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check points license texas searches spike every time a driver opens a ticket envelope and panics. Here is the good news. Texas no longer uses a driver license points system at all. The state repealed its Driver Responsibility Program on September 1, 2019, under House Bill 2048. That repeal wiped out the old point assessments and the annual surcharges that came with them.
More than 1.4 million Texas drivers were under DRP suspension in August 2019. All of those surcharges and suspensions were waived. So when people try to check points license texas records today, what they actually need is their official driving record from the Texas Department of Public Safety. That record shows convictions, not points.
Texas Killed Its Points System in 2019
The old program ran from September 1, 2003, to August 31, 2019. Under it, a moving violation added 2 points. A violation involving a crash added 3 points. Hit 6 points in three years and you owed a surcharge every year. The surcharges were often larger than the ticket itself.
The Texas Legislature scrapped the whole system. In its place, lawmakers raised the state traffic fine to $50 per conviction. That money funds trauma hospitals. As a result, drivers who want to check points license texas information will find no point totals anywhere on their record. DPS confirms the repeal on its own website.
However, your convictions still matter. Insurance companies still see them. Employers still see them. And DPS still counts them for suspension purposes.
How to Check Points License Texas Records Through DPS
Since there are no points, the correct step is ordering your driving record. Texas DPS is the only official source. You can order online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office.
The fastest route is the state’s online portal. Go to the DPS Driver Records page and follow the link to the Texas.gov ordering system. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Most orders return an instant PDF. Mail orders take longer, typically two to three weeks.
Beware of copycat websites. Many charge $30 or more for a record that costs under $12 from the state. In most cases, if the web address does not end in texas.gov, it is not official. Anyone trying to check points license texas details should start and stop at the DPS site.
Record Types, Fees, and Which One to Order
DPS sells six record types. Each one shows a different level of detail. Picking the wrong one wastes money and time.
| Type | What It Shows | Base Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Status, plus most recent action | $4.00 |
| Type 2 | Three-year violation history | $6.00 |
| Type 2A | Certified three-year history | $10.00 |
| Type 3 | Complete history, licensee only | $7.00 |
| Type 3A | Certified complete history, defensive driving eligible | $10.00 |
| Type AR | Certified abstract | $20.00 |
Online orders usually add a small Texas.gov administration fee, typically around $2. For most drivers who want to check points license texas history, the Type 3 record is the right pick. It lists every conviction, suspension, and accident on file.
Order the Type 3A instead if a court told you to take a defensive driving course. That version is marked “Acceptable for Defensive Driving Course.” Judges typically reject the cheaper Type 2. For example, a Dallas municipal court will not accept a Type 1 status record for ticket dismissal.
What Actually Suspends a Texas License Now
Points are gone, but suspension is not. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 521.292, DPS can suspend your license if you become a habitual violator. That means 4 or more moving violation convictions from separate incidents within 12 consecutive months. It also means 7 or more convictions within 24 months.
If you do not request a hearing, the automatic suspension runs 90 days. If a hearing produces an affirmative finding, the suspension can reach one year. Certain offenses are excluded, such as seat belt violations and vehicle weight or width violations.
So the practical move is simple. Pull your record, count your convictions, and check the dates. Anyone at two or three convictions in the past year should treat the next ticket seriously. Fight it, or ask about deferred disposition. Texas courts can also dismiss one ticket per 12 months through a defensive driving course, with a course fee plus a court administrative fee. Drivers who check points license texas records early usually catch this window in time.
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Commercial drivers face stricter rules. CDL holders cannot use deferred disposition to hide a moving violation, even in a personal vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do I have on my Texas license right now?
Zero, because Texas does not assign points anymore. The system ended September 1, 2019. When people check points license texas records today, they see convictions and suspensions instead.
How long do speeding tickets stay on a Texas driving record?
Convictions generally stay on the record permanently. However, the Type 2 record only shows the last three years. Insurers typically look back three to five years when setting rates.
Can I check my Texas driving record for free?
No. DPS charges for every record type, starting at $4. However, your auto insurer or employer may already have a copy and can sometimes share what it shows.
Does defensive driving still help if there are no points?
Yes. A court-approved course can get a ticket dismissed entirely, so no conviction ever appears. That keeps the violation out of the 4-in-12-months suspension count.
Check Your Ticket Impact
Find out exactly what your speeding ticket will cost you — including the hidden insurance increase most drivers miss. Use our free tools to get the full picture.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified traffic law and speeding ticket information:
- NHTSA (Speed Data): nhtsa.gov
- NCSL (State Traffic Laws): ncsl.org
- AAA Foundation: aaafoundation.org
- IIHS (Insurance Data): iihs.org
- State DMV Websites: Check your state DMV for official point values and fine schedules
Content last reviewed September 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.
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- Insurance Impact Estimator
Disclaimer. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Fine amounts, point values, and traffic laws vary by jurisdiction and may change without notice. The creators assume no liability for accuracy or completeness. Always verify with your local court, DMV, or a qualified traffic attorney for advice specific to your situation.