If you are looking to take a defensive driving course to satisfy Texas court requirements, you must also obtain a copy of your Texas Type 3A Texas driving record. In this article, we will discuss what a Type 3A Texas driving record is, why you should get a copy, and the only agency allowed by Texas law to provide that data.
What is a Type 3A Texas Driving Record?
A Type 3A Texas driving record is a certified document that shows your complete driving history in the state of Texas, including your license status, any traffic violations, and accidents you have been involved in. The driving record is used to verify that you are eligible to take a driver safety course. In particular, the driving record is used to ensure that you have not taken a defensive driving course in the past 12 months. Keep in mind that there are multiple types of Texas Driving records. Type 3A is the only record that can be used for a defensive driving course.
Why Should I Get My Type 3A Texas Driving Record?
There are several reasons why you may need to obtain a Type 3A Texas driving record.
Employment: If you are applying for a job that requires driving, your potential employer may ask to see your driving record.
Insurance: Your insurance company may require a copy of your driving record to determine your risk level and set your insurance rates.
Personal Record: You may want to obtain a copy of your driving record for your personal records or to ensure that there are no errors or inaccuracies.
Defensive Driver Training: This is perhaps the most popular reason why you want to get a copy of your driving record. If you receive a traffic ticket in Texas, you may be permitted to complete an approved online defensive driving course to keep points off your driving record. To meet court requirements, you must have a valid Texas driver’s license, proof of insurance, a defensive driving course completion certificate, and a copy of your Type3A Texas Driving record.
Where Can I Obtain a Copy of My Type 3A Texas Driving Record?
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the only entity authorized to issue official driving records in the state of Texas. In fact, it’s the law.
Many third-party companies, including several online driver safety course providers, claim to offer Type 3A Texas driving records for sale through their websites. In many instances, these companies charge two to three times more than the Texas DPS pricing (currently priced at $10).
In an effort to protect the personal information of Texas drivers and improve the accuracy and integrity of driving records, Texas lawmakers passed HB 2835, a law that prohibits third-party companies from selling Type 3A driving records to individuals. The law makes the Texas DPS the only authorized agency to provide certified copies of driver records.
How Do I Order a Copy of My Type 3A Texas Driving Record?
A Type 3A driving record can be purchased directly from the Texas DPS website and printed immediately. There’s also an option to order by mail.
Be sure to have the following information handy when ordering:
- Your most recent Texas driver license and the audit number on that card
- Your date of birth
- The 4 digits of your Social Security Number
- A valid credit card
You may want to check out the handy how-to-order video created by the Texas DPS. It offers step-by-step instructions for purchasing your Texas Type 3A Driver Record.
Conclusion
Purchasing a Type 3A driving record is an important step in taking a defensive driving course in Texas. By purchasing the record directly from the DPS and avoiding third-party online providers, you can ensure that you are getting a fair price for a certified copy of your driving history. This can help you complete the course successfully and potentially improve your driving skills and car insurance rates.