Because getting your right to drive suspended is a problem, it is important to know what to do about a suspended Texas driver’s license. This is the first of a 3 part post dealing with this topic.
Determine the Status of Your Driver’s License
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will notify you via mail if your license is suspended. This agency handles all notices and orders that have to do with suspension actions. Therefore, it’s important to make sure the DPS always has on file your current mailing address.
If you are unsure whether the DPS has suspended your license, check your driving record or consult the agency.
Check Your Driving Record
You can conveniently order a driving record through a third-party vendor and avoid going to the DPS (not all states allow you to do this) or you can order in person at a Driver License Division (DLD) Compliance location.
Order Driving Record Online
To order online through our sponsor, have ready your Visa, MasterCard, or American Express and visit a page dedicated to driving records.
Order Driving Record By Mail
Complete an Application for Copy of Driver Record. If you have questions on filling out any portion of the form, contact Customer Service at (512) 424-2600.
Determine which type of driving record available by mail that you’d like. These are listed at the top of this application. They range from $4 to $10.
Include a check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Mail the application and fee to the DPS:
Driver Records Bureau
Texas Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 149246
Austin, TX 78714-9246
NOTE: It should take two to three weeks to receive your record in the mail. If you have not received it, you can mail or fax a copy of the canceled check or money order to the address below. Be sure you copy the front and the back and that you include a brief explanation.
Texas Department of Public Safety
Attn: D.R.B./Driver Records
5805 North Lamar
Austin, TX 78752
Fax: (512) 424-7285
Suspended in All States
If you have an out-of-state conviction it will appear on your Texas driving record because many states stay in communication through two reliable channels.
The National Driver Register (NDR) is a computerized database maintained by many of the state motor vehicle agencies to share info nationwide on drivers with revoked or suspended licenses. The state agencies also report those who have also been convicted of a serious traffic violation. For more info, contact (888) 851-0436.
The second way the states stay connected is through an interstate compact known as the Driver License Compact. Its theme is One Driver, One License, One Record. States exchange information with the home states of non-residents who obtain license suspensions and/or traffic violations while driving in another state. Therefore these non-residents offenses might be subject to the traffic laws of the their home state.
