Do I Need a Type 3A Driving Record for Texas Defensive Driving?

If you are taking Texas defensive driving to dismiss a traffic ticket, the court may require more than a course completion certificate. Here's what a Type 3A driving record is, how to order the correct record, and when your court may obtain it for you.

Quick Answer: Most Texas courts require a certified Type 3A driving record from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for defensive-driving ticket dismissal. However, under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45A.359, a judge may retrieve the appropriate driving record directly through the state portal instead. Check your court's instructions before ordering and paying for a record. The Type 3A record and your defensive-driving completion certificate are separate documents.

What is a Texas Type 3A driving record?

A Type 3A record is the certified version of the Texas DPS Type 3 record. It contains information about reported crashes and traffic violations, along with basic licensing information. Courts use driving-record information to confirm eligibility for a driving safety course dismissal, including whether you previously used a qualifying course within the applicable 12-month period.

Order the correct record type

Texas DPS identifies Type 3A as the certified record accepted for defensive-driving purposes. Type 3 is not certified, and Type 2A is a certified three-year history but is not accepted as a substitute for the defensive-driving Type 3A record. Always confirm the exact requirement with your court.

How do I order a Type 3A driving record in Texas?

  1. Ask your court first. Review the court order or contact the clerk to confirm whether you must submit a Type 3A record yourself or the court will request it.
  2. Use the official Texas DPS website. Go to How to Order a Driver Record and follow the link to the state online ordering service. You may also use the DPS mail-in Form DR-1.
  3. Have your details ready. For online ordering, DPS generally asks for your Texas license or ID number, audit number, date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment card.
  4. Select the certified Type 3A record. Double-check the record type before purchase. The wrong record can delay your court submission.
  5. Save or print your record. DPS offers online access to print or email the record after ordering. Keep a copy and follow the court's submission instructions.

How much does the Type 3A driving record cost?

Texas DPS currently lists the Type 3A record at $10. Ordering through the state's online service may include a separate portal or transaction fee. That government record charge is not included in National Driver Training's defensive driving course price. If your court orders the record instead, the court may charge a legally authorized reimbursement fee.

Can the court obtain my driving record instead?

Yes, in some cases. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45A.359 allows a judge to obtain the appropriate DPS record using the state electronic portal, instead of having the driver supply it under Article 45A.356(a)(2). Courts choosing this procedure can assess the reimbursement fee specified by law. Do not assume your court uses this option; verify its instructions before relying on it.

When do I submit my driving record and certificate?

Under Article 45A.356, the standard court process allows a 90-day period to complete the approved driving safety course and present required proof to the court. Your court order controls the actual due date, acceptable filing methods, and any additional paperwork. Plan ahead, particularly if you order by mail.

For more about the steps following your course, see What Happens After I Complete Texas Defensive Driving?

Does an insurance-discount course require a Type 3A record?

Generally, no. If you are taking defensive driving solely for a potential automobile insurance discount, rather than seeking court dismissal of a ticket, a Type 3A court-eligibility record is generally not part of the process. Ask your insurer what certificate or documentation it requires and whether your policy qualifies.

Take Texas Defensive Driving Online

National Driver Training offers a TDLR-approved six-hour online Texas defensive driving course for eligible ticket-dismissal and court-ordered purposes, with English and Spanish options and a downloadable completion certificate. Be sure to confirm the court's requirements for your ticket.

View Texas Online Defensive Driving Course

The course completion certificate is separate from a DPS Type 3A driving record. Court fees and driving-record fees may be additional.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Type 3A driving record for a Texas traffic ticket?

Usually, yes. Texas DPS says most courts generally require a certified Type 3A driver record when a driver requests ticket dismissal through a driving safety course. Ask the court handling your citation because some courts obtain the record directly.

What does a Type 3A Texas driving record show?

It is the certified version of a Type 3 driver record, which includes your license status and reported crashes and violations. Courts use the appropriate driving record to help verify defensive-driving dismissal eligibility.

How much does a Texas Type 3A driving record cost?

Texas DPS currently lists a $10 fee for a Type 3A certified record. The official online ordering portal may charge a separate transaction or portal fee. Verify the total displayed before paying.

Where do I get my Type 3A driver record?

Order directly from the Texas Department of Public Safety through its official online driver-record service or use the DPS mail-in DR-1 request form. Online ordering generally requires driver license or ID information, an audit number, date of birth, and identifying information.

Can my court order my driving record instead?

Yes. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45A.359 permits a judge to obtain the appropriate driver record through the state electronic portal and collect the authorized reimbursement fee instead. Ask your court whether it uses this procedure before ordering a record yourself.

Do I still need my defensive driving certificate if I have a Type 3A record?

Yes, the record is not a course completion certificate. For ticket dismissal, the court generally needs proof that you completed an approved driving safety course plus any required driving-record verification and other court documents by the deadline.

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Official sources

Reviewed November 6, 2026. Verify fees, forms, and filing instructions with Texas DPS and the court responsible for your citation.