The Texas Department of Public Safety (Department) does not have a single custodian for all records it maintains. The Department maintains a wide variety of records in multiple divisions and all records related to a single person may not be stored in a single location. To obtain records promptly, follow the instructions below under the section titled "Where to Direct a Subpoena".
Subpoena Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the custodian of crash records for the State of Texas?
The Texas Department of Transportation ("TXDOT") is the custodian of crash records for the State of Texas. Crash records (regular or certified) are available from the Texas Department of Transportation ("TXDOT") Online Purchase System. Since the DPS is not the custodian of crash records for the State of Texas, the Department will not have crash records for other police departments or sheriff offices. The Department only maintains records for those crashes investigated by DPS Troopers. Please also note that requests for records of crashes/accidents occurring at specific intersections over a specific period of time should also be submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) since that agency is the custodian of crash records for the State of Texas.
Can Civil Subpoenas be Emailed or Faxed to the Department?
Civil subpoenas by email or fax are not accepted. The Department will not accept service of a civil subpoena by email or facsimile because service by these methods is not a proper method of service [see TEX.R.CIV.PROC. 176.5(a)], and the fees that are required by law were not tendered at the time the subpoena was served [see TEX.R.CIV.PROC. 176.5(a)].
Where to Direct a Subpoena
You can expedite the process for receiving records by sending your subpoena to the specific section of the Department that has the records you are seeking.
For copy of Driver Records
Texas Department of Public Safety
Driver License Division
License and Records Service
ATTN: Custodian of Records
5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. A
Austin, Texas 78752-0320
(512) 424-2032
You may also obtain a certified copy of a Driver Record by mailing in the form with the appropriate fee.
For copy of Accident Investigation
Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Highway Patrol
ATTN: Custodian of Records
Street Address
City, State & Zip Code
Address and contact information for specific Texas Highway Patrol offices.
For Driver License Suspensions and Revocations
Texas Department of Public Safety
Driver License Division
Enforcement & Compliance Service
ATTN: Custodian of Records
5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. A
Austin, Texas 78752-0320
(512) 424-5727
For Driver License Self-Insurance
Texas Department of Public Safety
Driver License Division
Enforcement and Compliance Service
ATTN: Custodian of Records
5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. A
Austin, Texas 78752-0320
For copy of Criminal History
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
ATTN: Custodian of Records
5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. G
Austin, Texas 78752-4143
(512) 424-2474 option 2
You may also obtain the criminal history record information online. You will also find forms and frequently asked questions at the bottom of this page.
For copy of Payroll Records
Texas Department of Public Safety
Finance/Payroll Department
ATTN: Custodian of Records
5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. A
Austin, Texas 78752-0130
(512) 424-7144
For copy of Personnel Files
Texas Department of Public Safety
Human Resources Department
ATTN: Custodian of Records
5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. C
Austin, Texas 78752-0251
(512) 424-5900
For copy of Crime Lab Information
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Lab
ATTN: (Supervising Forensic Scientist)
Street Address
City, State & Zip Code
Address and contact information for specific Crime Labs.
For copy of Texas Ranger Investigations
Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Rangers
ATTN: (Ranger’s Name)
Street Address
City, State & Zip Code
Address and contact information for specific Texas Ranger Companies.
For copy of CVE/License & Weight Records
Texas Department of Public Safety
Motor Carrier Bureau
ATTN: Custodian of Records
6200 Guadalupe, Bldg. P
Austin, Texas 78752-0520
(512) 424-2050
Information regarding Commerical Vehicle Enforcement is online, including frequently asked questions.
For copy of RSD Records - Handgun Licensing, Private Security, Vehicle Inspection, Capitol Access Pass, Texas Metals Program, Compassionate-Use Program, Ignition Interlock, Precursor Chemical Laboratory Apparatus, Texas Prescription Program, and Controlled Substances.
Texas Department of Public Safety
Regulatory Services Division
ATTN: Custodian of Records
5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. I
Austin, Texas 78752-0240
(512) 424-7752
Information regarding the Texas Metals Program is online.
For Personnel Sustained Complaints and Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Sustained Complaints
Texas Department of Public Safety
Office of Inspector General
ATTN: Inspector General
Summit Executive Center
13706 Research Blvd., Suite 100
Austin, Texas 78750
(512) 424-5017
For Sex Offender Registration
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
Sex Offender Registration Bureau
ATTN: Custodian of Records
5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. G
Austin, Texas 78752-4143
(512) 424-2279
For copy of Communication Log/Audio
Texas Department of Public Safety
Communications Operations
ATTN: Custodian of Records
Street Address
City, State & Zip Code
Address and contact information for specific communication offices.
For copy of Trooper Training Materials
Texas Department of Public Safety
Training Operations Division
ATTN: Custodian of Records
5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. C
Austin, Texas 78752-0252
(512) 424-2212
For copies of DPS General Manual
Texas Department of Public Safety
Infrastructure Operations Division
Strategy and Implementation
ATTN: Custodian of Records
5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. A
Austin, Texas 78752
(512) 424-7328
**Please note that the above listings show the departments that regularly receive subpoenas and depositions upon written questions. If there are other areas from which you require records, or if you have any further questions, please contact the Office of General Counsel at (512) 424-2890 and ask to speak with someone regarding the issuance of a subpoena.