Texas Driving Record Types 1, 2, 3 Explained (2026): Fees and Which to Order

TLDR Texas DPS sells six driving record types: Type 1 ($4.50) shows status, Type 2 ($6.50) is a 3-year history, Type 2A ($12.00) is the certified 3-year record, Type 3 ($7.50) is the complete history for the record owner only, Type 3A ($12.00) is the certified complete history marked "Acceptable for Defensive Driving Course," and Type AR ($22.00) is the certified abstract. Courts require the Type 3A for ticket dismissal.

Verified against the Texas DPS driver record ordering service on txapps.texas.gov, updated August 2026.

The Short Answer: Six Records, Different Purposes

The Texas DPS issues six types of driving records, each with different content, certification status, and cost. Prices shown include the Texas.gov administration fee, and all six are available for instant download when ordered online. The record most drivers need is the Type 3A certified complete history, which courts accept for a defensive driving course dismissal.

Record Type	What It Shows	Fee	Defensive Driving Use
Type 1	Status record: name, date of birth, license status, current address, original license date	$4.50	Not used for defensive driving
Type 2	3-year history: status plus accidents and moving violations in the past 3 years	$6.50	Not used for defensive driving
Type 2A	Certified 3-year history	$12.00	NOT acceptable for defensive driving
Type 3	Complete history: all accidents and all moving and nonmoving violations; issued to the record owner only	$7.50	Not used for defensive driving
Type 3A	Certified complete history	$12.00	Acceptable for Defensive Driving Course
Type AR	Certified abstract of the complete driving record, including all suspensions	$22.00	Used for employment and other formal checks

Which Record Should You Order?

Your Need	Order	Why
Dismiss a traffic ticket with a defensive driving course	Type 3A ($12.00)	Courts accept the certified complete history marked "Acceptable for Defensive Driving Course"
Check your own recent history	Type 2 ($6.50)	Shows the last 3 years of violations and accidents
Verify license status quickly	Type 1 ($4.50)	Cheapest way to confirm your license is valid
See your entire history including suspensions	Type 3 ($7.50) or Type AR ($22.00)	Type 3 is owner-only; Type AR is the certified abstract

Important: Do not order a Type 2A expecting to use it for defensive driving. Although it is certified, DPS explicitly marks it not acceptable for a defensive driving course. Only the Type 3A meets the court's requirement.

Step-by-Step: Order Your Type 3A Driving Record Online

Open the DPS driver record service: Go to txapps.texas.gov and select the driver record ordering option.
Enter your information: Provide your Texas driver license number, the audit number printed on your current license card, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Choose the Type 3A record: Select the certified complete history, priced at $12.00 including the Texas.gov fee.
Pay by credit card: Complete the secure checkout; your record is available immediately for download, printing, or email.
Submit to your court: Print or forward the certified Type 3A along with your defensive driving certificate by the court's deadline, usually about 90 days.

Mail option: If you cannot order online, submit Form DR-1 by mail to Texas DPS, PO Box 149008, Austin, TX 78714-9008. Mail-in requests can take up to three weeks, so order early if your court deadline is near.

What If My Online Order Is Rejected?

Most rejected online orders come from an incorrect audit number on the current license card. Double-check the number printed on your license, confirm your date of birth and last four digits of your Social Security number, and try again. If it still fails, you can order by mail or at a DPS driver license office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Type 3A driving record in Texas?

The Type 3A is the certified complete driving history from Texas DPS, priced at $12.00 online. It is the record courts accept for a defensive driving course dismissal and is marked "Acceptable for Defensive Driving Course."

How much is a Texas driving record?

Type 1 is $4.50, Type 2 is $6.50, Type 2A is $12.00, Type 3 is $7.50, Type 3A is $12.00, and Type AR is $22.00. Prices include the Texas.gov administration fee.

Which Texas driving record do I need for defensive driving?

The Type 3A certified complete history. The Type 2A certified 3-year record is specifically marked not acceptable for a defensive driving course.

Can I get my Texas driving record online instantly?

Yes. Ordering through txapps.texas.gov delivers the record immediately for download, printing, or email. Mail-in orders using Form DR-1 take up to three weeks.

What is the difference between Type 3 and Type 3A in Texas?

Both show the complete driving history. Type 3 ($7.50) is uncertified and issued to the record owner only. Type 3A ($12.00) is the certified version that courts accept for defensive driving.

Order Your Type 3A and Dismiss Your Ticket

If your court requires a certified driving record, order your Type 3A right after completing your course so nothing delays your dismissal. Pair it with a TDLR-approved 6-hour defensive driving course from onlinetxdefensivedrivingcourse.com and you can have the whole package filed inside your 90-day window. Start your course and order your record today.

Citations

https://txapps.texas.gov/apps/dps/txldr/html/faq.html
https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/driver-records/
https://www.dentoncounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1660/Ordering-Driver-Records-PDF
https://www.dps.texas.gov/InternetForms/Forms/DR-1.pdf