates.
3. Personal Monitoring
Sometimes, people check their driving records simply for peace of mind. If you have been involved in an accident, received a ticket, or made a recent traffic violation, you may want to ensure that these events have been accurately recorded. It’s also a good practice to verify the accuracy of your driving history if you’ve recently changed addresses, names, or have experienced a life event that might have affected the records.
Having a correct driving record can help avoid issues down the road, particularly if your driving history is being reviewed for legal or court-related matters.
4. Legal or Court-Related Matters
In legal situations such as defending yourself against a traffic ticket or challenging a license suspension, your driving record is often one of the first things that will be reviewed. The accuracy of the information on your driving record can be critical in court cases, especially if you are trying to dispute a violation or an error. In such cases, having access to your driving record in Texas is key to preparing your defense.
Additionally, when involved in any traffic-related legal dispute, such as a lawsuit due to an accident, you might need to provide proof of your driving history to demonstrate whether or not you have a history of careless driving or negligence.
What Information Is Included in a Driving Record?
A Texas driving record contains a wide range of information that provides a snapshot of your driving history. Here are the main types of data you can expect to find:
- Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth, and current address. This is used to identify you and confirm that the record belongs to you.
- Traffic Violations: Any traffic tickets or violations you have received, such as speeding, running a red light, driving under the influence (DUI), or reckless driving.
- Accidents: Information regarding accidents in which you have been involved, whether at fault or not. This includes minor fender benders or more serious incidents.
- License Status: The current status of your driver’s license, including whether it’s active, suspended, revoked, or expired.
- Points on Your License: Texas uses a point system for traffic violations, where certain violations result in points added to your record. Accumulating too many points can result in a suspended license.
- Driver Safety Courses: If you’ve completed any defensive driving or driver safety courses, these will be noted. Completion of these courses may sometimes reduce points on your record or prevent a violation from being added.
These are just a few examples of what is typically included in your driving record. The details may vary depending on the type of record you request, as certain types offer more comprehensive information.
Types of Driving Records Available in Texas
Texas offers several different types of driving records, depending on your needs. Here’s an overview of the three main types:
| Type of Driving Record | Description |
|---|---|
| Complete Driving Record | A full record of your driving history, including all violations, accidents, points, and license status. |
| Non-Commercial Driving Record | A simplified record that only includes non-commercial driving offenses and excludes commercial vehicle-related offenses. |
| Certified Driving Record | A certified copy of your driving record, often required for legal, employment, or court purposes. |
Complete Driving Record
The complete driving record is the most comprehensive type of report. It includes all traffic violations, accidents, points, and other significant driving history details. This record is ideal for individuals or employers who need a thorough understanding of an individual’s driving history.
Non-Commercial Driving Record
The non-commercial driving record focuses on personal driving history and excludes any incidents related to commercial driving. This is useful for individuals seeking their record for personal reasons or employment opportunities that don’t involve operating a commercial vehicle.
Certified Driving Record
A certified driving record is an official copy that is often required for legal or court-related matters. If you need to submit your record as part of a court case, legal dispute, or for certain employment positions, a certified record is the preferred choice. This record is available with a stamp from the Texas DPS confirming its authenticity.
Overview of the Process
Now that we have covered the importance of checking your driving record and the types of records available, let’s move on to the process of checking your record. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides several options for obtaining your driving record. These options include:
- Online Request: Visit the official DPS website and use their online services to check your driving record. This is the most convenient method for most people.
- Mail Request: You can also request your record by mail if you prefer not to use online services.
- In-Person Request: For those who prefer to handle matters in person, you can visit a local DPS office.
- Third-Party Services: There are third-party services like Exact Background Checks that streamline the process and provide added convenience, especially for employers needing to verify multiple records quickly.