A Type 3A driving record is the certified, complete Texas DPS driving record that many courts ask for with a defensive driving completion certificate. It shows the history the Texas Department of Public Safety has on file, so a clerk can review your eligibility and the documents in your packet. Order the record from DPS, then keep the file ready for the court deadline.
What is a Type 3A driving record?
Texas DPS issues several driving record types. Type 3A is the certified record that contains your complete driving history. Depending on your record, it can show identifying details, license status, and reported violations, crashes, and administrative actions. Certification matters because the court wants an official DPS record, not an unofficial screen or a short status report.
The record is tied to you and to the information DPS has available. Review the name, date of birth, license details, and entries when you receive it. If something looks wrong, contact DPS before submitting the packet. Do not assume that a record ordered for another matter will still meet a later court deadline.
Why do Texas courts require a Type 3A?
When a court grants defensive driving, it needs to confirm that the request fits the court’s requirements. A complete certified record gives the clerk a consistent way to review your driving history. It can also help the court check whether you have used a similar dismissal recently. Requirements can vary by court, so confirm the current checklist, deadline, and acceptable record age with your clerk.
A Type 3A is usually the court ask because it is both certified and complete. A shorter record can leave out history that the clerk expects to see. Sending the right record at the start can prevent a rejected packet and a last-minute replacement order.
How does Type 3A differ from other DPS record types?
The names are easy to mix up. This quick comparison explains why Type 3A is commonly requested for defensive driving paperwork:
| Record | What it generally shows | Certified? |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Basic license status information | No |
| Type 2 | Limited driving history | No |
| Type 2A | Certified history for a limited period | Yes |
| Type 3 | Complete history | No |
| Type 3A | Complete driving history used for many court requests | Yes |
| Type 3B | Type 3A information with additional crash detail | Yes |
Type 2A is certified, but it is often too short for a defensive driving dismissal packet. Type 3 is complete, but it is not certified. Type 3B can contain more crash detail than a court needs. If your instructions say “Type 3A,” select that exact record in the DPS order process. When the instructions are unclear, ask the clerk instead of guessing.
Who needs a Type 3A?
The primary reader is a driver completing a defensive driving dismissal. The usual packet includes the Type 3A and a completion certificate from a TDLR-approved driving safety course. Some courts may request a Type 3A for deferred disposition, an employer may request a certified complete history, or an insurer or attorney may need it for a separate purpose. Those requirements are not identical. Follow the request you received and confirm any uncertainty with the requesting office.
How do you order a Type 3A?
You can request a Type 3A through the official Texas DPS Driver Record Request portal. Have the information the portal asks for, choose Type 3A, review your details, and complete payment. Save the confirmation and download the record when the portal makes it available. Keep a digital backup and print the copy your court requests.
- Check your court paperwork for the required record type and submission deadline.
- Open the official DPS portal and choose the Type 3A record.
- Enter your information carefully and review it before paying.
- Download the certified record and check that it is readable and complete.
- Save the PDF in more than one place, then submit it with your course certificate as directed.
For the full order walkthrough, including other ordering methods, see how to order a Texas driving record. Online ordering is often faster. Mail is slower, so allow extra time if you cannot use the portal. Do not wait until the last day to discover that your address or account details need correction.
What does a Type 3A cost?
The locked fee is $12 online ($10 DPS + $2 Texas.gov); $10 by mail (slower). The extra $2 is the Texas.gov administration charge included in the online total. A third-party ordering site may add its own fee, so check that you are on the official DPS route before paying. Do not treat the mail price as the online price.
Mail can be useful when online ordering does not work for you, but it is slower and should be planned around the court deadline. Keep your receipt or confirmation with the record for your files.
Where does Type 3A fit in ticket dismissal?
The Type 3A is the record half of the paperwork. The other half is the completion certificate from your approved driving safety course. Read your court order closely, finish both requirements, and submit the documents in the format and by the date the court gives you. If the clerk requests another form or a newer record, follow that instruction.
If you still need the course, The Safer Driver offers a TDLR-approved course under license CP1127. The course price is $25 plus a $3 processing fee, $28 total, and the certificate is included at $0. See the Texas course options after you have reviewed your court requirements.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Ordering Type 2A by mistake: Certified does not always mean complete. Match the record name to the court instruction.
- Using a reseller: A third party may charge more than the official DPS fee. Start with the DPS portal.
- Waiting for the deadline: Online access can be quicker, but a correction or mail order takes time.
- Losing the PDF: Store the download securely and keep a backup before you send anything.
- Sending an old record: Ask the clerk how recent the record must be and order a new one when needed.
- Skipping the certificate: A Type 3A does not replace the course completion certificate when both are required.
Type 3A driving record FAQ
What is a Type 3A driving record in Texas?
It is a certified, complete driving history issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Courts often request it with a defensive driving completion certificate.
Is Type 2A enough for defensive driving dismissal?
Often it is not. Type 2A is certified but covers a more limited period. If your paperwork names Type 3A, order Type 3A. Ask the clerk if the instruction is unclear.
How much does a Type 3A cost from DPS?
It is $12 online, made up of $10 DPS plus $2 Texas.gov. The mail price is $10, and mail is slower.
Can I get a Type 3A online?
Yes. Use the official Texas DPS Driver Record Request portal, select Type 3A, and save the record after the order is complete.
Does The Safer Driver provide my Type 3A?
No. Type 3A records come from Texas DPS. The Safer Driver can provide the separate driving safety course and completion certificate at the Texas course page.
Do I need both a Type 3A and a course certificate?
Many defensive driving dismissal packets require both. Check your court order and submit each item in the requested format.
How fresh does the record need to be?
There is no single age rule for every court. Ask your clerk how recent the record must be before you order it.
Where do I take the defensive driving course?
Review the TDLR-approved course options at The Safer Driver Texas course page, then follow your court’s instructions for completion and submission.
Bottom line: When Texas court paperwork asks for a certified complete driving history, Type 3A is the record to verify first. Order it from DPS, remember the $12 online or $10 by mail fee, save the PDF, and send it with your course certificate before the deadline.
