How to Determine Which Driver Record To Request For Your Situation

A driver record request in Texas may be ordered for a variety of reasons. Maybe an employer requests it because the job requires driving. Or maybe you need it to show your car insurance company before they determine what premiums to charge you. Or maybe you can clear a ticket or reinstate your driver’s license by taking a defensive driving course. 

Whatever the reason you are making a driver record request in Texas, it can quickly be done online. Unfortunately, the Texas Department of Public Safety cannot provide in-person driver record services at any of their locations. To determine which driver record to order for your situation, see the options available below. If you would like to simply review the status of your driver’s license online, you can visit The Texas DPS driver eligibility page.

In Texas, there are six different types of driver records:

• Type 1 – A Type 1 or Status record includes your date of birth, license status, home address, and original Texas driver license application date.
• Type 2 – If you are looking for a 3-year history, Type 2 records include all Type 1 information plus a list of crashes – if a ticket was administered to you – and all moving violations for three years from the date of the offense. 
• Type 2A – Next, the Type 2A or certified 3-year history is a certified version of Type 2. Even though it is certified, this record type cannot be used for a defensive driving course.
• Type 3 – Type 3 offers a list of all crashes and violations. This driver record has all the information from the previous types, plus a list of all accidents – even if no ticket was issued – and all moving and nonmoving violations. Type 3 is only offered to the person the record belongs to and cannot be used for a defensive driving class. 
• Type 3A – Type 3A is a certified version of Type 3. It is also only provided to the person the record belongs to. However, it is the only type of driver record that can be used to register for a defensive driving course.
• Type AR (Abstract) – Last is the Type AR or a certified abstract of a complete driver record. It has all of the information from the previous types and a list of all suspensions. Note that Type AR consists of all data in a driver record, although it cannot be used for a defensive driving class.

The most convenient and efficient way to obtain a driver record online is to make sure you have the following information readily available:

• Your most recently issued Texas driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, or identification card number, as well as the audit number from that card
• Your date of birth
• Your address
• Your email and phone number
• The last four digits of your Social Security Number
• A valid credit card, either Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express, to pay for the appropriate fee

For fast results, a driver record online can be ordered with a maximum 12-hour email delivery.

Otherwise, a Texas driver record request by mail can be made by filling out a driver record request form and submitting it with the applicable payment to:

The Texas Department of Public Safety

PO BOX 149008

Austin, TX 78714-9008

It usually takes about three weeks from the date of your driver record request in Texas to be received for processing. If you can’t wait that long, then reach out to TX-DPS instead to get your record quickly and easily. We can send it to you via email or you can choose to get it via mail or express overnight delivery service.

Visit TX-DPS for More Information

Do you have questions about ordering a driver record in Texas? Do you need your Texas driver record without delay? Contact TX-DPS online or call us at 888-596-7307 to speak with someone directly.