Request Driver's License Hearing Appeal Transcripts

Request Driver's License Hearing Appeal Transcripts

Appeal Transcript Request Process:

An appeal transcript of a driver’s license hearing may be obtained by submitting a request to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) in writing and paying a fee (Tex. Transp. Code § 524.0441 Tex. Admin. Code § 159.255

  • To request a driver’s license hearing transcript in a case that has been appealed, complete an Appeal Transcript Request Form and e-file it into the SOAH case file via eFileTexas. Forms that are not fully completed will not be processed.
  • When appealing the decision of an administrative law judge, written transcript requests must be sent to SOAH within ten days of filing the appeal. Appeal Transcripts Requests will not be processed for cases that have not been appealed.
  • Upon receipt and acceptance of the e-filed “Appeal Transcript Request Form”, SOAH will provide a cost quote for production of the administrative license revocation appeal transcript. Please note that the cost for the appeal transcript is set by a third-party vendor.
  • Upon receipt of the fee for cost of the transcript, SOAH will send the hearing audio recording to a third-party vendor for transcription.
  • After the appeal transcript is produced and provided to SOAH, SOAH shall provide both parties a certified copy of the record for filing in the appropriate county or district court, which will include the following:
    • the first file-marked or stamped copy of all parties' motions or other pleadings;
    • all written orders or decisions issued by the judge and any evidence of transmittal to the parties;
    • all exhibits admitted into evidence;
    • all exhibits not admitted into evidence but made a part of the record by a party as an offer of proof or bill of exceptions; and
    • a transcription of the proceedings electronically recorded by SOAH.
  • A certified copy of the Petition of Appeal and payment of transcript costs must also be provided to SOAH in accordance with Sections 524.041(c)524.044 of the Texas Transportation Code

Information:

As a matter of information, pleadings, exhibits, and audio recordings related to non-appealed driver's license hearings are eligible for destruction 60 days after the issuance of the judge’s final order in the case. After 60 days have passed and a Petition of Appeal has not been received, all pleadings, exhibits, and audio recordings are disposed of in accordance with SOAH’s approved records retention schedule.

For non-appealed cases, the recording of the hearing is available upon request. Requests for SOAH records or information under the Texas Public Information Act must be submitted directly to the agency’s Public Information Coordinator. For more information on how to submit a request under the Public Information Act, please see the information and instructions provided on SOAH’s website.

Questions:

For any questions with this process, please records@soah.texas.gov or 512.475.4993, option 4.