Quick answer
If your Texas court asks for a certified driving record for a defensive-driving ticket dismissal, the record you will usually need is Texas Type 3A — Certified List of All Crashes and Violations. Texas DPS lists the Type 3A record fee at $10 and says Type 3A is the only DPS record type usable for a defensive driving course.
Confirm the exact record required by the court handling your citation before ordering.
Texas Type 3A driving record at a glance
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| What is Type 3A? | Certified List of All Crashes and Violations |
| DPS record fee | $10 |
| Can it be used for defensive driving? | Yes; DPS identifies Type 3A for DDC use |
| Can Type 3 be used instead? | No |
| Can Type 2A be used instead? | No |
| Who can order it? | The person the record belongs to |
| Does every court require it? | Confirm with your specific court |
What is a Texas Type 3A driving record?
Texas DPS offers several driver-record types. Type 3A is officially listed as the Certified List of All Crashes and Violations, the certified version of Type 3. DPS says it includes basic driver-record information, all crashes in the record, and moving and nonmoving violations.
Most importantly, DPS identifies Type 3A as the only DPS driver-record type that can be used for a defensive driving course. Use the official Texas DPS ordering page to confirm current record types.
How much does a Type 3A driving record cost?
Texas DPS lists the Type 3A record fee at $10. If you order through the official online service, the Texas.gov FAQ currently shows an online total that may include an administration fee, so review the current checkout total before paying.
Type 3A is only one part of a ticket-dismissal budget. Course tuition, court costs, certificate handling, and optional delivery may also apply. For the full budget breakdown, see How Much Does a Defensive Driving Course Cost in Texas?
Type 3 vs. Type 3A: what is the difference?
Type 3
Texas DPS calls Type 3 the List of All Crashes and Violations, but it is not the record DPS identifies for Defensive Driving Course use.
Type 3A
Type 3A is the certified version of Type 3, and DPS identifies it as usable for a Defensive Driving Course.
If a court asks for a certified driving record, do not treat Type 3 and Type 3A as interchangeable. The A matters.
What about Type 2A?
Type 2A can be confusing because it is also certified. Texas DPS describes Type 2A as a Certified 3-year history, but also says Type 2A cannot be used for a defensive driving course.
- Type 2A: certified, but not for DDC.
- Type 3: all crashes and violations, but not for DDC.
- Type 3A: certified and usable for DDC.
Does every Texas court require Type 3A?
Do not assume so. The Texas DPS Driver Record FAQ says most courts generally require a Type 3A driver record, but it also tells drivers to contact the specific court directly to confirm the exact record type needed for the individual case. Texas DPS Driver Record FAQ
- Find the court listed on your citation.
- Review that court's Driving Safety Course instructions.
- Confirm whether Type 3A is required and when it must be submitted.
- Save the court response, portal confirmation, or written instruction.
Why does the court want a driving record?
A court may use a certified driving record to review information relevant to Driving Safety Course eligibility and dismissal requirements. For example, Texas ticket-dismissal rules include a 12-month restriction involving prior course use.
If you are not sure whether your citation qualifies, start with Can I Take Defensive Driving to Dismiss a Ticket in Texas?
When should you order Type 3A?
The safest answer is: follow your court's instructions and do not wait until the deadline is close. Courts may specify when the record should be ordered, when it must be submitted, the acceptable date range, or whether it should be obtained after course completion.
Type 3A timing is only one part of the process; course time, certificate handling, and court processing can affect the full timeline. See How Long Is Defensive Driving in Texas? 6-Hour Rule Explained
Can you order Type 3A online?
Texas DPS says driver records may be ordered online or by mail, and that DPS locations do not provide in-person driver-record services. Online ordering generally requires your license or ID number, audit number, date of birth, last four digits of your SSN, a valid credit card, and the ability to print or email the record.
The official online service FAQ says records are delivered as PDFs available to print after successful payment; that online service does not mail records to a physical address. Review the Texas.gov online Driver Record FAQ for current procedure details.
Who can order a Type 3A record?
Texas DPS says Type 3A is provided only to the person the record belongs to. In practical terms, the record owner generally obtains their own Type 3A and follows DPS identity-verification requirements.
Can you print a Type 3A record online?
If you obtain a driver record through the Texas DPS online system, follow the on-screen instructions for saving and printing it. The DPS FAQ currently says the password required to print an online driver record is the driver's license number.
If you do not have your audit number, the DPS FAQ advises using the mail request process or contacting the court to request more time. Do not wait until the last day to discover you cannot access the online system.
How long does a Type 3A driving record take?
Timing depends on ordering method. The Texas DPS ordering page says to allow three weeks from the date a mailed request is received for processing, and the DPS FAQ says mail orders can take up to three weeks for delivery. Online records are generally available to print after successful payment, but that still depends on the system, your identity details, and a successful transaction.
What if your driving record is wrong?
Review the record after you receive it. The DPS FAQ says that if a conviction was reported incorrectly, you generally must contact the specific court that filed the original report and request a correction; for crash-record issues, DPS directs drivers to the Texas Department of Transportation Crash Records Information System. Do not alter a certified record yourself.
What happens after you get Type 3A?
Getting Type 3A does not automatically dismiss a ticket. It is usually one document in a broader court-compliance process. You may still need a course completion certificate, affidavit, court-specific forms, payment confirmation, or other materials. For the full filing sequence, use the Texas certificate and court steps after defensive driving.
Common Type 3A mistakes
Mistake 1: Ordering Type 3 instead of Type 3A
Type 3 and Type 3A sound similar, but DPS says Type 3 cannot be used for a defensive driving course.
Mistake 2: Ordering Type 2A because it says certified
Type 2A is a certified 3-year history, but DPS says it cannot be used for DDC.
Mistake 3: Using a third-party record without asking the court
Third-party sites may charge different prices, provide different products, or use similar-looking names that do not satisfy the court requirement.
Mistake 4: Waiting until the last minute
Mail orders can take time, and online access can run into audit-number or printing problems. A court deadline does not automatically extend because you ordered the wrong record.
Mistake 5: Assuming every court is the same
Texas DPS itself tells drivers to contact the specific court. Court instructions matter more than a friend's experience or provider marketing.
Texas Type 3A driving record FAQ
What is a Texas Type 3A driving record?
It is the Texas DPS Certified List of All Crashes and Violations, the certified version of the Type 3 record.
How much does Type 3A cost?
Texas DPS lists the Type 3A record fee at $10. The official online service FAQ shows an online total that includes a Texas.gov administration fee, so review the current checkout amount before paying.
Is Type 3A required for defensive driving?
Texas DPS says most courts generally require Type 3A, but you must contact the specific court handling your citation to confirm the exact record type required for your case.
Can I use Type 3 instead of Type 3A?
No. Texas DPS says Type 3 cannot be used for a defensive driving course.
Can I use Type 2A?
No. Type 2A is certified, but Texas DPS says it cannot be used for a defensive driving course.
Who can order Type 3A?
Texas DPS says Type 3A is provided only to the person the record belongs to.
Can I order Type 3A online?
Texas DPS provides online and mail ordering options. Online records can be printed or emailed after purchase when the transaction is completed successfully.
How long does a mailed Type 3A request take?
Texas DPS says mail requests can take up to three weeks for processing or delivery, so avoid waiting until a court deadline is close.
Does getting Type 3A dismiss my ticket?
No. Type 3A is only one possible document. You still need to satisfy the course, certificate, court forms, deadlines, and other requirements set by the court.
You can also continue with the Texas state guide and the Texas defensive driving course comparison page.
Official sources and editorial note
Last reviewed August 28, 2026. This guide provides general educational information, not individualized legal advice. Court procedures, deadlines, record requirements, and submission methods can differ, so follow the court handling your citation and current Texas DPS sources.