In Texas, a Type 3A driving record is a specific type of driving record used to track the driving history of all drivers who currently hold, or have previously held a Texas drivers license. The 3A record is also known as the "3-year history record" and it contains information about a driver's driving history over a period of three years. Unlike the type 3 driving record, type 3A record is certified, and so it can be used as an “official” record whenever one is required. This is one of the most frequently ordered types of the Texas driving record since most courthouses require a copy of this record for ticket dismissal.
Defensive Driving
It's important to note that drivers who complete a defensive driving course must present a Type 3A driving record to the courthouse in Texas. No other types of driving records will be accepted for this purpose.
This is a common mistake that students make when submitting their driving records. They may choose the cheapest driving record type and assume that any type of driving record will do. However, submitting the wrong type of driving record will result in the denial of benefits associated with completing a defensive driving course and your claim to ticket dismissal will be rejected.
Ticket Dismissal
Submitting a Type 3A driving record to the courthouse after completing a defensive driving course is a legal requirement in Texas. This requirement helps to ensure that drivers who complete defensive driving courses have a clean driving record and are eligible to have their traffic ticket dismissed. By submitting a Type 3A driving record, the courthouse can verify that the driver has not completed a defensive driving course within the last 12 months.
Furthermore, a Type 3A driving record provides a detailed record of a driver's driving history over a period of three years, including any moving or non-moving violations, convictions, suspensions, revocations and traffic accidents, even if no ticket was issued at the time of an accident. This information is important for the courthouse to evaluate the driver's eligibility for benefits such as ticket dismissal or point reduction.
Note that the courthouse expects to receive a Texas CERTIFIED driving record. A certified driving record is the only type of a record that can be used for official purposes. Type 3A record is certified, while type 3 record is not. It’s a subtle difference, but the wrong type of the record will not be accepted by the courthouse. This means delays in the ticket dismissal process and additional fees for you.
Obtaining A 3A Driving Record
There are several ways to request a copy of your Texas driving record, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
In-person
In the pre-pandemic era, individuals in Texas were able to obtain a copy of their driving record by visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety office, filling out a Driving Record Request Form (Form DR-1), and paying the required fee. However, the current situation has caused in-person requests to no longer be a feasible option.
Given this, individuals who need a copy of their driving record, particularly the Type 3A driving record required after completing a defensive driving course, will have to explore alternative means, such as online or mail-in requests.
By Mail
Requesting a copy of your Type 3A driving record by mail is also an option in Texas. To proceed with this, you must complete the Driving Record Request Form (Form DR-1) and send it via mail, along with a check or money order for the appropriate fee, to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The cost of the driving record depends on the type of record that you require.
However, if you are in a rush and need your Type 3A driving record immediately, ordering it through the mail may not be the best option for you. It could take up to three weeks for the record to arrive by mail, which can be inconvenient for those who require it urgently. Moreover, there is always the possibility that the record could be lost in the mail or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.
In situations where you need a printed version of your Type 3A driving record promptly, it may be wise to consider ordering it through a commercial driving school. The school can process the record and mail it to you via various carriers, allowing you to receive your record the following day.
Online
Ordering a Type 3A driving record online provides a convenient and easy option for those looking to obtain a copy of their driving record quickly in Texas. There are two methods to do so: ordering directly through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) or through a commercial driving school.
Ordering through a driving school offers several advantages, especially when you need a Type 3A driving record for defensive driving. The school can ensure that you obtain the correct driving record and store it for future use, making it easy to get a duplicate if needed. Additionally, many driving schools can print and mail the record for you upon request, making the process more convenient. Some driving schools even offer a bundled package deal for the course and Type 3A driver record, making it a cost-effective option.
The second option is to order directly from the DPS, which may be more affordable, but has some drawbacks. In case you encounter any problems, such as the inability to open or print the record, or a malfunctioning computer, you will have to request another record and pay double the cost. The DPS does not keep track of your requests or provide refunds for failed attempts. Therefore, it's advisable to order your Type 3A driving record through the DPS only if you know what type of record you need and are not participating in a driver safety course.
By obtaining the correct Type 3A driving record and submitting it to the courthouse, you can ensure that you meet the legal requirements and are eligible for the benefits that come with completing a defensive driving course in Texas. Whether you order the driving record through a commercial driving school or directly through the DPS, it's important to stay informed and follow the correct procedures to obtain your Type 3A driving record.
Driver Record Cost
The cost of a Type 3A drivers record in Texas varies depending on the method you use to order it. If you order it directly from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) by mail, the fee is currently $10.00. Ordering the driver record online will incur an additional convenience charge of $2, so you will have to pay at least $12 to check the driving record, and then any additional printing costs that may arise.
If you order the Type 3A driving record through a commercial driving school, the cost may vary depending on the school you choose, but they are typically anywhere between $20 and $40. Some driving schools offer a bundled package deal for the defensive driving course and Type 3A driving record, which may be more cost-effective than ordering the record directly from the DPS.
It's essential to consider the cost when ordering your Type 3A driving record, but it's also important to ensure that you obtain the correct type of driving record to meet the legal requirements and be eligible for the benefits that come with completing a defensive driving course in Texas.
Court Submission
Submitting the Type 3A driving record along with the certificate of completion for the defensive driving course is a crucial step in meeting the legal requirements and being eligible for the benefits that come with completing a defensive driving course in Texas. However, some courthouses may require additional documentation to be submitted along with these two documents.
In most cases, the drivers license record and certificate of completion for the defensive driving course can be submitted by mail, without requiring an in-person visit to the courthouse. It's important to follow the instructions provided by the courthouse to ensure that the submission is correct and meets their requirements. The paperwork you receive from the courthouse when they issue permission to participate in a defensive driving course specifies the process for the courthouse that is working on your citation, so it's important to read and follow these instructions carefully.
When submitting your driver safety certificate and driving record to the courthouse by mail, we recommend that you use certified mail, as you can receive confirmation that your submission has been received and track its progress through the mail system. This can be helpful in case there are any delays or issues with the delivery, as you can take appropriate action to ensure that the paperwork is received by the court on time. In addition to providing peace of mind, using certified mail also ensures that you have proof of mailing and proof of delivery. This can be helpful in case there are any disputes or questions about whether or not you submitted the paperwork on time.
It's essential to keep a copy of everything for your records. This will be helpful in case there are any issues with the submission or if you need to verify that you completed the defensive driving course in the future. Most driving schools will be able to furnish you with an extra copy of your certificate and driving record free of charge, if needed (another benefit of ordering through a driving school and paying a little bit more now to save more later).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Texas Type 3A driving record?
A Texas Type 3A driving record is a certified document that provides details of an individual's driving history, including any accidents, tickets, and violations. This record typically needs to be submitted when you take a defensive driving course.
How can I get a driving record in Texas?
You can get a driving record in Texas through the Texas Department of Public Safety, ordering it online through the Texas DPS website, or by mail using the required form and fee. You may also order a type 3a driving record online through a commercial driving school. Most schools that offer defensive driving will allow you to order a driving record too.
What type of driving record do I need for ticket dismissal in Texas?
To dismiss a traffic ticket in Texas, you need to submit a Type 3A driving record, which is obtained by completing a state-approved defensive driving course. Records 2A and 3 WILL NOT be accepted by the court.
What type of driving record do I need for defensive driving in Texas?
The type of driving record required for defensive driving in Texas is the Type 3A record, which provides details of an individual's driving history, including any accidents, tickets, and violations. Note that your driving school most likely offers a driving record to be purchased alongside the driver safety program and it makes sense to order them both as a package, to avoid any mistakes and delays.
How can I remove violations from my driving record in Texas?
To remove violations from your driving record in Texas, you can attend a defensive driving course, which may allow you to have certain violations dismissed, or you can request that the violations be removed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. However, some violations cannot be removed from your driving record.