How to Order a Texas Type 3A
Five minutes to order online, plus mail time. Here's exactly what to do — and what to have ready before you start.
Outbound link to dps.texas.gov · We don't process the order on this page
Ordering a Type 3A driving record from Texas DPS is straightforward: identify yourself online, confirm the record type, pay, and wait for it to arrive in the mail. The whole online step takes about five minutes — but you have to have your information ready and you have to choose the right type. Mistakes aren't refundable.
Where drivers get tripped up
DPS won't refund a wrong-type order — read the type confirmation step carefully.
The portal asks for last 4 of SSN, exact name as it appears on your license, DOB, DL number, and current address.
If your DPS address is out of date, you may have to update it before the certified mail can reach you.
What to have ready before you start
- Texas driver license number.
- Last 4 digits of your SSN.
- Date of birth.
- Full name exactly as it appears on your license.
- Current Texas mailing address (must match DPS records to receive the mail).
- Credit or debit card.
Step-by-step
- 1
Open the official DPS driver records portal
Go to the official Texas DPS site for driver records. Use the link below — and double-check you're on a dps.texas.gov domain to avoid third-party look-alikes.
- 2
Verify your identity
Enter your DL number, name, DOB, last 4 of SSN, and current address. The system matches against DPS data — if anything is mistyped you'll be asked to retry.
- 3
Choose Type 3A explicitly
When prompted for record type, select Type 3A — Complete Driving Record (Certified). The fee shown should match the published Type 3A rate. Read the description before clicking confirm.
- 4
Pay the DPS fee
Pay with a credit or debit card. Save the order confirmation email — it's your receipt and may have tracking information.
- 5
Wait for the mail
DPS prints, signs, seals, and mails the certified record. Typical delivery is 5–10 business days. The envelope is from Texas DPS — don't recycle the mail without checking.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ordering Type 3 (uncertified) when you actually need Type 3A — irreversible.
- Using a name different from what's on the license (e.g., maiden name) — fails identity verification.
- Old DPS address — the certified record is mailed to whatever address DPS has on file, not what you typed in.
- Ordering on a third-party site that resells DPS records at a markup — confirm you're on dps.texas.gov.
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.
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.
Quick answers
Driving records are issued by Texas DPS. Verify the current fee and requirements on the official portal before ordering.