Will the court accept a photocopy or scan of my Type 3A?

Usually no — the raised seal can't be authenticated on a copy. Some courts accept a scanned PDF if the clerk has already inspected the original. Bring the original.

What if the court rejects my record at the hearing?

Ask the clerk what specifically they need (Type 3A vs 2A, original vs copy, signed vs sealed). Order again as needed and request a continuance.

Can my attorney order the Type 3A on my behalf?

An attorney can order with proper authorization, but the federal DPPA limits non-self requests. Most attorneys will ask the client to self-order.

Court use

Certified Driving Record for Texas Court

When a clerk says 'certified driving record', they mean a record DPS has signed and sealed. In Texas, that's Type 3A.

Order from Texas DPS What is a Type 3A?

Outbound link to dps.texas.gov · We don't process the order on this page

If you're heading to a Texas court hearing — traffic, civil, family, or criminal — and you've been asked for a 'certified driving record', the document the court wants is the Type 3A. It's the complete record on file with DPS, printed and physically certified by the custodian of records, with a raised seal that authenticates the copy.

Common pitfalls

Where drivers get tripped up

Some clerks just say 'driving record' — without 'certified' — and the courtroom still wants 3A.
Type 3A is mailed by DPS, so ordering the day before a hearing is too late.
If you lose the original physical copy, you have to re-order — DPS won't issue duplicates from the same fee.

Plan your timing — Type 3A is mailed

Order at least 10–14 business days before your hearing.
Track the mailing if your DPS order confirmation includes tracking.
Have a backup plan: ask the court whether a Type 3 (uncertified) is acceptable as an interim copy.

If your hearing is sooner than 10 days

Call the clerk and explain. Some courts will accept a recent Type 3 with the DPS order confirmation as an interim while the certified copy is in the mail. This is at the judge's discretion.

What to bring to the hearing

The original Type 3A (with raised seal) — never a copy.
Your driver license or state ID (the court matches identity to the record).
Any related citations or case paperwork the court asked for.
If your address has changed since DPS mailed it, bring proof of the current address.

Continue to DPS portal

You'll be taken to dps.texas.gov to complete the order

Got a Texas ticket? Defensive driving can dismiss most moving violations and keep them off your record entirely.

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Important disclaimer

DefensiveDrivingPlus is not affiliated with Texas DPS and does not issue driving records. The Type 3A is purchased directly from the Texas Department of Public Safety. We provide informational content and link to the official DPS portal. Fees, processing times, and requirements are set by DPS and may change.

FAQ

Quick answers

Related guides

Driving records are issued by Texas DPS. Verify the current fee and requirements on the official portal before ordering.

Order from Texas DPS