Can I 'upgrade' a Type 1 to a Type 3A?

No. DPS treats each record type as a separate product. If you ordered Type 1 and need Type 3A, you have to place a new order at the Type 3A fee.

Will my court accept a Type 1?

Almost never. Courts that require a driving record almost always require a certified one (Type 2A or Type 3A). A Type 1 status check doesn't show convictions or crashes, which is the whole point of what they want to see.

Is Type 1 cheaper for a reason?

Yes — it's the simplest record DPS produces. It's a useful product for license-validity checks but not for legal or compliance use cases.

Records

Type 1 vs Type 3A in Texas

One is a quick license-status check. The other is the certified court-admissible record. Mixing them up costs time and a non-refundable DPS fee.

Order from Texas DPS What is a Type 3A?

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

Type 1 and Type 3A are at opposite ends of the Texas DPS driving-record menu. Type 1 just answers 'is this license valid right now?' — no convictions, no crashes, no certification. Type 3A is the full document a court will accept as proof of your driving history.

Common pitfalls

Where drivers get tripped up

Type 1 is the cheapest, so people default-order it and then learn the court won't accept it.
Some employers ask for a 'driving record' but mean Type 2A or Type 3A — Type 1 won't satisfy them.
DPS won't upgrade a Type 1 order — you have to pay again for the higher-tier record.

Side-by-side: what each one shows

Type 1 — Status only: name, DOB, license #, current status (valid / expired / suspended). No convictions or crashes.
Type 3A — Complete certified: everything on Type 1 plus all crashes and convictions on file, plus DPS signature and raised seal.

Quick rule of thumb

If anyone — court, employer, attorney, insurer — used the word 'certified', you need Type 3A or Type 2A. Type 1 is never the answer in those cases.

When Type 1 is actually the right choice

You want a quick personal check: is my license valid?
You're submitting an internal HR form that only asks for license status.
You're confirming a license isn't suspended before a road trip or rental.

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